Deciding to put a transportation management system (TMS) into place can significantly improve response time and adaptability within the supply chain. And now is the time for investment so you can begin TMS onboarding as soon as possible.
According to Supply & Demand Chain Executive, “e-commerce (66%) grocery, food and beverage (59%) and logistics (55%) industries are most willing to invest more in automation.”
That’s partially due to how managers can more efficiently respond to changes within the supply chain, and both small and large disruptions can be more easily addressed. Unfortunately, the process of TMS onboarding can be among the most prominent obstacles shippers and carriers encounter.
However, supply chain teams that work to understand the ins and outs of TMS onboarding and how to manage the process can get up and running quickly to build better customer service levels.
The Problem of Poor Planning and Implementation of TMS Platforms
Choosing to embrace technology and modernize the supply chain with an updated platform is a step in the right direction. However, the process of TMS onboarding is a critical part of maximizing efficiency and ensuring a smooth transition.
Without proper planning, foresight, and preparation, the entire network can be faced with disruptions, higher freight costs, and issues during this adjustment period. Ensuring everyone is on the same page and understands what will happen and why is a critical first step.
Missed loads, inadequate service, delays in communication, poor decision making, costly errors, and lost profits are likely to happen without good planning and robust implementation of the transportation management system setup.
Calculate your potential Saving Using an enterprise TMS
Essential Resources Needed to Ensure Smooth TMS Onboarding and Implementation
To ensure a smooth transition during the TMS onboarding process, some essential resources are needed. Ensuring managers and team members have the right resources available help make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are the must-haves for successful TMS onboarding:
- Adequately trained staff that understand how to use the new TMS platform and what its benefits are.
- New and updated core configured dashboards that can handle the data and analytics needed.
- Access to professional and around-the-clock support for issues that may arise during onboarding despite every day or disrupted supply chain issues.
- A firm budget plan and adequate funding to cover costs for proper training and hands-on learning.
- Plans for enough time to train workers and catch customers up with the changes and what it means.
Benefits of Transportation Management Systems and Automation
- Faster communication between parties and team members.
- Better collaboration and improved adaptability along the supply chain.
- Improved response and decision-making when dealing with disruptions.
- More efficient teams and better utilization of resources.
- Higher profit margins and lower fees, and fewer expenses.
- Access to real-time data, faster analytics, and on-demand recall.
This is why TMS onboarding remains critical for the supply chain upgrade process with so much at stake.
Download our infographic to see the Top 10 Benefits of Supply Chain Automation.
Embrace Automation and Innovation With TMS Onboarding From MercuryGate
The most successful TMS onboarding campaigns prepare everyone involved and prepare for possible issues and problems along the way. Keeping up with the times and embracing innovations is what separated successful shippers from those struggling to survive. Get the best transportation management system you can.
