SAP TPM helps improve collaboration between teams that in turn helps in making better decisions and bring more efficient results. But SAP TPM is not the only best option today for managing trade promotions.
The following guide lists the best SAP TPM alternatives, their use cases and cons.
The article also weighs in whether software alone can fix the trade spend challenges and reveals what is actually needed for high ROI and success in TPM.
Hershey Case Study SAP TPM Implementation
Companies like Hershey, turn to SAP TPM to increase revenue and gain tighter control over how they execute and measure their trade spend. This also means better alignment between their retail marketing, pricing strategies, and in-store execution. Instead of relying on fragmented systems and guesswork, SAP TPM gives the company an integrated platform to plan, track, and optimize promotions in real-time.
By partnering with PwC, Hershey implemented SAP’s TPM platform to gain more scalability, integration, and analytical horsepower, things that are essential when you’re managing promotions across thousands of retail locations.
SAP TPM gave Hershey the infrastructure to handle complex data and drive performance at scale. But it’s also worth noting that Hershey had the resources, IT support, and consulting power to make it work. For smaller or mid-sized CPG brands, replicating that level of implementation can feel out of reach, and that’s where the conversation around alternatives begins.
SAP TPM Alternatives
SAP TPM is powerful, it’s also complex. It can be overwhelming to implement, difficult to customize, and often requires heavy IT involvement to keep it running smoothly.
For many mid-market CPG brands or teams looking for faster, more flexible solutions, that can be a dealbreaker. That’s why some companies start exploring alternatives, not because they want to ditch structure, but because they need something that works better for their size, speed, and way of working.
The following are some of the SAP TPM alternatives:
Modus Planning
Modus planning is a TPM application that connects the entire organization. It is a platform that is specifically built for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands, especially small to mid-sized, high-growth companies.
(On the other hand, SAP TPM is typically used by manufacturers engaging in promotional activities with retailers—i.e., B2B trade spending, not direct-to-consumer promotional campaigns)
The team at Modus Planning learns all about your business processes and creates a customized account to handle your requirements. Modus planning is designed with accessibility, no setup or user fees, rapid onboarding, and built-in team training/support for growing brands.
SAP TPM Vs. Modus Planning
Blacksmith TPM/ Exceedra TPM
Blacksmith TPM* is a standalone, cloud-based SaaS trade promotion management solution built for foodservice and CPG manufacturers. It enables comprehensive promotion management, from planning and contract handling to deductions and analytics.
*Note: As of August 30, 2023, Blacksmith Applications rebranded its suite of trade promotion management (TPM) and optimization (TPO) solutions under the TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods brand. Specifically, Blacksmith’s TPM platform is now known as TELUS Trade Promotion Management (Exceedra TPM).
SAP TPM Vs. Blacksmith TPM
When to Use SAP TPM, Blacksmith TPM, and Modus Planning
SAP TPM is ideal for manufacturers operating within the SAP ecosystem who need seamless integration across ERP, CRM, and planning systems.
It is particularly suited for B2B trade promotions targeting retailers or wholesalers, providing structured, end-to-end workflows for planning, execution, and settlement.
Organizations that require process-wide consistency, covering billing, deductions, planning, and claims will benefit from SAP TPM’s enterprise-grade reliability and deep integration.
Blacksmith TPM (Exceedra TPM) is best for CPG or foodservice brands seeking a modern, cloud-based solution that is flexible, ERP-agnostic, and quick to deploy.
Its strength lies in analytics, forecasting, and promotion optimization, enabling teams to make data-driven decisions without complex backend setups.
Brands looking for an intuitive, standalone system to manage promotions, track performance, and optimize trade spend will find Blacksmith TPM especially effective.
Modus Planning is designed for growing CPG brands needing a unified platform that combines sales, demand, trade, supply, and order planning.
It supports real-time, bottom-up coordination across teams and emphasizes rapid onboarding with minimal setup friction.
Organizations that want a collaborative, data-driven planning system with built-in support and training, particularly those scaling operations will benefit from Modus Planning’s comprehensive, accessible platform.