Before Implementing a TMS, Do these 3 Things

Most logistics companies understand how crucial real-time data collection and transmission is in this industry. Communication with carriers, suppliers, and of course, customers can accelerate a supply chain business rather quickly. To accomplish this, many companies that deal with freight movement depend on implementing a TMS.

The TMS solution is a powerful tool that helps you set up shipping services, receive real-time freight costs and rating information, review carrier capacity, and track the movement from pick-up right up to the last mile. Today’s modern TMS solution is cloud-based, allowing transportation companies and shippers alike to connect to the network from multiple devices and remote locations. 

While many shippers understand the importance of upgrading their TMS to a modern system, sometimes implementing a TMS can cause headaches and frustration. This is what we’ll focus on today. 

In this blog post, we're going to give you three important tips you can use to implement your TMS solution with very little hassle. Alongside these tips, you should consider partnering with a 3PL like Redwood Logistics to help you fully leverage them. To find out how to get started, reach out to our team here. 

Discover Areas of Weakness Before Creating New TMS Solutions 

The purpose of upgrading any solution is to improve an area of weakness within your organization. Whether it is due to lapses in communication, delayed shipping estimates from carriers, or inability to successfully collect data on freight movement, shippers across the globe make the decision to upgrade their TMS mainly to improve an area of business to better serve customers. 

But, without discovering those areas of weakness and creating goals or milestones on how the TMS will improve them, the implementation can – and often will fail, or at the least, not resolve those root problems. 

To this effort, before you agree to a new TMS, or hit the go button on implementation, make sure to establish goals and milestones that will allow you to improve those trouble areas in your freight movement operations. Here are a few helpful hints:

• Define your areas of weakness and craft a TMS to improve those services first. 
• Work with an experienced 3PL to help you develop a TMS that helps these areas and others for today and the future.
• Give your business an opportunity to expand that TMS by ensuring it’s scalable. 

Don’t Compromise on the TMS Solution Based on Price

While cost is always a consideration when upgrading technology, a TMS solution is one area where you should not compromise for the lowest bid. For many in logistics, the TMS is the heart of their operations. 

If you’re going to upgrade your TMS, make sure it’s a service and solution that helps your business grow. Consider the following:

Does it Integrate with Existing Platforms?

Most companies use several software solutions to power their logistics network. When you’re picking the right TMS, make sure it is compatible and connects with your enterprise resources, such as distribution, warehousing, and order processing solutions. 

Is the Platform Customizable?

A custom dashboard helps individual users learn and use the new TMS easier – which streamlines the integration process significantly. Make sure any TMS solution you purchase gives each user the ability to set up their own dashboard, which offers custom reporting, access to data, and is designed for your business – not just a generic TMS solution. 

Make Sure It’s Cloud-Based

An updated TMS must be connected to the cloud. Customers today want updates and responses from fulfillment centers to come quickly and with very little delay. When your TMS is connected to the cloud, users can access and network with stakeholders from any location – either in the warehouse or abroad, with a simple internet or Wi-Fi connection.

Work with a Proven 3PL on Integration Strategies

While you know your business, it’s capabilities, struggles, and employees, sometimes it’s best to seek the guidance of a professional third-party logistics company on the implementation and integration. A company like Redwood Logistics can help fulfillment centers, eCommerce, transportation, and other supply chain partners customize a TMS solution and implementation/training strategy. 

Not only does this ensure you get a robust TMS solution built specifically for your industry, but likewise reduces problems with integration, training, and the potential of delays. 

If you’re thinking about implementing a TMS solution or upgrading your existing platform in 2020, contact Redwood Logistics and let our team help make the integration a seamless one.