Let me add a few points
A supply Chain solution can be evaluated on various functionality and technical architecture based parameters like, flexibility in planning, ability to represent the supply network(modeling), collaboration features, support for tracing/tracking (at transactional level), supply chain visibility, supply chain analytics supporting decision making in terms of costs & revenue, advanced planning features like optimizers and forecast models, support for industry specific scenarios like hi-tech , automotive or aero-space defense, support for the trends like CPFR,DDSN and industry best practices like cross docking, technical architecture and interfacing etc. Let’s see consider some of the points
As Ashish pointed out, where ever SAP ERP is the transaction system, APO will score better in terms of interfacing/ integration
as far as the advancing planning features, Manugistics have an edge over APO in terms of forecasting models and niche players like MCA solutions are better than APO in service parts planning & optimization. Most of the players use ILOG as the optimization engine and what differs is the modeling part. From my experience, i2 has an edge here, but SAP is improving it further
APO is better in terms of supporting various industry verticals
In terms of solutions for overall visibility, analytics and track/trace, one will have to consider the whole gamut of SAP applications as they provide a better solution than others ( with BI, AII, EM, ERP combined together)
One of the major drawback in SAP solution is the lack of an integrated approach in planning tools, which helps planning from strategic planning to daily planning. Multiple planning tools ranging from SEM, CRM industry specifics like Retail MAP are not well integrated. ( there are work around which lack flexibility)
Hope this helps
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