Real-Time Data is Key in Improving Time Slot Management

All warehousing and distribution centers experience some form of inefficiency within the inbound/outbound freight process. This could be due to factors such as idling or congestion.

Anytime a truck is out on the dock waiting, it is costing time and money. As these occurrences repeat on a frequent basis, the cost impact will accumulate and negatively impact the bottom line.

This is where utilizing supply chain technology with real-time visibility is key for those seeking to increase profitability. Transportation Management Systems (TMS) have been rather beneficial tools that operations around the globe have implemented in order to streamline their loading/unloading processes.

As TMS solutions push for a more efficient logistical process, utilizing time slot management applications with real-time data is without a doubt a tremendously advantageous tool when prepping for a truck.

Benefits Associated With Slot Management With Real-Time Data

Real-time data allows for a clear and concise visual of the situation at hand. The warehouse needs to be aware at all times of what it needs to be prepared for. Otherwise, this causes idle times and waiting for all parties involved. The less prepared, the longer it will take.

Many operations struggle with identifying when exactly a truck is going to arrive throughout the day. As those in the supply chain are aware, unforeseen obstacles happen all the time and the truck may miss a pick up due to any variety of reasons. Manually keeping track of this data as to when trucks are coming and going can be rather challenging. This is especially if your operation does higher volumes and trucks move in and out frequently.

Visibility is Key

Lacking thorough visibility into truck movements only creates further headaches for yourself and those on the floor.

While it may seem that time slot management only pertains to those out in the yard and in warehouses, it is an integral component within the supply chain as a whole. After all, distribution and logistics are among the most critical aspects, as goods can’t be delivered on time without proper planning. This is why utilizing tech such as TMS coupled with real-time slot management applications are key.

As efficiency is the goal when performing time slot management, here are a few of the key benefits of using such systems:

• Reduction of labor costs through adequate time management and proper utilization of resources
• Reduction of transportation-based data silos through transparent and easily-accessible information
• Improved overall supply chain visibility through adequate tracking services, real-time updates on shipments, and bottleneck reduction

In this instance, real-time data better allows you to track the ETA of a truck. This ability ensures a smooth and efficient transfer of goods. Robust software solutions will showcase all of the attributes needed to ensure quick and efficient scheduling and tracking.

Ideally, this will allow organizations and departments that need visibility of data to have easy access to it. In turn, this helps reduce the potential formation of data silos.

Utilizing real-time data and time slot management benefits not only the warehouse but also the carrier. The carrier can easily pick up a shipment with reduced wait times and congestion.

Integrating Time Slot Management with Real-Time Data Into Your Operation 

The value of integrating time slot management with real-time data outweighs any potential drawbacks. Real-time data is an essential component to supply chains that are seeking to expand and grow their operations.

In comparison, manually tracked or scheduled data collection can fall beyond the curve as data falls through the cracks or isn’t accounted for here and there over time. This is where companies that are utilizing robust TMS solutions, such as RedwwoodConnect, alongside integrated real-time data management tools, dominate the industry. This is simply because all aspects of their supply chain coordinate and correspond with each other - especially software and systems.

Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and time slot management applications can be used in conjunction with other software. The outlook for such systems continues to be promising, and their usage is only growing.

As autonomous vehicles are becoming a reality, these systems rely on transportation management systems (TMS) as well as time slot management. This appears to be the future for logistics and transportation and real-time data has become a necessity for all facilities that seek to survive in the marketplace.