Effective transportation planning encompasses all the supply chain processes – from selecting the right supplier right through to invoice processing. A key function of any logistics company is to maximise profitability by optimising these Transport Management processes.
What is the meaning of Transport Management?
It’s not uncommon for transportation to account for over half of a company’s overall costs. Typically, the specific areas include –
- Planning the logistical networks
- Analysis of the flow of goods along the supply chain
- Transport orders management
- Transportation and freight cost analysis
- Route planning
- Vehicle Management
- Optimisation of transport handling
- Communication with drivers
Transportation Management Systems
The function of a TMS system in transport management is to address these areas and to make them as cost-effective as possible. An effective TMS benefits both shippers and logistics service providers. The main users of the software include manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce organisations.
Transport Management platforms provide digital support for logistics processes and are vital element of a business’s supply chain management system. With effective use, businesses can control, automate and optimize the daily operation of their vehicle fleets. TMS solutions are designed to:
- increase the transparency of transportation operations
- ensure effective use of resources
- comprehensively evaluate current operating conditions
- guarantee on-time delivery of freight and goods
- provide all necessary documents
The most up-to-date platforms function as a cloud solution with the distinct advantage that all stakeholders can access all relevant transport data easily in real-time, from any location with internet access. Modern TMS software delivers the further benefit of enabling comprehensive integration of, for example, freight forwarders to the supply chain. Other advantages of a cloud-based system include
- simple, straightforward implementation
- no own server needed and no maintenance
- low purchase and running costs
- automatic updates
What are the key functions of a TMS?
- Overall orders management
- Current routes status (track and trace)
- Route planning and asset management
- Order profitability calculation
- Order invoicing
- Reporting and analytics
The functions vary depending on the specific needs of the user.
Advantages of a Transportation Management System
For any logistics company, a Transportation Management System helps to improve operations, drive business, and provide better service to customers. In doing so, the TMS offers numerous benefits that help the company move freight from origin to destination accurately and cost-effectively.
The benefits include
- Lower freight costs – savings through analysis and optimisation of data.
- Shipment tracking – drivers and shipments can be tracked in real time, creating an efficient route plan.
- Enhanced customer service – shipment punctuality is monitored, and customers can track their goods in real-time.
- More efficient goods receipt – due to bookable slots, loading bay congestion is avoided.
- Optimised supply chain – tracking shipments, trucks and inventory increases productivity, which in turn strengthens the supply chain and reduces inefficiencies.
- Transport orders profitability.
AddSecure is a leading provider of up-to-date TMS systems.
Contact us today for a free demo.