GAINS vs Lokad

GAINS DEO is a supply chain decision platform connecting strategic design, planning, and execution for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Its capabilities combine AI and machine learning, optimization, workflow automation, data science, decision science, and distributed systems engineering. Listed functions include demand planning, inventory optimization, replenishment, scenario planning, supplier management, logistics planning, and fulfillment management. GAINS says its Demand Forecast Factory creates period-specific AI models up to 60 months out, and that demand planning can improve forecast accuracy by up to 35%. The company also says its machine-learning-driven replenishment can automate up to 90% of buying decisions. GAINS Connect exchanges data in real time with systems including SAP, Oracle NetSuite, and Salesforce through APIs and webhooks. It supports recommendations such as purchase, transfer, and work orders. Deployment options include cloud and on-premise, along with extensions to legacy environments or assembled industry-specific solutions. GAINS describes phased rollouts through its Proven Path to Performance methodology and says it has a 100% implementation success rate. Support resources include application guides, reporting information, a video library, and GAINS University training. Pricing is available on request.

Lokad is a supply chain decision platform that uses predictive analytics and optimization to guide purchasing, allocation, pricing and prioritization. Its probabilistic forecasts represent possible future scenarios, and it links recommendations to financial impact and business objectives. Lokad automates routine calculations such as reorder quantities, multi-echelon allocations, lead-time adjustments and repair schedules. Users can build decision-generating applications in Envision, Lokad’s supply-chain-focused programming language. The recommended data exchange is file transfer by FTPS or SFTP, with options to push or pull files; native integrations with third-party apps are being phased out. Lokad serves industries including retail, aerospace, automotive, fashion, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The platform runs on the web, and a managed subscription typically includes end-to-end support from one or more Supply Chain Scientists. Pricing is on request. A free trial can be requested by email, and the reduced Envision Playground is available without registration. Lokad was founded in Paris in 2008.