Not every business needs the same capabilities from its TMS software. Before beginning your search, determine what to check for. Start by assessing your existing resources and capabilities, then search for a TMS software provider whose functionality complements yours. Choose a transportation management software system that includes the following five features.
1. A Powerful Engine for Optimization
There are several transportation management system software solutions on the market today. Still, few are outfitted with optimization engines with the goal of creating the most efficient route plans that satisfy multiple delivery limitations, as well as route plans that save money and maximize vehicle capacity. When choosing a TMS software system, make sure it has at least one of the powerful optimization engines listed below:
- Route optimization: Schedule shipments as efficiently as possible using available vehicles and routes.
- Load optimization: Organize pallets, packages, or shipped goods in vehicles according to stackability and other cargo arrangement rules.
- Strategic cargo management: Position carrier bids for existing contracts based on specific factors such as capacity, cost, and risk.
- Carrier selection: Arrange transportation for shipments taking into account company shares, costs, and allocations.
2. Tracking Capabilities
Transportation management system software should be able to track and trace cargo as it moves through the network, providing a complete picture of each stage of the logistics process and making it easier to manage. When selecting a TMS software system, make sure it provides increased monitoring, tracking accuracy, efficient management, and automated notifications for road occurrences.
3. Contract Management
The contract is the heart of the transportation management system. As a result, the potential TMS software system should enable the organization to effectively leverage the preferential terms and brokered lanes defined for the business by merging the contracts in an e-database capable of providing entry and state-of-the-art analytic tools for the transportation management team.
4. Platform Accessibility
Having a TMS software system on a server at your facility may be the ideal solution if your company never intends to function outside of its physical location and enjoys maintaining servers. A server-based TMS software system can be accessed remotely, but it’s not as convenient as a cloud-based system. Consider a cloud-based solution if you wish to provide users with the same user interface and availability anywhere internet access is accessible. Other benefits of cloud-based solutions include the simplicity of integration with existing systems.
5. Business Analytics and Reports
Reports are the most straightforward way to understand and communicate vital information. As a result, when selecting a TMS software system, it should include traditional reporting tools such as charts and dashboards and specific maps to visualize shipping trends. Reporting allows for the rapid dissemination of critical data and analysis, which can aid in identifying trends.
Final Thoughts
Transportation and logistics are facing significant transformations. As you try to stay current with or perhaps lead this shift, you must select the correct TMS software system to put your company in the best position to do just that.
