Transportation Management System (TMS) is one of the most versatile solutions for the automation of transport logistics. What is the system and which capacity does it offer for the transport industry? Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
Automation of work with TMS: key processes
The TMS solution is suitable for manufacturing, distribution, transport companies, postal operators, courier services and other companies whose activities are related to the need to regularly transport or send different goods.
The transportation management system is designed to fully robotize the logistics processes in the company that are related with the organization of deliveries. The program is used to plan transportation and estimate cargo, select the most suitable route and carrier, manage invoices, payments and other stages of work.
- Planning. TMS selects the most efficient route schemes, also taking into account the cost of transportation, the number of vehicles that will be used, the required number of stops along the way, etc.
- Transportation. TMS allows managers to track the cargo delivery process in real-time. The system fully automates the work of the dispatcher and controls the movement of cargo using the GIS service.
- Maintains. For example, the delivery of goods must be made by multiple types of transport: first by car, then by train, plane or ship. In this case, during the transportation process, you will need to interact with additional services: customs or port. In this situation, TMS solution helps to automate the paperwork and communication with all participants of the transportation process.
- Calculations. The Transportation Management System automates all the calculation processes that are required for the carriage of goods. These include invoices, payments, optimal cargo losses, control of balances, calculation of fuel consumption rates and other data. The most efficient operation will be achieved by integrating the TMS in the warehouse management system.
Benefits of a cloud solution
Transport automation systems would be roughly divided into categories such as: installation and cloud. Installation TMS solutions require significant financial costs for the purchase of server hardware, licenses, technical support and integration of the system with enterprise workflows.
Cloud solutions allow you to save financial resources and time. Because the costs provide for a low monthly payment, and you can start working almost immediately. All employees of the company get quick access to the system, which allows them to easily make changes and respond to them online.
In addition, there are many cloud solutions for integrated logistics management on the market today. Their joint use enables all participants in the supply chain to receive information in real-time and manage current business processes
