Overview of a Transport Management System (TMS)
Have you found that as your business grows, you have less and less time to focus on the daily operations of your transport company? Are decisions being made without the proper time needed to review the situation? You’re not alone.
The transportation industry is fast-paced, with very little room for error. Due to these constraints and the need to keep up with daily logistical issues, assistance in the form of a Transport Management System (TMS) offers a much-needed lifeline for businesses.
A transport management system (TMS) is a software platform that assists firms in planning and executing transportation.
Successful supply chains require transportation management systems and benefit from their planning, purchasing, transportation, and performance monitoring.
Is it time for your business to take a load off?
Challenges Faced In The Transport Industry
The transportation industry is complex and has many constantly moving parts. Without a transportation management system, businesses may find it impossible to function efficiently, let alone grow. Here are three of the key areas that present a challenge to any company without the right systems in place.
Organisation issues
Organising multiple loads or jobs takes a lot of time and effort from employees. Details can easily be missed or passed on incorrectly, resulting in severe and costly consequences.
Using a TMS, companies can keep all of their data organised and accessible. Using dropdown functionality and saved inputs, businesses can reduce resources and prevent mistakes.
Tracking freight
It’s not uncommon for many shipments to be in transit at the same time around the country. It can be difficult and time-consuming if you have to track all of this freight manually.
Some transport management adoption allows shippers to track freight and receive alerts when a shipment requires attention.
Lack of data to gather insights
Transporters and haulers need up-to-date industry data to offer optimal services. By accessing this data, it’s possible to gain insights to improve company processes and customer satisfaction.
Without the assistance of TMS software, reports on data and the resulting analysis must be produced by hand, which is a labour intensive procedure. Reporting and analysis are done digitally with a TMS system. This data gives organisations the knowledge they need to improve their operations.
How Does A TMS Help In Maximising Profits?
The time-saving benefits of transport management adoption are vast, which also translates into saving your company money and maximising profits. Here are some examples of how this is achievable.
Increases revenue
Using your TMS system in tracking trucking revenue per kilometre is just one example of how you can stay on top of your company’s finances. Using this vital tool allows your company to highlight aspects that can be adjusted to increase revenue in this specific area.
Effective tracking
By being more aware of how the vehicles are operated and their routes. A GPS tracking system within a TMS or the ability to integrate with your TMS, will ensure that savings can be made on fuel consumption and vehicle wear on every journey.
Aids in customer services
Your company will provide the best possible customer service through transport management adoption. The transparency of your operation is shown to everyone in the process from your customers having the ability to book jobs, and keeping your customers in the loop with delivery confirmations, proof of delivery (POD), and maintaining a good working relationship.
Better efficiency in warehouse processes
If you use a warehouse as part of your transport business, you’ll know they can fill up in no time. A TMS can assist with keeping track of and managing the flow of products.
Better cash flow
The process of transport management adoption means that your company is far more organised and efficient. More savings will be generated throughout the business, with the operation more streamlined. This efficiency will also resolve cashflow management errors and allow more precise forecasting freeing up funds that will be needed at certain times.
Learn more tips to improve cash flow.
Reduces expenses and costs
Planning for general business costs using a TMS is vital to increasing profits. Planning and, more crucially, carrying out a consistent maintenance schedule results in a more organised operation, which translates to lower costs.
Helps in data analysis and forecasting
Using a reliable TMS can help you monitor the performance of your company’s internal and external resources. Utilising the TMS gives a better view of the entire process, and early action can be taken when necessary.
Effective fuel management
By planning routes more efficiently with a TMS system, you can ensure drivers travel fewer kms, and avoid trips with empty loads. Doing so will reduce trucking costs through better fuel management and boost your profit margins.
Use MyTrucking Software To Maximise Your Profits
In choosing a Transport Management system such as MyTrucking, your company will have access to many of the benefits mentioned in this article. However, your company will also benefit from aspects of the software, such as integrated invoicing, which allows all your jobs to move seamlessly to your accounts department.
In addition, our custom report service has been a game-changer for smaller businesses, allowing them to export custom reports to their client base.
In Summary
By adopting a transport management system from My Trucking, your company will be able to continue providing excellent service, with the added benefit of having more time and savings to grow your business.
External Links
For more information on the topics covered, go to;
- Choosing the right Transport Management System
- Navigating the Transportation Management System (TMS) Market