In the modern supply chain, complexity exists in every function. Even traditional back-office processes, such as freight settlement, may benefit from the inclusion of transportation management system automation.
It’s imperative for modern supply chain managers to understand why automation in TMS functions has such a significant return on investment.
Let’s take a closer look at the level of problems within existing logistics platforms, how automated functionality within a transportation management system creates efficient operations, and a few best practices for deploying automated processes in the platform itself.
What’s Wrong With the Level of Functions in Existing Logistics Platforms?
Functions of Transportation Management System Automation for Some—Not All—Operations
The ability to deploy transportation management system automation for core functions within the organization is a competitive advantage.
Key Deployment Opportunities for Automated Processes in the System of Record, the TMS
- Automate the process of conducting driver check calls with real-time visibility technology to have on-demand access to the status and location of a shipment.
- Real-time document sharing to reduce confusion and embrace contactless freight management.
- Improved route optimization that considers changing conditions on the road and provides a strategic approach to multimodal shipping.
- Increased use of automated notifications to improve collaboration around exception management.
- Less stress in tendering shipments based on flexible rulesets that automate previously manual, error-prone keying of shipment information into the TMS.
- Access to freight market information to make better decisions on when to consolidate or deconsolidate loads to reduce cost per hundred-weight or cost per mile of freight moves.
- Utilizing robotics process automation for freight invoice auditing and settlement processes.