In today’s rapidly evolving climate, a growing number of shippers have turned to customized transportation management systems (TMSs) to tackle unexpected supply chain challenges. Beyond broad, long-standing hurdles—including driver shortages, rising fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainties, and growing consumer demand—shippers must contend with internal problems, such as siloed systems and invoicing hiccups.
Many of these setbacks, especially at the shipper level, stem from poor visibility, minimal data, and inefficient technology. With a customized TMS system, shippers can reap all the benefits of a standard TMS while honing in on their most granular needs, producing even greater resilience and agility—as well as happier customers.
Tailored implementation meets specific time-related needs
For most shippers, a TMS is a must-have. After all, its many benefits—from real-time visibility to customizable carrier selection—are essential for teams juggling record digitization pressures, demand, and supply chain complexities.
But when it comes to more specific factors, not every TMS can keep up. Some shippers may not need—and might even avoid—a mass TMS roll-out, whether due to warehouse capacity, conflicts with existing technology, or financial concerns. Instead, they may choose to begin with a single warehouse implementation, expanding roll-out only when necessary or feasible. Customized TMS systems, such as CTSI-Global’s Honeybee™ TMS, give shippers the flexibility and time to adopt transformative technology at their own pace.
Custom capabilities maximize technological efficiencies
Following implementation, shippers must determine how to make the most of their new TMS. How can TMSs best support heavier shipments? What about season-by-season carrier routes?
Customized TMS systems can easily accommodate shippers of all backgrounds—even those with granular or fluctuating needs. Some shippers may work primarily with small parcels or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, while others might regularly ship heavyweight packages by plane. By adapting their systems to their unique business—leveraging a TMS exclusively for outbound or inbound shipments, for example—shippers can maximize their return on investment.
Customized TMS systems turbocharge efficiency over time
When it comes to customization, some shippers may not know where to begin. After all, the best results come from informed decisions—data, visibility, and clear documentation are essential.
By automating crucial data collection with a TMS, shippers can enjoy speedy, thorough performance evaluations and cost-effective decision-making. By examining carrier efficiency and costs, general spend, and shipment accuracy over time, shippers can identify patterns, narrow down their most pressing priorities, and tailor their TMS capabilities accordingly.
On a broader level, customized TMS systems also enable shippers to make the most of their logistics partnerships. For disparate organization-wide needs, many shippers manage multiple relationships: they may work with one partner for TMS-related needs, another for freight audit and payment (FAP) solutions, and yet another for business intelligence (BI) analytics. A tailored TMS can make an apt addition to existing systems, efficiently filling gaps in internal workflows.
Open the door to faster, more personalized technology
It’s no secret that a TMS can jump-start digital transformation. But for more distinct needs and growth objectives, customization can make all the difference—especially in the face of unanticipated setbacks.
With a customized system like Honeybee™ TMS, shippers can take control of their most valuable technological asset. Instead of scrambling to keep up with one-size-fits-all functionalities, shippers can let their TMS work for them—all at their own pace, with their needs at the forefront.
Contact CTSI-Global today to start leveraging logistics software crafted for your needs.
