The request for proposal (RFP) process for a transportation management system (TMS) can appear challenging for unprepared shippers. However, assembling a list of freight and logistics requirements can improve the process.
Shippers that enter a TMS RFP equipped with a practical and specified list of logistics requirements will have higher chances of success. Before compiling your business’s logistics requirements, consider several key components. And these strategic approaches are part of the driving force behind increased TMS implementation and adoption rates.
Adoption is expanding rapidly and shippers need to start by taking the steps and considerations outlined below.
Identify What Is Lacking With Your Current Tech Stack
The first step in articulating your business’ critical freight and logistics requirements should depend upon the current tech stack. The current technology available determines the immediate needs for TMS.
Perhaps your business cannot properly track and manage freight, or perhaps there is a need for an improved user interface. The short of this: the critical freight and logistics requirements list will depend heavily on the current technology stack.
Each TMS offers different benefits and should shape to benefit your company according to what you prioritize. Knowing that information is critical to defining the right resources for use within your TMS onboarding process too.
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Identify the Logistics Requirements Available in Off-the-Shelf Solutions
With the current technology stack needs defined, the time for exploring TMS options has come. While systems can configure to fit your business in a tailored manner, these options take incredibly long to implement.
In contrast to these more tailored options, pre-configured systems can roll out on day one and require little-to-no integration or customization. This eliminates most of the headaches associated with TMS implementation. This option makes for a great choice, too, because pre-configured systems can still meet your critical freight and logistics requirements.
And paired with available TMS automation benefits within pre-configured systems, identifying which logistics requirements can be achieved through off-the-shelf solutions can save time and money.
Top Considerations for Building the Logistics Requirements List
There are several things to consider when assembling your critical freight and logistics requirements for TMS.
However, the importance of each of these aspects will vary based upon individual needs. Shippers that come prepared with internal insight into their needs will benefit the most.
- Needs from across all departments. Each department has internal needs, and these should certainly come into consideration.
- Ease of access to the system. An easy-to-use system has its value immediately apparent. This ensures minimal confusion when using the TMS.
- Ability to scale the system. Shippers looking toward growth should make sure that whatever TMS they choose can scale with them. This way, they will not need to transition to another TMS in the future.
- System downtime requirements that may impact throughput. System downtime can put a massive damper on throughput. Shippers that implement systems unprepared for system downtime run the risk of reducing their TMS efficiency rather than boosting it.
- How the system connects via EDI, API or another technology. The type of system connection will depend upon what other technology the TMS will interact with and the shipper’s expectations for the TMS.
- How often the vendor updates the system. The amount that a vendor updates their TMS indicates how often they work to optimize it.
Increase the Value in TMS Vetting and Selection by Partnering With MercuryGate
Shippers can alleviate pain associated with RFPs for TMS. Careful study and creation of a list of critical freight and logistics requirements based upon the shipper’s need ensure the RFP’s success.
For more assistance, be sure to consider this list of RFP questions to ask.
Increase the value of TMS vetting by working with an experienced logistic service provider like MercuryGate. Learn how to get started with your next selection and implementation.