This article examines the TMS buying process and the logistics partnership developing between Caliber.global and MercuryGate.
Caliber.global has been at the forefront of global construction materials and equipment logistics since 2004, offering a unique blend of project management and logistics expertise. The introduction of the Tract® platform in 2015 marked a significant evolution, providing unparalleled real-time visibility and control over logistics operations. However, as Caliber.global set its sights on international expansion, the need for an advanced Transportation Management System (TMS) became evident.
Let’s explore the TMS buying process and how the logistics partnership evolved.
Building vs. Buying a TMS
Caliber.global weighed the costs and complexities of developing a proprietary TMS against investing in an existing, market-proven solution. As a developer of transportation software and its proprietary control tower solution, Tract, the prospect of diverting focus from optimizing their current platform to embarking on a potentially costly and time-consuming software development project was not appealing. The risks associated with DIY software development include underestimating the cost of ownership and challenges in maintaining and upgrading software over time.
Pragmatic considerations drove the decision to buy rather than build. Opting for an existing TMS solution allowed Caliber.global to leverage industry expertise and avoid the pitfalls of internal software projects, which often face delays and budget overruns and can result in a product that falls short of evolving business needs.
Furthermore, the need for a solution that could deliver immediate business value was underscored by the required capabilities that included:
- Integrate seamlessly with the operational control tower.
- Handle multimodal bookings.
- Offer dynamic route optimization.
- Support international operations with compatibility across global offices, tax laws, regulations and currencies.
Narrowing the Field of Potential TMS Partnerships
During the evaluation phase, Caliber.global participated in demonstrations that were pivotal in the selection process. These software demonstrations were instrumental in determining which logistics partnership could communicate value and demonstrate it effectively.
Caliber.global’s Strategic Integration with MercuryGate TMS
Caliber.global’s Tract operational control tower was enhanced by the influx of comprehensive data facilitated by MercuryGate TMS. The synergy between the two systems enabled a seamless exchange of crucial information, including milestones, documents, and financial data. This integration ensures that Caliber.global customers enjoy unparalleled access to real-time shipment status visibility directly from the source, courtesy of the freight rate index feature and the automated route optimization capabilities unique to MercuryGate. The Tract control tower system’s full integration with MercuryGate TMS elevates visibility and offers real-time data from initial purchase orders through shipment to final delivery.
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A Logistics Partnership Delivering the Total Package
This logistics partnership between Caliber.global and MercuryGate underscores the pivotal role of technology in modern supply chain management. It highlights the broader implications for the logistics industry, suggesting how businesses can leverage TMS to enhance their operations and service offerings.
Discover more about Caliber.global’s journey and the impact of MercuryGate’s TMS on their operations. Explore the detailed case study.
