Cloud-Based TMS Solutions are Changing the Game!

The modern distribution center is a bustling hub of daily activity. The constant receiving and shipping of hundreds of pallets daily is already a lot to deal with. But then compact that along with storage and inventory control, paperwork, and routing... and the pressure becomes somewhat overwhelming.

However, thanks to consistent advancements in technology and its ever-evolving role in the logistics industry, these processes can now be relatively streamlined. One area of the industry that has been the most impacted by that technology recently, is freight management.

More specifically, advancements in logistics tech are leading to better and more solid TMS platforms every year. And the most important technological advancement to find its way into the logistics industry is that of the cloud-based platform.

Distribution and fulfillment centers depend on these transportation management systems for their inbound and outbound freight scheduling. Having access to this ability at all times, no matter where you are physically located is crucial. And that's exactly the sort of thing that only a cloud-based TMS can provide!

So, let's look at how and why cloud-based TMS platforms change the face of the fulfillment and distribution industry. Even better, we are going to give you some food for thought.

Who knows, maybe you are ready to migrate your TMS to a cloud server?

Outlining the Facts about a Cloud-Based TMS

A transportation management system is an all-inclusive freight scheduling solution. It helps distributors, fulfillment centers, wholesalers and retail or e-commerce companies find, rate, route, and schedule all their freight. It can be used to schedule LTL, FTL, parcel, intermodal and multimodal services.

The older-style TMS platform is a software solution requires installation on individual systems or a physical server. 

The cloud-based TMS, on the other hand, relies on a cloud-based storage system. Essentially, it resides on a single or multiple redundant servers. Each of these servers is what is referred to as a virtual server. In other words, a cloud-based platform does not have a physical location and all the data it holds is secured from mundane things such as a system crash on a physical server.

This also means that users do not have to upgrade the software on their devices frequently, it at all. Instead, upgrades are simply pushed through to the equipment that is synced up to the platform.

The cloud TMS is a highly secure system and normally equipped with a layer of SSL security.

How is a Cloud-Based TMS Helpful to Distribution Centers?

The distribution center is not a one-size-fits-all operation. Some focus on a few items or product types, while others are all-inclusive facilities with dry, cold, and frozen storage. With the diversity in operations comes the inevitable range in technology solutions available to them.

However, for the most part, all software solutions they use for warehouse operations are all variants of the typical TMS. 

Adding cloud access to their TMS provides these multi-tasking businesses with improved access to their shipping platform, allowing them to review shipping notes, schedules, and access shipper or carrier contact information. 

Improves Shipment Tracking, Estimates, and Rating

A TMS connects with other platforms involved with your freight movement. This way, the TMS is able to oversee everything and use comparative data to help you make the best decisions in any given situation.

A cloud-based TMS improves upon this process by leveraging the power of the increased speeds at which cloud-based platforms usually provide. By improving the speed of connecting with carrier networks, serves to expedite the entire process significantly. 

Better Tracking Solutions

Many of today’s freight carriers offer cloud-based tracking solutions for their customers. It allows the user to log into their tracking system to review freight scans, receive delay updates, and expected delivery times. Furthermore, they can even send push notifications straight to your smartphone!

Unfortunately, this is not something that you will likely be able to achieve to any reasonable extent with a classic, old-school TMS platform.

Edit Invoices Remotely

Sometimes a shipment needs to be updated with notes upon delivery, especially if concealed damage to freight is discovered upon receiving. The cloud access to the distribution center TMS allows the distribution facility to upload updated information on freight BOL’s or invoices, and directly submit them to the carrier or the initial shipper. 

Final Thoughts

Distribution centers need software that is quick and convenient to access. Nothing accomplishes this better or more comprehensively than a cloud-based TMS solution. If you operate a distribution center and are looking to improve access to your existing TMS solution, drop us a line!

Let the cloud experts here at Redwood Logistics show you how to integrate a new cloud-based TMS, customize it, and help you maintain it!