Transportation management systems (TMS) have been on the market for years. But some shippers have chosen not to implement one, for a variety of reasons. Yet they also come to a point where a TMS becomes more relevant to their business. In other cases, an existing TMS simply cannot handle the demands of e-commerce, global shipping, and other complex moves. That’s where switching providers or kickstarting a using a TMS RFP template process can begin.
Ensuring the TMS RFP meets the shipper’s business needs remains the most critical aspect of the selection process. Asking the right questions eases any barriers during the TMS selection and implementation process. Preparation and education are essential to make that informed choice.
Top challenges in a TMS RFP
Not asking the right TMS RFP questions can leave shippers on the wrong end of an informed choice. For instance, can the TMS handle international, multiple modes, including last-mile delivery management? Typically, it’s not enough to simply handle a single shipping mode or just enable e-commerce.
More than just the basics need to be explored at the very beginning of the TMS RFP. Naming the shipper’s priorities, selecting program features, and integrating with other existing operational systems should be at the top of the list.
Why a Technology Partner Is Critical to Promoting a Faster RFP
Top Considerations When Going Through the TMS RFP
Asking the right TMS RFP questions was referenced above, but there are other things to consider when crafting the perfect RFP for your TMS or any other system.
Much like the RFP process for onboarding a new carrier, it is essential to consider all aspects of the business.
- How will success be measured?
- Is your business looking to add new carriers or reduce the number you currently have?
- What type of savings are you expecting?
Tips for a Successful TMS RFP
It’s beneficial to have a few tips to power through the RFP successfully. These include:
- Understand the Operation — No matter the size of the business, a complete understanding of logistics processes provides the foundation needed to decide the right TMS to meet your business needs.
- Understand Goals — Naming company goals will assist in asking the right questions when the TMS RFP is at the beginning stages. A list of “must-haves” will help identify relevant features. Discuss ROI and specific benefits of the TMS and how it will integrate with existing systems, including the ease of use of the TMS.
- Understand the Market — Research TMS vendors and ensure each system considered offers the features necessary to meet each goal that has been identified.
- Understand the TMS Selected — When the TMS list is narrowed down, ensure a thorough evaluation is completed, checking off everything on the original list of questions/needs.
- Partner with the TMS Vendor — When shipper research has been completed, and the TMS RFP has been polished, ensure the choice is a solid one by utilizing the TMS vendor as a partner to establish support protocols, especially concerning capabilities, such as digital freight matching (DFM) and last-mile optimization.
Bolster Your Strategic Position With Help From Your TMS Implementation Team
When the time comes to craft the perfect TMS RFP for any sized shipping operation, the key to a speedy implementation lies in choosing a real partner and solution that will streamline all onboarding, training, development, and ongoing maintenance of the system.
MercuryGate will ensure all the right questions are asked, and all challenges are overcome, so the shipper or logistics service provider makes the best decision for the right TMS.
Need more help as you navigate the RFP process? Download our TMS Journey eBook below.
