Selecting the right technology for any business need is a challenge. In a period of rapid digital innovation, companies are faced with the difficult task of weighing software advantages and determining which is the best fit for their specific requirements and budget. When it comes to choosing a transportation management system (TMS), the dilemma is no different. With a variety of TMSs available—each with different features, pricing, and other characteristics—the choice between platforms can be overwhelming.
Whether a shipper’s supply chains stretch across one region or the globe, TMSs are essential for efficient operations: they boost visibility; automate tasks; and accelerate carrier selections, event management, load optimization, and more. Where should shippers begin their software comparisons? By analyzing customization options, potential integrations, costs, and implementation support, shippers of all sizes and in all sectors can identify the right TMS for their business.
Look for a proprietary software provider—and say yes to customization
One of the first criteria shippers should look out for is whether a TMS provider is the software developer and owner, or simply a reseller. This question will indicate how much control the provider has over the software they’re selling—and how easily they’re able to customize the platform.
Resellers often come with a complex customization process, requiring time-consuming consultations with the third-party developer to make any changes to the system. In-house software providers, on the other hand, have complete control over their product’s strategic direction. For example, CTSI-Global can make tailored adjustments to the proprietary Honeybee TMS, including custom dashboards and tools that align exactly with customer needs. When shippers choose a proprietary TMS over a resale, customers can also enjoy an enhanced level of support directly from the company that configured their technology.
Determine whether the platform can integrate with other systems
Without integrations between systems, companies can find themselves with oversized, underused tech stacks, unable to make their systems work together. The best TMSs will integrate with other systems that contribute to seamless logistics processes, easing workflows across an organization and eliminating manual tasks.
For example, shippers can choose a TMS that integrates with their enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and freight audit and payment (FAP) services. These partnerships between software produce exponential efficiencies, increasing the value of each investment, facilitating collaboration, and speeding up invoicing and order management workflows.
Understand all associated costs
As with any new software investment, shippers must consider all of the costs that come with implementing a TMS to ensure they stay within their budget. TMS expenses typically include the following costs:
- System costs: These costs can include the price of implementation, such as an activation fee and hourly configuration fee, as well as a monthly subscription fee and third-party license fee. By choosing a proprietary TMS software like Honeybee TMS, shippers can work to customize their software package and pay for features that support their goals.
- Internal resources: Shippers will also need to expend internal resources for implementation, including support from IT and operations to adapt internal processes and systems. However, choosing a managed TMS can significantly lower these internal costs.
Consider implementation support and training offerings
Even the best logistics software is only as good as how well employees can use it. Shippers should choose a TMS platform that comes with implementation support, in-depth training for employees, and dedicated account representatives to smooth the rollout process and optimize their investment over time.
For example, Honeybee TMS implementations include a period of hyper-care after the go-live to iron out any wrinkles in the process. This period includes assigning the project priority engineering so customer tickets are quickly resolved.
The ideal TMS will also include tailored training that walks employees through essential functions that shippers can use to meet specific challenges. These instructions should be customized to the shipper’s industry, priorities, and different user roles. They may also come with follow-up resources for ongoing learning, such as how-to guides and recordings of training sessions, to ensure shippers can use their TMS to the fullest.
Choose a TMS that works with you
When it comes to TMS technology, shippers aren’t just selecting a platform that will meet their pressing supply chain needs. They’re picking out a system that will grow with their operation, meet evolving logistics challenges, and help them succeed for years to come. With live, tailored training and plentiful customization opportunities, Honeybee TMS is designed to make existing workflows more effective—and adapt with an expanding shipping business.
Don’t wait to start tapping into the benefits of robust logistics tech. Contact CTSI-Global to see how our proprietary TMS can align with your software and supply chain needs.
