BUILDING THE SUPPLY CHAIN TECH STACK
Transparency, speed, and accuracy are key benefits. “And just as important, you enable teams to shift their focus from low-value tasks to more strategic work, such as supplier management or cost optimization,” Lillevik adds. “That kind of shift has a big impact on both the top and bottom line.” BASICS OF AN EFFECTIVE STACK Distribution-centric organizations feel pressure to improve service levels and be cost competitive, which drives the need for increasing automation in their fulfillment networks. “As automation increases, the tech stack becomes even more critical,” says Jim Barnes, CEO of enVista. But tech stacks are not one-size-fits-all solutions. The most effective technology stack for a supply chain differs based on industry, velocity, and footprint. However, most technology stacks revolve around the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which merges transactional sales data with inventory availability and movement.
“It’s important to build out the right execution systems around an ERP to enable a business to maximize service and maintain agility and resilience,” Moore explains. Warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse execution systems (WES), warehouse control systems (WCS), and labor management systems (LMS) are the supply chain execution solutions that serve as “the building blocks within the four walls,” Barnes says. WES+, the advanced warehouse execution system, is rising in importance. Technology that supports item master, pricing, inventory management, and master data management is table stakes for supply chains centered on manufacturing, distribution, or retail. “Because ERP systems aren’t designed to manage inventory complexity across multiple channels, omnichannel retailers need robust tech stacks that can fill in that gap and provide a single source of inventory truth,” Barnes adds. The best stacks start with reliable data, tight integration, and redundancy. “Trustworthy data is vital,” says Colby Aaron, director of sales for Tive. “You need continuous insight into where a shipment is, how it’s being handled, and whether anything looks unusual.” Just as important is making sure systems connect. When a TMS, WMS, visibility tools, and sensors operate separately, they create blind spots. Integration is what allows teams to move from simply monitoring shipments to preventing problems. NO SINGLE POINT OF FAILURE Redundancy also plays a critical role by reducing the risks that come with relying on a single device or data stream. “The most secure supply chains layer external trackers, hidden internal trackers, sensor signals, and carrier verification,” Aaron says. “If one layer fails or is removed, another kicks in. The goal is simple: no single point of failure.” In addition, tech stacks should be modular, highly customizable, and
“The old trope about people, process, and technology being the three staples of supply chain has never been more true,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler. “In fact, as processes change quickly and skilled people become harder to find, having a foundational technology stack for capturing both data and tribal process knowledge becomes all the more critical.” Among other things, a strong technology stack allows logistics, supply chain, and procurement teams to work smarter—not just harder—at a time when inefficiency can be more costly than ever. “When teams are bogged down with manual tasks, or constantly switching between systems to access data, it slows everything down and increases the risk of errors,” says Anders Lillevik, founder and CEO of Focal Point. “The right tech eliminates inefficiencies by automating repetitive tasks and centralizing key information in one place,” Lillevik adds. “It also improves visibility across the organization, which is critical for making quick, informed decisions.”
Today’s supply chain tech stack should be designed for modularity so companies can constantly revisit what’s working and optimize the stack for their operation. This flexibility enables users to take advantage of new and evolving solutions, including AI agents like this one from AutoScheduler, which can help improve labor efficiencies.
108 Inbound Logistics • January 2026
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