Choose TMS software with high flexibility, seamless integration functions, and real-time modification capabilities to give as much visibility into your supply chain as possible.
For shipping and logistics professionals, a transportation management system (TMS) can leverage sophisticated technological support in order to provide visibility at key junctures throughout the modern supply chain. Whether managers use TMS to optimize route planning or to monitor pain points with an eye toward systemic improvements, it’s essential that organizations have the most effective platform on hand.
Finding the right TMS for your supply chain, however, is easier said than done. The ideal TMS platform can accommodate your business’s needs at a scale that allows for growth while also remaining practical. For businesses considering investing in their own TMS — or partnering with a logistics provider with a TMS platform of their own — these three factors should be present in any system, on any budget.
1. Tactical Flexibility
Whether your goals going forward are to grow year-over-year sales, expand into new markets, or more consistently meet key benchmarks, the right TMS should help. However, many businesses are still operating on TMS platforms introduced nearly two decades ago. These systems often aren’t fully equipped to handle the speed and complexity of the modern supply chain, and subsequently hold businesses back that otherwise have the capacity to expand.
To adapt to an increased scope of demand, make sure you work with TMS platforms that have the flexibility to meet shifting goals. Whether you’re reorganizing your workflow or creating custom screens, the most up-to-date software should work for you in the way that you need.
2. Smooth Integration
While TMS capabilities are an essential component of today’s shipping and logistics industry, they’re not the only tool that supply chain managers rely on. If your organization also uses warehouse management system (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, you’ll likely depend on easy integration between all three systems to ensure a seamless flow of actionable information.
Additionally, the right TMS platform should allow for easy collaboration with business partners at every stage of your operation. By making key supply chain data available to those who can help you make strategic decisions, TMS software will save on time and resources.
3. Unbeatable Adaptability
As any shipping and logistics professional can tell you, things don’t always go according to plan. With a TMS platform that has the adaptability to respond in real time to disruptions throughout your supply chain, you’ll be better positioned to act — and avoid similar situations in the future.
A TMS that actually adds value to your operation can account for real-world obstacles, helping your team change routing plans and distribute loads more effectively. Where outdated systems might do the bare minimum and leave the rest up to you, modern TMS platforms can take multiple data points into account in order to help your operation successfully negotiate crises.
How Primary Freight Fits In
While TMS platforms are essential in today’s increasingly complex shipping market, they’re not always practical for small- and medium-sized businesses. In order to take advantage of the logistical capabilities that the right TMS can offer, shippers should consider working with an integrated logistics partner. By leveraging existing infrastructure without making costly capital investments, businesses can better navigate a fast-paced economic landscape.
For over 20 years, Primary Freight has been delivering results for shippers in every sector of the market. Our team has the industry contacts you need and the resources on hand to shape logistical solutions at any stage of your supply chain. Whether your team needs targeted support or a broader overhaul of your shipping operation, Primary Freight can help.
To learn more about how Primary Freight can help boost cost-efficiency and results for your business, contact us today at (800)-635-0013.