TMS System: 4 Essential Functionalities

Maximizing Efficiency: Core Functions of a TMS System

Understanding the Crucial Functions of a TMS System

Business Intelligence:  An Invoice Analysis module presents information you need to create cost analysis studies, decide on raw materials and purchasing orders and select distribution center placements. With this module you can also study overall sales trends, assess company shipments and view details from other company branches. All of this is possible because of the Invoice Analysis module’s wide range of search and filter capabilities.

Shipment Tracking View:  Shipment View is a module most frequently used by customer service teams to track shipments with ease. This module permits full shipment visibility with a complete history for every shipment, searchable by date and other filters. Tracking is always monitored and precise. This view also supports the creation of original shipment documentation and automated customer alerts.

Image Research:  A Proof of Delivery & Bill of Lading Image Research module facilitates all logistics operations by providing easily procurable transportation documentation. As with Shipment View, searches are possible without the use of PRO or BOL numbers; any reference number associated with a shipment including job, order and sales numbers, can give you access to the associated documents. A zoom feature lets you see written information up close, print and email functionality is available for all documents and these automatically collected images are stored in the TMS for up to five years regardless of carrier.

Reporting and Analytics:  To drive operational excellence, businesses need access to accurate and actionable data insights. A TMS system offers robust analytics and reporting capabilities, providing visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs) and trends. Businesses can track metrics such as transportation costs, carrier performance, on-time delivery, and inventory levels. By analyzing this data, organizations can identify bottlenecks, uncover optimization opportunities, and make informed decisions to drive efficiency improvements. Moreover, reporting functionalities enable businesses to generate comprehensive reports for internal stakeholders, regulatory compliance, and audits.

Data is one of the most valuable resources a TMS can provide for businesses large or small, and with the Business Intelligence module, data and analytics are easily obtainable and advantageous. Obtainable is a priority that can be leveraged through TMS to ERP integration. This module offers scrubbed invoices that make for educated business decisions on freight spend and more, and it can push this data from the TMS to your ERP through transportation software integration. It can also generate graphs to view distribution patterns. Historical shipment data, like documents in the Image Research module, is viewable for up to five years, as business analytics is a key functionality always in demand for the smart business leader.

In conclusion, a TMS system plays a pivotal role in maximizing efficiency and optimizing transportation operations. By effectively managing freight planning, order execution, carrier collaboration, and data analytics, businesses can streamline their supply chains, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. As the complexity of global logistics continues to increase, investing in a robust TMS system becomes imperative for organizations seeking to stay competitive and achieve operational excellence in today's dynamic business landscape.