Logistics management relies heavily on efficient supply chain integration and organization of transportation management systems and related tools and platforms. This is especially important as supply chain and transportation visibility remain a critical aspect of modern supply chain management.
Whether the focus is on contract rates or spot rates, the spot versus contract rate increases for this time of year compared to 2020 are well worth tracking. As highlighted by DAT, spot load posts have seen an increase of more than 40% compared to the same time last year. This is just one example where, with the gradual reopening of local markets and economies, logistics integration facilitates much clearer visibility to costs and activities across your transportation network.
Through proper integration with the TMS you can access that visibility and use it to improve operations throughout your entire supply chain.
What is Supply Chain Integration?
Supply chain and logistics integration connect parties to share data through all planning, execution, and completion of routine operations. It also allows for faster collaboration and smart decision-making when disruptions and issues arise anywhere within the supply chain network.
How Supply Chain Integration Leads to Better Transportation Management
An omnimodal TMS setup with integrations across the supply chain demonstrates the internal and external value of data-driven decision-making and transportation management:
- Faster response times to customer inquiries or complaints.
- Better access to data and real-time analysis.
- Regular collaborative opportunities for supply chain team members.
- Tailored integration platforms and tech stacks.
- Routine communications and management updates.
Consolidated Shipment Visibility through Supply Chain Integration
Consolidated shipment visibility capitalizes on integration of all the supply chain data needed for proper visibility and insight into a single easy-to-use platform. This supply chain strategy opens the door for many use options, including these core areas:
- Quote Estimate Rates Versus Actual Costs
- Logistic integration with one simple platform makes it easier for managers to see which shipments stayed within or under budget and which ones landed outside budgeted guidelines.
- Buy Rates and Costs Versus Sell Rates for Shipments
- Increase opportunities for inventory management and greater efficiency with inventory management services to keep supply lanes lean and cost-effective.
- Order Information and Data Points Checked for Errors and Omissions
- Proper onboarding and integration of TMS platforms make it easier to see all key order data and information such as origin point, final destination, shipping lane, and cost parameters.
- Integrated, Digital, On-Demand Management of Documents and Records
- Quickly and easily view all current documentation, signatures, notifications, and invoices for all shipments online, within the same platform that allows for on-demand access and sharing.
- Real-Time Shipment Status and Push Notifications
- Increase track and trace competencies with real-time notices and updates powered by digital push notifications and electronic integration with API-driven carrier connections.
Supply chain optimization and logistics integration ensure that all team members and third parties have access to accurate and reliable data and statistics anytime and anywhere. Real-time data can and should be shared through all planning, recording, delivering, and optimizing processes. Stable supply chain integration also allows for faster collaboration and smart decisions to keep the supply chain network strong, despite any disruptions or deviations.
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Leverage a Single Source of Truth
The success of the modern supply chain also greatly relies on its use of digital tools and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) platforms. Digitization in the supply chain network today is critical for continued growth and success.
Supply chain and logistics integration make it easier to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Dependable integration also allows for faster collaboration and smarter decision-making, even in volatile markets.
Download our case study on how a single data source can help your company consolidate visibility.
