Are you ready for a TMS demo? Do you know the questions to ask to see the capabilities your business needs?
Selecting a transportation management system (TMS) is a massive undertaking for an organization. Whether your company is implementing a TMS for the first time or seeking more functionality over an existing system, the process starts with your TMS RFP.
The first steps of a TMS RFP include examining current logistics operations, identifying clear goals for a TMS implementation, and selecting TMS providers with a proven track record of success to participate in the RFP.
TMS evaluation can be broken into two unique components:
- Qualifying questions to narrow down the provider search.
- TMS demonstration of specific capabilities.
What to Request in the TMS Demo
Show us your web services communication and tracking capabilities.
Maintaining shipping visibility throughout the supply chain is essential for proactive freight management. A TMS should give your transportation team the visibility it needs to resolve quickly and easily issues like delays, added costs, and billing problems.
- Supplier portal – Access order status updates across your supply chain in a single hub and keep everyone aligned.
- Carrier portal – Get real-time shipment updates via API or EDI to better manage delays and exceptions.
- Customer portal – Offer customers self-service options for better communication and streamlined processes.
- Electronic integration – Collect, analyze, and apply data across systems to gain valuable insight for continuous improvement.
Can we see a live TMS demonstration of parcel capabilities?
The rapid expansion of e-commerce and growing consumer expectations for last-mile delivery make parcel management a top TMS priority.
Look for transportation software solutions with native parcel capabilities that optimize parcel freight and support multi-carriers domestically and internationally. A TMS demo should show you daily functionalities like parcel carrier booking and label generation, as well as capabilities to optimize through load building and zone-skipping.
Demonstrate how invoicing works in the TMS demo.
A TMS should automate invoice processes by generating documents, matching invoices to loads, and using robotic process automation (RPA) to settle invoices without manual intervention. In the case of exceptions, the software should alert your team to take proper action, allowing them to focus solely on solving problems.
Show us the TMS capabilities for managing BOLs.
The bill of lading (BOL) is an essential document in freight invoice processing and financial settlement. The complex settlement process benefits from TMS capabilities to manage and store all shipping and proof of delivery documents in one centralized location.
Look for a TMS solution that supports verifiable shipping documents, searchable by PRO numbers and SCAC information, to make your electronic BOLs quickly accessible. Use these files in claims management, shipment monitoring, delivery verification, and any financial settlement functions. Easily accessing this transportation information in the TMS is essential.
Show us how the TMS supports compliance and governance.
Calculate your potential Saving While Using an enterprise TMS
Ready to Start Your TMS RFP Journey?
Launching a TMS RFP submission is no small feat, so starting with a comprehensive plan is important.
Download MercuryGate’s TMS Journey Buying Guide eBook today for more useful tips and guidelines at every stage of the process. Get a complete roadmap for your TMS journey and allow us the opportunity to support your decision.
When you’re ready to request a TMS demo, we offer an on-demand database of TMS capabilities and software demonstrations customized to your needs upon demo request.
