EPG ColorCards for Supply Chain Execution Capabilities
Discover our co-branded report with Gartner.
Discover our co-branded report with Gartner.
As the global market evolves and consumer expectations change, the demand for configurable supply chain solutions is growing. Companies need agile software to prepare for scenarios A-Z. But it can be difficult to identify the right solution among so many options, especially without a common guide. That’s why EPG, in collaboration with Gartner, is establishing a lingua franca for supply chain execution (SCE) capabilities: EPG ColorCards.
The Need for Standardization
EPG ColorCards provide a clear and accessible overview of supply chain software systems, empowering businesses to make informed decisions with ease. Effective communication between companies and SaaS providers is crucial for success. Yet, inconsistent terminology often leads to confusion. Vendor-specific language and systems with similar titles but different scopes make it difficult for decision-makers to evaluate and compare SCE solutions. EPG together with Gartner, a globally renowned market research and consulting company, created EPG ColorCards to provide a common framework to improve clarity between organizations, across industries, and beyond borders, benefiting both users and providers.
A Holistic Approach to Capabilities
The one size fits all mindset is outdated. By focusing on capabilities rather than limited products, EPG ColorCards promote easy configuration, allowing organizations to adapt SCE solutions to their unique operations. Companies can determine, with the help of the guide, which capabilities best fit their needs. Too often, off-the-shelf suite products ignore the individuality of operations, copying and pasting one answer onto diverse problems. EPG ColorCards guide organizations towards solutions that deliver maximum value and efficiency, helping executives navigate modern supply chain management with confidence.
The Logic of the System
To best conceptualize the SCE landscape, EPG ColorCards are organized into six sections: Warehouse Management, Global Trade Management, Workforce Management, Contract and Billing Management, Transportation Management, and Distributed Order Management. These sections consist of 250 capabilities. The list is necessarily long, spanning the supply chain and reflecting the specialization today’s companies require. Inspired by color-matching systems like Pantone, each capability is associated with a specific color. This approach simplifies the visualization, comprehension, and communication of various supply chain capabilities.
Once sorted into a section, the capabilities are further segmented into core and extended tiers. Core capabilities are essential to execution, forming the backbone of operations. Extended capabilities, while not part of the core suite, are equally impactful. Their relevance varies depending on the characteristics of each operation and when implemented effectively, they play a crucial role in optimizing for a competitive advantage.
A Map for Future Success
EPG ColorCards provide a standardized dictionary for SCE capabilities, equipping organizations with the knowledge they need to improve communication, optimize operations, and achieve tangible growth. At the end of the document, the Gartner Predicts 2024: Supply Chain Technology report projects EPG’s insights into the future. EPG will regularly update the guidebook with the latest capabilities based on emerging technologies. As the supply chain evolves, EPG evolves in tandem, providing its customers with inventive solutions for supply chain excellence. To access EPG ColorCards, download the document via the link below, or reach out to one of our industry experts for a personal introduction.
