Transportation does not create any money on its own. However, we can learn how to make it more efficient. For example, when trucks or shipping containers travel partially empty, underutilization of freight capacity is a common issue to encounter. Even though there are numerous reasons for this, it is generally due to a lack of efficiency and automation:
- Not using digital bills of lading.
- Not having information about the vehicle’s load factor.
- Creating separate shipping orders for each product rather than consolidating them are all examples of inefficiency and automation.
Add to that the fact that you have no clue where your product is or when it will be delivered, or that you have no idea how well your carrier is doing. Essentially, shippers, retailers, and logistics service providers may only have a hazy understanding of the transportation process they are involved in. So it’s past time to put things right.
What is a Transportation Management System (TMS), and how does it work?
An enterprise transportation management system, sometimes known as TMS, is a kind of software that assists in the planning and executing of the physical transportation of products. It may be utilized by all parties involved in the supply chain, from manufacturers to distributors to 3Pl companies – in fact, by nearly any entity involved in the coordination of shipments.
How does the Transportation Management System work?
Technically, the Transportation Management system (TMS) allows for a more efficient transactional and communication system, allowing users to benefit from vast amounts of real-time data, make more informed decisions, plan more effectively, and strategize for the most cost-effective transportation solutions.
The way TMS works
As a collaborative effort, the most effective TMS platform works in conjunction with the Supply Chain Management and ERP platforms, allowing for the entry of customer orders and integration of those orders with the warehouse and inventory management systems, thus creating a closed-loop in the network.
The process of planning and making decisions
With real-time data and business insights, the TMS platform generates the most relevant reports and consolidates them into a single dashboard for enhanced visibility and accessibility. As a result, enterprise-level decision-makers and Transportation Management Companies now have a tool that may help them better understand and manage the decision-making process. Some of the most significant advantages are fewer road stops, saving time, following via shorter routes, and eventually minimizing transportation costs.
Transportation plans are put into action.
Transportation Management Systems (TMS) makes it simpler for management to develop better strategies and transportation plans for their organizations. The platform covers the primary activities such as dispatching, carrier rate acceptance, and electronic data interchange (EDI) by automating most of its operations and requiring just a small amount of human participation. Because management is now better equipped to plan, it becomes simpler for them to implement their plans effectively.
Visibility
A transportation management system (TMS) platform makes it considerably simpler for shippers to monitor and maintain tight visibility throughout the whole cargo process. This enables company executives to have complete insight into their freight while keeping the organization updated. In addition, the logistics manager provides an improved understanding of freight or consignment from point A to point B and all relevant insights into billing, customs clearance, and booking.
Measurement
A variety of reports on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for e-commerce logistics are available from every Transportation Management system for every stage of the transportation process. This makes it easier for shippers and distribution units to measure and keep track of all important characteristics. Finally, all final reports are provided in a single dashboard view.
Conclusion:
TMS is regarded as one of the critical disciplines of supply chain management since they are concerned with bridging the gap between supply chain planning and corporate resource planning. TMS is also known as transportation management systems. In the realm of logistics and transportation, the validity of a platform for all types of logistics, shippers, manufacturers, eCommerce firms, retailers, and 3PL companies becomes subjective to the validity of the platform.
