What is the difference between Optiply and traditional software? We still receive this question often, especially from companies that still spend a lot of time manually checking exceptions every day and then manually going through each order. Or from teams that believe that only a small part of all functionalities is really relevant.

And while traditional software often provides insights into what goes wrong, solving those issues still takes a lot of time and effort. We’re happy to help and compare both solutions so you can decide which is the best fit for your business.

What are the main differences between Optiply and traditional software?

When it comes to optimizing your inventory, there are several software providers to choose from, each with their own strengths and focus areas. The biggest difference lies in the approach and the type of data used.

A comparison is helpful, but maybe you’re still wondering: how does it actually work under the hood? Let’s take a closer look at the technology behind it.

What is Optiply?

Optiply is an AI-driven inventory optimization platform that fully automates replenishment processes. It uses your real-time data, combined with machine learning, to make accurate purchasing forecasts and optimize inventory levels.

Unlike traditional systems that heavily rely on historical data, Optiply continuously analyzes shifting demand, delivery times, and external factors, such as marketing campaigns or event-related peaks. As a result, the platform makes purchasing decisions independently, without the need for training or consultancy, fully automating your procurement.

What do we mean by traditional inventory optimization software?

Traditional inventory optimization software is often designed for organizations with specialized supply chain teams that are in control. The approach mainly relies on historical data and fixed planning structures. You work with pre-set models and classifications, such as ABC analyses and forecasting rules, that are manually updated on a regular basis.

While these systems provide valuable insights, the execution still heavily depends on manual intervention such as reviewing exceptions, adjusting order quantities, or manually running simulations.

AI-driven inventory optimization vs planning-driven inventory management

The biggest difference lies in how inventory is managed. Optiply fully automates purchasing using AI and real-time data, allowing companies to dynamically respond to changing demand, external influences, and delivery patterns.

Traditional software, on the other hand, optimizes inventory based on existing planning.

Recommendations are made using historical data and pre-set configurations. This requires more manual alignment and suits companies with specialized supply chain teams better.

Whereas Optiply is ideal for e-commerce businesses, retailers, and wholesalers with large assortments and daily purchasing needs, traditional solutions are a better fit for companies with more stable, plannable supply chains. Mostly organizations that want tight control over processes and prefer to make decisions manually.‍

Dennis Rijkenberg, Operational Buyer at Mconomy says the following about the switch to Optiply:

"We used to work with a very extensive inventory optimization program where only a small part of the functionality was relevant for us. It was very labor-intensive, as you had to first go through all the exceptions and then manually process each order. That's why we switched to Optiply, where everything is fully automated. It simply fits our situation much better."

How does Optiply work? 

Optiply helps you automate repeat purchases 100% using real-time data and AI. Unlike traditional systems, Optiply automatically detects trends, seasonal effects, and demand patterns, adjusting orders without any manual intervention.

Optiply key features

• Dynamic purchasing calendar: a dynamic procurement agenda that automatically adjusts to sudden changes in demand or supply, always aiming for the most profitable decision.
• Real-time forecasting: machine learning-based forecasting built on millions of analyzed products — keeping you one step ahead of where you could have been manually.
• ABC-XYZ categorization and automation: categorizes products based on revenue, margin, or sales orders, updated in real time, directly linked to product availability.
• Multi-supplier matching: automatically selects the best supplier based on price, delivery time, availability, and procurement plans.
• Purchase order automation: instantly forward purchasing recommendations to the right suppliers via EDI, portal, or email.‍
• Integration with all your data sources: seamless connection to your ERP, WMS, supplier data, pricing tools, marketing data, and more.

Advantages Optiply

• 80% less time spent on procurement processes through full automation.
• 80% fewer stockouts thanks to smart AI-driven ordering strategies.
• 30% less excess inventory, leaving capital available for growth.
• Generate more sales with the same or less inventory through a smarter inventory strategy.

The platform automatically calculates and executes the best purchasing choices, so you can focus on strategic growth instead of operational procurement.

‍“Today, our two buyers only spend 15 minutes a day on purchasing orders thanks to 92% automation. Before, it took them a full working day.” - Operational Buyer at Ledstores

Want to know how Optiply customers fully automate their procurement process? Discover how e-commerce companies, warehouses, and physical stores benefit from smart automation with Optiply in our customer cases.

How does traditional inventory optimization software work?

Traditional software combines inventory optimization features with consulting and training services. It helps identify inventory problems such as stockouts or surplus stock, but decision-making remains largely manual, handled by specialized buyers or supply chain teams.

Key features of traditional inventory optimization platforms

• ABC categorization: manually set up analyses based on sales, margin, and volume to classify products. Users must run simulations themselves to kickstart the models.
• Statistical forecasting: based on historical data and demand patterns, where users review exceptions and manually adjust where necessary.
• Order management via exception reporting: detects stockouts and overstock situations.
• Extensive configuration and implementation: longer implementations (9–12 months) to fully align the system with specific processes.

Optiply or traditional inventory optimization software: which is the best choice?

Choosing the right solution depends on one key question: Do you want full control over purchasing decisions yourself, or do you prefer to trust smart automation?

When is Optiply the best fit?

Optiply is the best choice if you:

• Want your supply chain team to focus more on adding value rather than manual reordering
• Believe in a supply chain that runs largely on autopilot, powered by AI and real-time data
• Purchase daily across large assortments and want to minimize manual intervention
• Want quick results without lengthy implementation projects

If you want to make 100% automated purchasing decisions and dynamically manage your inventory with minimal effort, Optiply offers a future-proof, fully automated solution.

Optiply is less suitable for fast fashion companies with constantly changing collections, retailers without structured data, or if you prefer gathering insights and making manual decisions.

When is a more traditional approach better?

Traditional inventory optimization is a better fit if you:

• Deploy specialized supply chain experts to keep full control over purchasing
• Have long lead times or complex supply chains that require custom setups
• Find in-depth analyses essential for your planning and policy
• Prefer operational control to remain with humans rather than technology
• Prefer to manually make purchasing decisions based on data and experience

This approach suits companies that value detailed control and tailor-made solutions over full automation.

Schedule a free 15-minute demo or calculate your expected savings immediately

Curious whether Optiply is the right choice for your business? We can definitely tell you how well our software works, but we think it’s much better to simply show it to you.

Schedule your free demo and discover in 15 minutes how Optiply works. We'll give you insight into the platform, we'll show you how to avoid stockouts or having too much stock. We'll also share our advice on how you can grow faster with less inventory.

With data-driven purchasing, you know exactly how much, when and where to buy. Want to know right now how much profit is left in your inventory? Calculate your savings in just 4 simple steps.