Supply Chain Disruptions: Reduce Risk, Build Resilience
The world of logistics is a complex beast at times, and shippers need technology solutions that simplify the process of moving freight from one location to another. The creation of TMS (transportation management systems) is one of those solutions. A TMS is a sub-software solution within the supply chain management platform.
Shippers across multiple industries have said in the past that their biggest secret weapon was a stellar TMS. It is through this type of platform that they are able to streamline their operations, improve shipping optimization, and ensure on-time delivery to their customers.
In this blog post, you'll discover the benefits that TMS transportation systems provide shippers in today's demanding market. You'll also learn tips which will allow you to find and work with the right third-party logistics company to help you apply this technology to your daily operations.
What are TMS Transportation Solutions?
A TMS or transportation management software is software as a service (SaaS). It is either cloud-based or uploaded to a company's physical server.
For those who choose a cloud-based system, this technology reduces mistakes, provides easier access to data, and is scalable based on the needs of your business. And while traditional software platform can be used throughout the company's servers it has limitations. The biggest of these limitations include no access to remote devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, for instance.
Most of the cloud-based TMS solutions allow access through any mobile device with a solid internet connection, however.
For example, let's assume for a second, that you own an e-Commerce business. You're sitting on a beach in Mexico, just enjoying your spoils. All the sudden you receive a notification that a customer is not available at the address listed on the shipping order. They contact you and ask if you could reroute the shipment to a new address. Let the headaches ensue!
Today's cloud-based TMS allows you to make these updates while you're sipping your Pina Colada.
The modern TMS allows you to connect to your transportation management software from your mobile phone, from any location within your facility. A few of the features available with a TMS software solution include:
Set up individual customer profiles and store their data
This type of technology solution puts the power of customization in the palm of your hand. As a result, when you gain a new customer, you can quickly set up a customer profile for them. From here, they can access their data from any device with an internet connection. Through that dashboard, they can find a little peace of mind as they have all of their data right there on the screen.
No more phone calls, endless emails, and visits from anxious customers.
Scheduling inbound and outbound shipments
The cloud-based TMS transportation solution allows a shipper to schedule shipments remotely from a mobile device. Most of the time this includes tablets, smartphones, and even wearable technology in some cases.
Removing Insanity from the TMS Equation
A well-built TMS can remove insanity from the equation through the use of cloud computing. When these programs are cloud-based, you get updates the very moment that the developer rolls them out. There is no need to manually update your system, ever. And anyone who has used an older TMS without the magical power of the cloud will tell you, it can be a huge pain point.
Another thing that we commonly hear about TMS solutions is that it is expensive and takes time to learn. This is simply not accurate.
Yes, you will need to do your research. And yes, it does cost a little bit of money to get a system in place.
The time and money spent is not a massive undertaking, though, even for a small business. Furthermore, the benefits of a strong TMS make it one of the best investments you can make for your supply chain.
Final Thoughts
Successfully integrating a TMS solution takes time and research.
Redwood Logistics offers the flexibility to expand services—which now includes integration of TMS solutions for multiple industries through our Modern 4PL approach. See how we've helped companies like yours succeed by exploring our case studies.
Redwood Logistics' Modern 4PL approach recognizes that every company's needs are unique, which is why our TMS integration solutions are tailored to your specific supply chain requirements. For more than 15 years, we have been providing solutions for moving and managing freight. More importantly, we enjoy seeing you succeed!
Redwood Logistics is focused on making you more successful in your end markets by applying talented and motivated people, proven processes and cutting-edge technologies to optimize your supply chain management efforts.
Contact us today to learn how we can help integrate a TMS solution for your business.
FAQs
What is a transportation management system?
A transportation management system, or TMS, is software that helps shippers manage freight movement more efficiently. It is usually delivered as SaaS and can be cloud-based or installed on a company server. A modern TMS supports shipping optimization, reduces mistakes, and helps improve on-time delivery by centralizing transportation data and workflows.
Why do shippers use a cloud-based transportation management system?
Shippers use a cloud-based transportation management system because it provides easier access to data, reduces manual errors, and scales with business needs. Cloud-based systems can usually be accessed from mobile devices with an internet connection, which makes it easier to update shipments and manage operations remotely when plans change.
What features should I expect in a modern TMS?
A modern TMS typically lets you create individual customer profiles, store customer data, and schedule inbound and outbound shipments from a remote device. It can also give customers access to their own data through a dashboard, which reduces phone calls and email back-and-forth. These features help streamline day-to-day transportation management.
Can a transportation management system be used on a mobile device?
Yes, many cloud-based transportation management systems can be accessed from a mobile phone, tablet, or other internet-connected device. That mobility allows shippers to update shipment details, manage exceptions, and schedule freight from almost anywhere, instead of being tied to a physical office server.
Is a transportation management system expensive or hard to learn?
Not necessarily. While a TMS does require research and an upfront investment, the article notes that it is not usually a massive undertaking, even for a small business. Cloud-based systems also reduce the burden of manual updates, which can make them easier to maintain once they are in place.
How does a TMS help improve shipping operations?
A TMS helps improve shipping operations by centralizing shipment planning, reducing errors, and making it easier to coordinate customers, schedules, and freight updates. Because it supports remote access and real-time changes, it can help shippers respond faster when delivery details change and keep shipments moving on time.
How do you integrate a transportation management system into a supply chain?
Integrating a transportation management system starts with research, then matching the platform to your specific supply chain requirements. The article emphasizes that integration should be tailored, because every company’s transportation process is different. A practical implementation focuses on aligning the TMS with existing workflows, data needs, and shipping goals.
