Why Use a Transportation Management System?
A transportation management system (TMS) is a software solution for shipping, tracking and other freight management tasks. On its own or in combination with a warehouse management program, a TMS can offer benefits for businesses of all sizes. Despite this, many organizations are hesitant to change the way they do things and don’t use TMS programs to their full benefit.
In this article, we cover the main benefits of a TMS and some of the ways programs like F.A.S.T. from Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions can improve your bottom line.
Improving Efficiency with a TMS
The main benefit of using a transportation management system is efficiency. Well-designed TMS software will help you optimize and streamline shipping by automatically identifying opportunities for load consolidation and improved route planning. By integrating a TMS with your existing warehouse management and enterprise resource planning software, you’ll be able to better coordinate shipping and freight with other aspects of your business.
TMS software can also make your internal operations more efficient, reducing the amount of paperwork and data entry your team must complete when arranging a shipment. For example, a TMS like F.A.S.T. can automatically produce a custom bill of lading on your organization’s letterhead.
Enhancing the Customer Experience with a TMS
Ultimately, when your operation is more efficient, it’s your customers that benefit most. With a TMS, your staff can access accurate, real-time shipment information, which makes it easier to respond with confidence to any client questions or concerns. As well, with their administrative requirements reduced, employees can dedicate more time to customer service and other big-picture projects. Finally, a TMS makes it easier to accommodate last-minute shipment changes without a lot of hassle.
For small and medium-sized businesses struggling to stand apart from their larger competitors, the customer service benefits of a TMS can be priceless.
Using a TMS to Access Business Intelligence
Perhaps the most important benefit of a TMS is its ability to generate business intelligence that you can use for strategic planning. A TMS with integrated reporting features can show you hidden trends and areas of concern you may not have noticed otherwise. With F.A.S.T., you can see both historical and real-time freight analysis data plus other useful metrics.
In many organizations, only a few specialized team members have the access and context necessary to analyze this sort of granular shipping data. A TMS puts it in terms anyone can understand, facilitating collaborations between departments and making it easier to solicit buy-in from management on special projects.
Benefits of a TMS for Your Bottom Line
Together, the above benefits translate to an improved bottom line and, ultimately, a more stable and sustainable business. The operational improvements that come with a TMS make your organization leaner and more streamlined without compromising effectiveness. This, in turn, generates a more positive user experience, which helps retain and attract customers. Finally, over time, the intelligence provided by a TMS can identify opportunities for growth and continuous improvement, positioning your organization for future success.
Learn more about Rockfarm and the specific benefits TMS programs such as F.A.S.T. can have for your business by contacting a Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions representative directly.
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Related Resources:
- Packaged TMS from Rockfarm
- The Power of Data in Supply Chain
- What to Consider Before Integrating a TMS
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By Brad Stewart
Co-Founder, CCO
Brad’s journey into logistics began as a Marine Officer and transitioned from the LTL docks to the non-asset side within the logistics service provider arena. As a co-founder of Rockfarm, Brad drives our business development efforts and delivery of our promise. An Arizona native, Brad enjoys spending time outdoors in his home state with his wife and family.
“Our approach to the market allowed us an opportunity to push forward in 2008 and enable our mission, “lower the cost to serve” to stand as a cornerstone to our company today.”
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