When’s the last time you drove by a Kohl’s?
After humble beginnings back in 1927, the American retail store now has over 1,100 locations. One of the ways companies like Kohl’s thrive is by using a transportation management platform. Instead of hoping deliveries make it on time, the right management software can guarantee efficiency.
What are transportation management system software solutions? And do you need one for your company? Read on to find out.
Purpose of Transportation Management Solutions
Every step, from quoting all the way to delivery, can take a lot of time. By implementing a TMS system, you’ll be able to optimize your time, improve each process, and easily overcome potential problems.
The biggest advantage of a transportation management system (TMS) is streamlining shipping processes. The platform design makes supply chain management solutions easier than ever before.
You can automate your shipping processes while also accessing valuable data. The result is that you’ll be able to save time more easily, along with saving money on future shipments.
Real-time alerts and exception management make it easy to optimize last mile delivery and Management System last-minute orders and routes.
Who Needs Management Solutions?
A lot of industries can benefit from a TMS system. E-commerce organizations are at the top of the list since their entire business relies on efficient deliveries.
However, any company that’s regularly moving freight can benefit from streamlining its shipping process. Retail businesses, distributors, and manufacturers can all use TMS.
Understanding the Platform
The logistics platform that a TMS runs off of is designed with simplicity in mind. The latest technology will be in charge of creating a business plan, executing it, and optimizing each physical movement of goods. That means both outgoing and incoming goods are going to be tracked through the TMS.
You’ll be able to ensure that every shipment adheres to compliance standards. The best part is, proper documentation is always just a click away.
Integration With SCM
A TMS is going to integrate perfectly within a larger supply chain system as well. Large corporations will be using an SCM system, supply chain management, along with their TMS.
The Planning Process
Your TMS will select the preferred mode of shipment, along with the best carrier for the goods. The system comes up with these decisions using a variety of factors. Information such as cost, distance, and efficiency in routes, all factor into the TMS decision-making process.
When you pick the right system, you’ll be able to have instant visibility at every stage of the supply chain. No longer will you have to scramble to get information about trade or tariffs; it’ll all be available online. When you know the latest trade regulations, you won’t have to worry about problems with customs causing a delay.
Execution and Optimization
The execution features for transportation management systems are going to vary. Each company is going to present its own preferred method for executing shipping needs. However, there are going to be some similarities across each platform.
Features such as communicating with carriers or matching loads are popular in the TMS industry. You should also look for a system that’s going to be able to help with tracking shipments, documenting, settlement, and freight billing.
Do you need to track and trade services? For business owners who need to enable real-time information, we suggest getting an advanced system. It makes communication easier between warehouses, carriers, distributors, and customers
Advanced transportation management systems will be able to handle all of your complex logistic needs. Communicating across the board will be easier, and international logistics will become simple.
Advanced systems also provide import and export documentation. You’ll be able to ensure each shipment is trade compliant.
TMS vs. ERP
How do enterprise resource planning or ERP systems fit into all of this? Transportation management systems and enterprise resource planning systems complement each other. If you already have an ERP in place, you’ll want to look for a TMS that will integrate with it seamlessly.
Understanding ERP
Enterprise resource planning or ERP handles a specific part of the shipping process. You can think of an ERP system as being a core program that helps integrate data from a variety of sources.
The resource planning system can then help promote smart decisions. You’ll make choices about sales, finance, manufacturing, and supply chain, using the best data.
How Long Will It Take To Integrate a TMS?
How long will it take to integrate your transportation management software? Implementing a TMS usually takes a matter of months. Smaller companies can expect to have their TMS up and running within 2 months.
If you’re a large enterprise, 3 to 6 months would be a more realistic goal. During these initial months, you’ll be able to download all of the software plugins and make sure that everything is fully functional.
We also suggest having a kickoff meeting with your employees, so they can understand the benefits of using the TMS. If you don’t have a lot of systems for the TMS to integrate with, the implementation process will be much faster.
As long as you choose a reputable TMS provider, you won’t have to worry about getting things up and running. A quality TMS provider will hold your hand through the entire implementation process, helping you work out any quirks that pop up.
Future of Transportation Management System Software
What does the future look like for transportation management solutions? The software already uses cloud-based technology.
As more companies begin to implement TMS, you can expect across-the-board networking. Companies who are already in the cloud-based system will have an instant advantage over those who aren’t.
Rising Customer Demands
As more customers transition to buying things online, expectations will continue to rise. Customers expect on-time deliveries, same-day deliveries, and real-time updates.
By implementing a TMS system now, you’ll be able to keep up with the ever-changing customer demands. You’ll also be able to quickly adapt to different global trade regulations, which in today’s political climate can be a big deal.
Streamline Your Delivery Processes
Now you know the ins and outs of what transportation management system software is all about. Whether you’re a small company or a large enterprise, TMS can be your ticket to success.
Since each system has different features, we suggest calling for a few different quotes today. Find out exactly what type of features the platform offers, and ask about their implementation process.
Once you find a company with a good rate and great reputation, you’ll be good to go. For more tips like these, take a peek around the rest of our website.
