Analysis of TMS Development for Real-World Scenarios

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) are transforming the logistics industry, but not all systems fit every business's unique needs. In this insightful post, Sergey Gladkiy , a seasoned UI/UX engineer at Django Stars, uncovers the intricacies of designing a custom TMS tailored for small to mid-sized businesses. Using the example of his TMS concept from Behance, he explores the process of creating a user-friendly, AI-powered TMS. Discover practical insights and the importance of a bespoke approach in optimizing logistics operations.

From what I'm seeing in current logistics, challenges such as fuel surcharges, driver shortages, and capacity constraints make selecting cost-effective transportation modes and carriers difficult. However, tech vendors are keeping pace with the trends by offering advanced Transportation Management System (TMS) solutions. In this post, I'd like to discuss this tool and showcase my approach to designing it as a UI/UX engineer.

The Role of TMS in Modern Logistics Operations

Available as part of larger ERP systems, standalone software, or cloud-based platforms, TMSs assist shippers in planning, executing, and optimizing shipments. They enable efficient management of carriers, shipment tracking, and automation of processes like tendering and load booking, becoming even more valuable post-pandemic.

These systems are constantly improving, driven by user demand for more features and functions. According to Logistics Management, TMS solutions are becoming increasingly essential due to the growing complexity in the transportation sector. However, there are still supply chain and transportation companies that don't leverage technology to the fullest, despite all its benefits. As Gartner points out, only 46% of transportation organizations have adopted such systems. Among the key factors influencing the decision to purchase or replace an existing TMS are improving user experience, seamless integration, and compliance of functionality with business tasks.

Typically, TMS vendors offer nearly the same functionality for all groups of users. Additionally, there might be options to configure the app and use add-ons for extra fees that may satisfy niche-specific needs. And yet, often such out-of-the-box solutions are a choice “for everyone and no one,” since each company usually has a lot of its specifics.

At Django Stars, we shape our software development to meet each business's unique needs. We usually begin with the Discovery phase, which is key to understanding the project's specifics. From there, we craft a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). To give you a better idea, I'll walk you through an example from my Behance portfolio: a minimalistic web app concept, designed to adapt to various business scenarios.

TMS concept: Challenges and Objectives

This app, which I've named SpeedHaul, aims to make transportation management more accessible, particularly for small and mid-sized retail companies. At its heart, it's about simplifying logistics processes through the digitalization of carrier selection and communication.?

In designing this app, I focused on user-friendliness to ensure that managers can easily organize and track deliveries, even if they're not deeply versed in logistics. I aimed to streamline delivery management, bolstered by AI-driven insights and analytics. This integration facilitates faster, more informed decision-making, helping to optimize cost reduction, risk management, and delivery accuracy.

Note: The option to outsource shipping to third-party logistics (3PL) providers offers flexibility and cost benefits in logistics. On the other hand, it also brings unique challenges, including the need for effective management. Serhii Kubrak , Backend Competency & Tech Lead at Django Stars, talks in detail about how this works in his article on effective ways of connecting shippers and 3PL providers.

Design Stages

In this short post, I won't describe typical design practices. For introductory information, I refer you, for example, to my earlier article on how to build an effective design system. In the case of SpeedHaul, the main stages of creating a product design for process optimization and expectation management were the following:

• 1. Research
• 2. Architecture
• 3. Wireframing
• 4. UX Design
• 5. UI Design

After several iterations, I've developed a design system for a holistic user experience:

Now, let me take you through the core functionality of the developed system.

Key Features of the TMS

As the TMS in my example is designed to boost the efficiency of business processes in logistics, the task of its interface is to present the essential information in the most convenient form for work. Its key features include the following tabs:

1. User-Friendly Dashboard: This home screen offers an easy-to-use interface, presenting an overview of new, ready-to-ship, in-transit, and delivered packages. It highlights recent requests, shows the status of recent deliveries, and enables managers to track delivery progress, and completion time, and address emerging issues efficiently.
2. All Packages: This feature provides a concise overview of current and past deliveries. Users can quickly locate any delivery using filters like tracking number, product category, weight, departure and arrival dates, and delivery status. This archive is convenient for tracking older deliveries.
3. Full Shipment Details: Accessible from the Dashboard or All Packages tab, this function offers in-depth information about each shipment. It includes contact details, goods type, date range, route, current package position, and carrier information. A map feature enhances route visibility, allowing staff to track ongoing deliveries in real-time.
4. Advanced Analytics: This screen is a powerful tool for managers, providing AI-driven insights to assess delivery performance. It includes metrics like average cost per delivery mile and expenses distribution. The analytics can be filtered by category, aiding in decision-making for improved delivery performance, freight routes, cost efficiency, and carrier selection.

Shipment Creation Flow

As with other types of web apps, developing a TMS concept requires carefully considering the sequence of actions that are expected from the user to create and process each shipment. In this case, I strived for maximum simplicity and convenience at every step.

Step 1: Entering Shipment Information

To kick off the process, managers input key details such as the recipient's information, delivery address, product type, and weight. This stage also allows access to order and payment specifics and provides a glimpse at the confirmation email that will be sent to the customer.

Step 2: Optimizing the Route

Once the basic details are in, the system presents a variety of route options. Each choice comes with comprehensive information including stops, estimated journey time, distance, and a unique ID for easy sharing and reference. An AI-powered assistant enhances this step by recommending routes based on factors like cost, speed, and overall suitability.

Step 3: Selecting a Carrier

In this crucial phase, users select a carrier. The system simplifies this decision by showcasing carriers that offer the best balance of cost efficiency and timely delivery. A helpful side menu is available to view shipment details that could influence the choice of carrier.

Step 4: Review and Shipment Tracking

The final phase involves reviewing all shipment details before forwarding the delivery request to the chosen carrier. Post this confirmation, users can actively monitor the delivery, tracking the package's progress as it makes its way to the final destination.

In Summary

The TMS concept we've explored here places more emphasis on design rather than functionality. However, it's important to note that these two aspects are interdependent. Crafted to effectively handle the complexities of modern transportation and supply chain management, this TMS is adaptable to the needs of logistics companies of various scales. Additionally, I've outlined the integration of AI as an enhancement to the systems functionality that can offer insights into the performance and cost-efficiency of certain carriers, fostering a more flexible and data-driven approach to decision-making.

I invite you to take a closer look at this system on Behance. Remember, it's currently just a concept, but one that's been developed with practical application in mind. If you're thinking about a TMS that's specifically tailored to your business's unique requirements, feel free to reach out to us at Django Stars. Our team specializes in crafting customized solutions that can transform your logistics operations, whether you're running a small local business or a large transcontinental enterprise.