Being a production company puts you in the position of a shipper within the supply chain. On a daily basis you utilize resources to get your goods from location A to location B. The process of transporting goods from A to B is more comprehensive than one might think. Businesses therefore usually use software solutions to aid and guide them through this process. However, the software used to do so, usually ERP-Software, tends to lack in functionalities towards this process. Adapting and implementing TMS Software, especially designed for production companies and thus shippers can provide your business with a fitting solution.
ERP-systems’ lack of functionality
An ERP System is often effective in supporting your general internal processes. It can provide you with a insight into most aspects of your production process and (linked) costs. ERP Systems cover a majority of your primary business processes. It has been recognized that many ERP Systems unfortunately lack the functionality required to adequately support and guide various supply chain processes including logistics. The question then arises; how can we adequately manage our logistics processes? A Transport Management System specifically designed for shippers, enables logistics departments of production companies to successfully manage their logistics processes and activities.
Advantages TMS for shippers:
- Fewer mistakes through reduction of manual data-entry
- The aim is at data analysis rather than manual data-entry
- Full support in the employees decision making process
- Future- rather than result-orientated
- Rate and compare carriers
- All data in easily accessible through one central system
- Various integration possibilities with SAP and other ERP-systems
- Swift communication with chain parties through the use of web portals
- Fewer peak moments in the warehouse through timeslot reservation
- Automated draft of instructions for Bill or Loading and various other documents
Logistics process optimization
Shippers are often dependent on the transporters and carriers they collaborate with. This causes the logistics process to become less efficient. Production companies are eager to gain back control over their logistics outbound activities. A TMS contains various functionalities allowing you to regain control of your activities. The carrier comparison module for instance makes it possible for you to (automatically) select a carrier based on various criteria, like prices, service and performance. You’ll be able to send out a request for transport within minutes. The chosen carrier(s) on their hand have the possibility to either accept, decline or counteroffer your request for transport. This applies for all possible modalities; e.g. road, rail, sea and air. Through the consolidation module you can set-up transports containing various orders and drop-off location before you request it to be transported, increasing efficiency and lower overall transport costs. All data is saved in one central system, allowing you to match the costs with the actual invoice afterward.
By using a TMS specifically designed for production companies and shippers, enables you to transform, digitalize and optimize your outbound processes in an accessible way. The use of a TMS will increase efficiency, lower costs, save time and create overview and detailed insight into your logistics processes.
Want to know more about TMS advantages and functionalities? Request the TMS leaflet!
Take control with the Transport Management System in addition to your existing ERP system.
Points of attention for shippers
Much research has gone into digitalizating the logistics process of production companies. This research shows that many shippers are willing to invest in their supply chain. Key points of attention are: supply chain visibility, analysis options and supply chain system integration.
Supply Chain Visibility
Knowing where your products and goods are, and setting expectations as to when they’ll arrive at sight or customer’s sight is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of the Supply Chain Visibility is finding ways to improve the chain by sharing available data with other parties within the chain. The TMS designed for manufacturers and shippers created by Adaption offers you various options to do so. The TMS for shippers also contains an incident or non-conformity module. When actuals differ from plans within the logistics process the system identifies the deviation based upon pre-set business rules and automatically creates “an incident”. The incident can be automatically or manually shared with applicable parties upon with they themselves can undertake the necessary actions. This creates insight in performance and insight in way to improve your supply chain.
Analysis options
After collecting and analyzing data, founded decisions can be made. Data can be displayed in a management dashboard, which gives a complete overview of all actual statuses within the various aspects of the supply chain recorded within your TMS. The users can set up parameters personalize the dashboards by selecting data that is relevant for them. The Adaption TMS also offers users the option of extracting and downloading data from the system through export of for instance .CSV or Excel files would they wish to analyze the data through other software.
Supply Chain system integration
System integration can accomplished with the TMS for shippers and in combination with other chain partners. There are in general two integration options to distinguish:
1. Integration with external software
2. Integration with chain partners
Integration with external software
The TMS for shippers offers various options to integrate with external software parties. We provide the possibility of one- or two-way communication between our TMS for shippers and external software. Whatever data from whatever software you’d like fed into your TMS; all is possible. Of course, this also applies the other way around, something which would come in handy for e.g. an upload of financial data into your financial software. Integrating all software and enabling data-exchanges increases the efficiency and creates a clear insight in all collected data.
Integration with chain partners
Chain partners can easily be given access to the TMS. By using web portals it is possible for customers, suppliers and transporters to access the software, so they can access and enter data where needed (e.g. reserving a time-slot or uploading transport documents). Communication is made easier and separate, unnecessary e-mail communication is prevented.
Download the TMS leaflet:
Want to know more about the Transport Management Software for manufacturers and shippers? Download the TMS leaflet!
Shipper TMS functionalities
Rates Calculator
Compare Rates
Activity overviewsDossier Management
Portals for chain partnersManagement Reports
Dockplanning
Extensive integration options
Give your customers that bit extra
With growing competition, service is becoming an increasingly important in manufacturing industry. Providing quality service makes it possible for you to distinguish from your competitors and adding value to your products and customer. In practice, B2B customers aim to be treated like B2C customers. They’ve become more demanding and expect supplier to go the extra mile when it comes to providing service. The TMS for shippers provides you with an excellent tool to do so. The customer portal for instance provides them with full insight into the logistics processes linked to them and gives them the option towards adding data their selves.
TMS in the Cloud
The Transport Management System developed for shippers is a cloud-based solution accessible at any location and any supported device. Not only are users guaranteed to have 24/7 access to the application, also your customers and other partners will be able to log in to the system at all times using the Customer and Supplier Portals.
More Advice?
Are you looking for a Transport Management System? Please do not hesitate to contact us through the form on the right! We’ll be happy to list of all your needs and provide you with a matching solutions.
Why Adaption?
Quality
Quality comes first, our software is only released when it meets our high quality standards.
Safe & Reliable
Our software is greatly secured. According to GlobalSign, our software is secured A+, one of the highest ratings.
Bug free
Our software is continuously tested and improved to prevent bugs.
Periodic updates
Using our software you are guaranteed care- and cost-free periodic updates!