Transportation Management Software System Overview

The problems and opportunities of companies performing delivery are changing very quickly. To a considerable degree, the ability to perform most of the new requirements and to stay competitive in such a changeable business atmosphere depends on the technology platform used by a delivery company to support its daily business operations.

A transportation management software system (TMS) is a set of computer programs, applications, and modules that contribute to cooperation between a company's order management system (OMS), inventory management system, warehouse management system (WMS), store management system, or distribution center (DC) and help companies to manage and control the major transportation processes in a straightforward way.

Key business processes served by the transport management software system

• Planning and making decisions. – A comprehensive consideration and determination of all necessities for providing delivery by the most effective transport schemes in conformity with determined business parameters, including transport costs, large quantity ща multiple stops for the same time, shorter lead time, and others. The importance levels of parameters are designated by the company.
• Execution. – Effective management and monitoring of the delivery process via using computers and software management programs and other computerized systems that enable systematic sharing of data, including advanced shipment notices, carrier statuses, inventory levels, proof of delivery, and others. Monitoring and controlling the execution of transportation via connecting to multiple carriers.
• Dispatching – planning the day’s work of every delivery driver as well as the whole company (including, transportation) over the long run, adjusting the schedule as needed, including the emergency tickets, etc. 
• Tracking. – Traceability of transportation by every event: ordering, invoicing, shipping, customs clearance, arrival, etc.
• Procurement – using alternative pricing and reducing transportation costs via optimization of the delivery routes.
• Measurements. – Logistic key performance indicators such as on-time delivery; cost per different metrics like volume, weight, mileage, and other; dock to stock and others are decisive in estimating the efficiency of using the company's transport

The world today is filled with data; exchanging information and connections to data are necessary for the uninterrupted delivery of business running. Companies should invest in technologies that enable upgrading the business managing, controlling, and measuring solutions, including the transportation management system. The transportation management software system is helpful for companies performing the delivery of products or services as well as for individual professionals who manage distribution activities, delivery, or transportation.

Goals transportation management software should provide

• Reducing business costs via better route planning, load optimization, attracting more experienced workers, etc. 
• Improving accountability of the transportation process from purchasing to delivery. 
• Providing visibility of the full transportation chain.
• Performing the transportation process with greater flexibility. 
• Meeting the key requirements of the transportation execution. 
• Enabling the management and control of all aspects of the transportation process.
• Supporting every operation of the delivery process.
  
• Adapting the newest technologies to changing business needs. 

Functions provided by transportation management software vary from solution to solution, but the most commonly offered of them are:

• Transportation planning
• Scheduling and dispatching
• Route optimization
• Real-time transportation tracking
• Managing different kinds of transport and others.