Review of INFORM Software, Supply Chain Optimization Software Vendor
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Informatics and operational excellence have long been central to efficient supply chain management. INFORM Software, a company with heritage dating back to 1969, offers its flagship solution ADDONE as a comprehensive suite designed to support and optimize core supply chain functions. The platform combines reliable demand and sales forecasting with inventory optimization and production/S&OP planning capabilities. By integrating field-tested optimization algorithms with adaptive, “AI-supported” self-learning features, ADDONE delivers actionable recommendations while seamlessly interfacing with popular ERP systems such as SAP and Microsoft Dynamics. With flexible deployment options spanning both on-premise and cloud-based (SaaS) models, the solution automates routine planning tasks to reduce manual intervention and enhance overall responsiveness. Though its use of decision intelligence leverages conventional operations research principles rather than radical deep learning breakthroughs, ADD*ONE’s maturity and robust integration make it a trusted tool for organizations seeking incremental improvements in their supply chain management.
Overview & Functional Capabilities
ADD*ONE is presented as a comprehensive suite designed to support various supply chain processes. It addresses key areas including sales and demand planning, inventory optimization, and production/S&OP planning.
1.1 Demand and Sales Forecasting
ADD*ONE claims to deliver reliable forecasts and integrated demand planning that help companies adapt to fluctuating market conditions. The Demand Planner module is said to provide “mathematically sound sales forecasting” through intelligent self-analysis and learning capabilities that adjust predictions using historical data1. This approach aims to reduce reliance on manual adjustments while emphasizing management-by-exception.
1.2 Inventory Optimization
The inventory module of ADD*ONE is designed to balance low stock levels against high service readiness. By suggesting optimal order quantities and timing, the tool helps reduce overall inventory costs and mitigate the risk of service disruptions. Integration with ERP systems via certified interfaces allows for automated data exchange and standardization, ensuring that decision recommendations are both practical and actionable23.
1.3 Production & S&OP Planning
In addition to demand and inventory planning, ADD*ONE supports production scheduling, particularly for series production environments. Its integrated planning covers dependencies from sales forecasts through to procurement and production scheduling. Features such as dynamic batch-size calculation and unified process visibility help minimize manual re-adjustment and ensure deadlines are consistently met4.
Underlying Technology and Deployment
2.1 AI and Decision Intelligence
INFORM markets its ADD*ONE solution as “AI-supported” by leveraging advanced algorithms and decision intelligence. While the vendor emphasizes self-learning and adaptive forecasting, the technical materials indicate that these capabilities build on decades of established operations research and statistical optimization methods rather than on breakthrough deep learning architectures. The approach appears to combine conventional optimization techniques with adaptive, iterative adjustments that the vendor brands as “intelligent self-analysis”5.
2.2 Integration and Deployment Models
ADD*ONE is designed to complement existing ERP systems. Certified connectors—such as those for SAP S/4HANA—facilitate seamless data integration and master data standardization. Deployment options are flexible, with customers able to choose between on-premise installations and cloud-based (SaaS) solutions, allowing organizations of varying sizes to adopt the system in line with their IT infrastructure and security policies6.
Critical Assessment
3.1 Clarity and Transparency
The product clearly aims to enhance operational efficiency by automating routine planning tasks and reducing manual intervention. However, while the term “AI-supported” is frequently used, detailed technical disclosures about the implementation of self-learning capabilities remain limited. The emphasis is placed on field-tested optimization algorithms rather than on demonstrably cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
3.2 Practical Deliverables
In practical terms, ADD*ONE is designed to deliver measurable benefits – including significant reductions in manual planning effort (with claims of up to a 90% reduction in demand planning work) and improvements in forecast accuracy leading to lower inventory costs and higher service levels. The unified interface and standardized data preparation further contribute to improved interdepartmental coordination, although independent benchmarking data are not provided1.
3.3 Market Position and Innovation
With a corporate history dating back to 1969, INFORM Software brings considerable expertise and credibility to its solution. The integration with established ERP systems via certified connectors reinforces its robustness and reliability. However, while ADD*ONE incorporates adaptive forecasting and decision support features, the innovations appear to be evolutionary enhancements of longstanding optimization practices rather than disruptive advances in machine learning or artificial intelligence.
ADD*ONE vs Lokad
A key point of differentiation emerges when comparing ADDONE by INFORM Software with Lokad’s supply chain optimization platform. Lokad’s approach is characterized by a highly technical, cloud-native environment that leverages a domain-specific language (Envision), deep learning models, and advanced differentiable programming to deliver bespoke, programmable decision support tools. In contrast, ADDONE emphasizes a more traditional, yet mature, integration of field-tested optimization algorithms with adaptive forecasting methods. While both platforms aim to automate routine supply chain decisions and optimize inventory, production, and sales planning, Lokad’s solution is geared toward organizations prepared to engage deeply with custom algorithm development and quantitative supply chain programming. INFORM’s ADDONE, on the other hand, prioritizes straightforward integration with existing ERP systems, ease of deployment across on-premise and cloud environments, and incremental improvements built on decades of operational research experience. In short, Lokad offers a cutting-edge, highly customizable toolkit for deep quantitative optimization, whereas ADDONE presents a robust, integrated, and mature solution for organizations seeking reliable, proven methods.
Conclusion
ADDONE by INFORM Software stands out as a mature, integrated decision support system for supply chain optimization. The solution effectively covers demand planning, inventory management, and production scheduling while interfacing seamlessly with major ERP systems. Although its “AI-supported” features are framed as advanced, the underlying technology remains rooted in well-established optimization methods refined over decades. For organizations that value stability, ease of integration, and incremental yet reliable improvements in operational efficiency, ADDONE presents a compelling option. However, compared to platforms like Lokad—which push the boundaries of quantitative supply chain analytics through advanced machine learning and custom programming—ADD*ONE is more evolutionary than revolutionary in its approach.