Transportation management systems (TMSs) are changing the way shippers manage their warehouses and fulfillment centers. Between advanced automation and enhanced supply chain visibility, this logistics technology offers tremendous opportunities to increase warehouse efficiency and smooth processes like inventory management, order fulfillment, and even route selection.
At a time of increased expectations for digital efficiencies—as well as next-day delivery—TMSs cut out tedious manual tasks for warehouse teams and provide real-time tracking to support informed logistics decisions.
The value of automation, analysis, and visibility in warehouse processes
- Lower labor costs
For many companies, labor costs are among their highest expenses. A TMS can significantly reduce this spending by helping warehouse teams to do more with less—simultaneously increasing warehouse efficiency and revenue.
A TMS automates many labor-intensive processes associated with warehouse operations, such as routing, load tendering, and document storage. This automation cuts down manual tasks for warehouse workers and allows them to focus on more strategic goals, such as expanding the company’s customer base. A TMS can even consolidate shipments based on size, weight, end destination, and loading requirements, further cutting costs.
Additionally, TMS solutions often have a fully supported implementation process to get shippers up and running quickly. An investment in CTSI-Global’s Honeybee™ TMS always includes a collaborative and personalized implementation—from testing to shipper training—to help teams identify their pain points and integrate with a system customized to their needs.
- Accelerate order fulfillment
With the help of a TMS, warehouses can optimize order fulfillment decisions and reach their desired speed, accuracy, and cost and warehouse efficiency. TMSs help shippers avoid mistakes and maintain a reputation for high-quality service by providing fewer opportunities for human error and an overall faster process.
At the beginning of the order process, a TMS assigns the freight a pre-vetted carrier, shipment number, delivery date, and shipping costs. It confirms that the chosen carrier meets all shipment requirements, including any special equipment, and then creates and stores a digital bill of lading. These functions allow warehouses to deliver on customers’ expectations for timely delivery and build strong, long-term relationships.
- Optimize inventory and shipment visibility
Keeping an accurate account of inventory ensures warehouses large and small always have enough stock to fulfill incoming orders. A TMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels—as well as past and current orders—through one centralized platform. It can also integrate with many warehouse management systems (WMSs), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and order management software for seamless inventory and order oversight across warehouse workers’ most useful tools.
TMS visibility even goes beyond the initial order management stage through in-transit tracking and automated exception alerts, so shippers can stay proactive and keep an eye out for disruptions. With a customized tracking panel, warehouse workers can also view any ongoing carrier claims to see when they need to ship replacement orders for damaged cargo.
Refresh warehouse efficiency with updated logistics technology
Faster warehouses means closer customer relationships and agile pivots in a world of supply chain volatility, cargo damage risks, and port bottlenecks. Through strategic automation and full oversight, CTSI-Global’s Honeybee™ TMS makes this transformation possible by boosting warehouse efficiency—whether shippers have one centralized facility or several regional centers across the globe.
Give your warehouses the tools to deliver digital efficiencies. Contact us today.
