Why it makes sense to combine a TMS with Supply Chain Management Systems
Many small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) piece together tools to manage different operations. But because these tools rarely integrate, data must be rekeyed into each system, introducing the potential for error, not to mention taxing personnel whose time is likely better spent helping your company to grow.
It’s possible to integrate all your operational supply chain systems – sourcing/procurement, supply chain execution, transportation management system (TMS), warehouse management system (WMS), and the like. This approach provides numerous benefits that will be especially important as you grow your business and it becomes more complex.
Let’s start by looking at how a TMS can pay off.
A TMS helps you mitigate transportation and operations risk by providing real-time data housed in a centralized location so designated employees can quickly gain a holistic view of operations. Because a TMS automates many administrative, safety, financial, and other tasks, it reduces the chance for data-entry errors, speeds up business decisions, lets you mine new opportunities, and improves and shortens distribution times. A new TMS will dramatically increase supply chain visibility since you will have access to real-time shipping information across modes, including ocean, rail, and even final-mile.
With all that power, you can easily manage orders and onboard customers. And you’ll foster easy collaboration between shippers, carriers, and brokers, to reduce costs and increase value as you proactively address issues before they become costly mistakes.
Carriers specifically benefit from using a TMS to help pinpoint network inefficiencies, track drivers, ID backhaul opportunities, and more readily connect with shippers and freight in their preferred lanes. Perhaps most importantly, they can quickly and proactively keep shipper customers informed.
TMS/WMS integration provides benefits like better planning to adjust to customer expectations, iterative optimization, and improvements across all your processes, improved labor scheduling and employee oversight, and more efficient warehouse organization. It also leads to more informed movements, optimized use of your fleet, and all resources required, including fuel and driver wages.
If you have any questions or want to know more, reach out to a BrillDog Executive by visiting brilldog.com.
