The future of deliveries
In this edition, let's navigate the evolving landscape of modern logistics.
Transport management system: what it is and benefits
To keep up effectively with the logistical promises made to their customers, modern businesses rely on Transport Management Systems (TMS), which have become essential tools to optimise shipping routes, balance expenses and enhance effectiveness. Let’s discover more about what a TMS is, its functions, and benefits for modern enterprises.?
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What is a Transport Management System (TMS)?
A Transport Management System (TMS) is an advanced technological platform and can be thought of as a control tower that oversees, optimises, and directs the operations of a vast logistics network. In other words, it is a central data repository with the main objective of allowing businesses to gain more visibility -and control- over processes, to better plan and coordinate their logistic operations. The main functions of a TMS are:
Dynamic planning: thanks to its capability of integrating with a company’s ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning systems), CMR (Customer Relationship Management) tools, and WMS Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), it allows for a comprehensive view of all supply chain processes in real-time, thereby supporting informed decision-making. It helps companies select the best shipment mode, the best carrier, and the best route, based on real-time data, like type of goods, cost, distance, traffic etc.
Execution: aTMS allows to track shipments in real-time, sharing information between carriers, warehouses, distributors, and customers. Advanced TMS systems allow businesses to manage complex international shipping tasks, like import documentation.
Analytics and reporting: a TMS stores all logistics-related data and analyses it, giving insights on routes, carriers, performance, and costs. Also it? forecasts future trends, driving business growth and operational efficiency.
What is the difference between a TMS and a WMS?
The difference between WMS (Warehouse Management System) and TMS (Transportation Management System) becomes apparent when each is described individually. In fact, a WMS has the purpose of automating the processes of receiving, storing, and shipping goods, while TMS ensures maximum control over the logistics operations – from shipping to customer delivery, including handling paperwork, fleet management, checkpoints, and cost calculation.
However, they work together in a complementary way, as they operate at different stages of the supply chain. For example, transport document issuing is supported by the WMS database. Likewise, transport cost calculations in the transportation management system use storage information.
Managing operations manually 100% can pose significant challenges in achieving these objectives. After all, how can businesses have a complete and reliable view only with paper and notes? And how can employees make the right decisions if they base everything on their instinct? Having the right technology is fundamental, as a company’s growth may depend on it.
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Sky is not the limit! Is drone delivery the future of delivery?
Even though it may still look like science fiction, drone delivery can be the future of logistics. At least this is what Jeff Bezos believes! With Amazon working on autonomous drone delivery, and announcing to extend existing operations beyond the US, particularly in the UK and Italy, drone delivery is on the horizon. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of revolutionising the delivery sector. Let’s discover more about drone delivery in logistics, its benefits and challenges.
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What is drone delivery?
Drone delivery, in other words the use of drones to deliver goods that range from essential items like medications to everyday products and food, has been a topic of exploration and development for many years. These services, also referred to as “courier drones” or “cargo drones”, are being tested in various countries. Delivery drones vary in characteristics and suitability for different tasks. For instance, some drones are designed to carry heavier loads, while others are built for longer distances or to transport supplies to remote or hard-to-reach areas.
The development of drone delivery services signifies a shift towards more innovative and technologically advanced logistics solutions, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation and delivery services all over the world.
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