Supply Chain Automation Tools: What They Are and Why They Matter

In today’s logistics and manufacturing environment, the pressure to move faster, reduce errors, and stay competitive is higher than ever. That’s where supply chain automation tools come in. These solutions streamline processes across systems, partners, and teams, eliminating manual work and enabling faster, more accurate operations.

Whether you're working with an ERP, TMS, WMS, or a mix of all three, supply chain automation tools can reduce delays, improve visibility, and boost efficiency. In this post, we’ll explain what they are, how they work, and how they can transform your operations.

What Are Supply Chain Automation Tools?

Supply chain automation tools are software solutions that connect and streamline the flow of data between different systems and trading partners. They automate tasks like order processing, data entry, inventory updates, and shipment tracking across ERPs, warehouse systems, freight platforms, and more.

These tools can handle a variety of integration methods including API, EDI, CSV, PDF, and FTP. This flexibility means businesses can connect with any partner regardless of the system they use.

Benefits of Using Supply Chain Automation Tools

1. Reduce manual order processing Manual data entry is time-consuming and error-prone. Automation tools eliminate repetitive work by integrating your order system with your partners'.

2. Improve data accuracy When systems are connected in real-time, there's less room for human error. Supply chain automation tools validate, map, and clean data as it moves between platforms.

3. Speed up onboarding and partner connections Instead of building one-off integrations, automation tools allow you to connect new partners quickly using pre-built methods or middleware.

4. Enable real-time visibility By automating data flows, you get real-time updates across your supply chain—from inventory levels to shipping statuses.

Common Use Cases for Supply Chain Automation Tools

• Connecting ERP to 3PL: Automate order transmission, inventory updates, and PODs between your ERP and your third-party logistics provider.

• Automating purchase orders: Send POs from your ERP directly to suppliers with no manual handling.

• Streamlining EDI/API workflows: Eliminate back-and-forth file uploads by setting up real-time API or EDI integrations.

• Synchronising data across platforms: Keep order statuses, inventory counts, and shipment data aligned across multiple systems.

How Switchboard Supports Supply Chain Automation 

Switchboard is a middleware platform built to simplify integration. Our core product enables automated data flows between your internal systems and external partners using any format or method (API, EDI, PDF, CSV, etc.).

With Switchboard Rapid, you can connect to any system instantly with minimal setup and no internal technical resources. Our embedded widget also simplifies partner onboarding, turning complex integrations into fast, automated connections.

Choosing the Right Supply Chain Automation Tool 

When evaluating automation tools, consider:

• Can it connect with your current systems?

• Does it support your partners' preferred methods (EDI, API, etc.)?

• How fast can you onboard a new partner?

• Will it reduce manual effort or just move the complexity?

Look for tools that support scale, flexibility, and end-to-end visibility.

Supply chain automation tools are no longer optional, they're essential for businesses that want to stay competitive. By reducing manual processes, improving data accuracy, and speeding up partner connectivity, these tools enable faster, smarter operations.

Switchboard makes automation accessible, regardless of your tech stack. Whether you're connecting with suppliers, 3PLs, or retailers, our platform helps you integrate and automate with confidence.

Want to see how it works? Book a demo here