The Benefits of using a TMS and its integration with other systems

Transport costs are rising, capacity is tight, and changing customer buying behaviour directly impacts logistics operations. There is a clear trend towards more frequent deliveries and smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Managing your transport operations manually is no longer an option. A Transport Management System (TMS) is a technology tool that can efficiently and economically track and manage inbound and outbound operations across the supply chain in real time. The main aims are to improve fleet performance through better decision-making and to reduce costs.

Read More about what is happening in transport management today.

How does a TMS work?

TMS platform solutions, often provided as software-as-a-service (SaaS), solve many of the challenges transport operators face and give them and their customers visibility of day-to-day operations. TMSs come in modular forms for different uses, but the best ones include most of these features:??

·???????? Optimal route planning and scheduling

·???????? Order management and tracking.

·???????? Fleet management.

·???????? Live driver communication and tracking

·???????? Customer communications

TMS technology is improving all the time. Machine learning (ML) and Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being incorporated in new versions to enhance route planning and predictive analytics. Internet of Things (IoT) mobile devices and sensors are used for real-time tracking and condition monitoring.

The benefits of using a TMS

1.? Better efficiency

Managing tasks such as route optimisation and shipment tracking manually means lost time and many errors. TMS software provides real-time visibility into transport operations allowing you to quickly identify and address issues as they arise.

?Cost savings are made through fewer miles driven and less time spent on the road.? ?

2. Improved customer service

A TMS provides more accurate and up-to-date information about shipments to customers, including real-time tracking and delivery status. It helps customers make better-informed decisions and reduces the need for customer service enquiries.

3.? Safety and Compliance

A TMS ensures compliance by providing tools for monitoring and tracking driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance records, and emissions data. The system also helps improve safety by providing tools for monitoring and managing driver behaviour. By ensuring that drivers are not exceeding the legal limit for hours on the road, driver fatigue is prevented, and accidents are reduced.

4.? Data and analytics

Reliable data means informed decisions can be made in real-time. A TMS typically collects and stores data, including all historical delivery and transport costs, which are analysed to identify patterns and trends.?This information aids in optimising logistics processes, reducing costs, and improving customer service.

How do you integrate a TMS with your ERP and other systems?

System integrations allow businesses to function more efficiently and effectively. Integrating a TMS with your other existing systems allows you to gain overall real-time visibility into your supply chain. The result is shorter delivery times, enhanced customer satisfaction, and better overall business performance. All systems should be able to incorporate a TMS.

Interfaces can be achieved by file transfer, web-based applications, or, most often, by Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), software that allows two applications to talk to each other.

APIs can be used to integrate and communicate with:

1. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). Integrating with a WMS facilitates the movement of goods between the warehouse and transportation network.
2. Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP). Integrating with an ERP system facilitates finance, accounting and human resources and reporting on supply chain analytics.
3. Global Positioning System (GPS). Integrating with GPS systems to provide real-time visibility into the location of every shipment.
4. Third-party logistics (3PL) carriers and couriers own systems.

TMS software's value is maximised when combined with the value brought by other systems across the network to streamline the supply chain process. Learning from the best practices of other companies successfully integrating their TMS with their ERP and other systems can provide valuable insights and guidance to optimize your integration project.

Industry benchmarks, standards, and guidelines can serve as helpful reference points. Companies that have not yet adopted and integrated a TMS solution across all systems may lag behind their competitors.

The Supply Chain Consulting Group has extensive experience in selecting, implementing, and integrating TMSs. Our consultants can take you through the process to make it stress-free.?

We can:

·???????? assess your current situation and your needs.

·???????? help you choose the right TMS vendor.

·???????? design the installation and integration strategy.

·???????? test, monitor and optimise the solution.?

Researching and comparing different TMS vendors before selecting one to suit your needs is essential. We will ensure that your TMS project complies with relevant regulations and standards and does not compromise your data's security or confidentiality.

We can also help with training and managing the impact on your organisational structure and culture.