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Maximizing ROI with Transportation Management Software: Understanding Features and Benefits

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Maximizing ROI with Transportation Management Software: Understanding Features and Benefits

The post-COVID world of logistics and supply chains has seen drastic changes. Keeping those in mind, you are probably no stranger to the constant evolution of transportation management software (TMS) and its impact. These days, supply chain businesses are pushing the boundaries of their freight networks with the help of some seriously advanced TMS software. Studies have showcased that Best transportation management Software features can give you an 8% return on investment (ROI), but hold on tight because the right software could go above and beyond that.

Speaking of savings, here’s a stat: Transportation management solution features have been known to reduce the time spent on tracking and tracing inquiries by a whopping 60%! Now, that’s some serious efficiency right there.

As we sail through changing times, with e-commerce booming left and right, the pressure’s on for retailers and supply chain leaders to up their game. And that’s not all – we’ve got sustainability in the spotlight too.

There are new government schemes that are passed with talks about electric vehicles and charging stations buzzing around. We are surely in for a wild ride that will ensure smoother operations in the supply chain. So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s all about strategic supply chain management. You’ve got transportation management software in your corner, but here’s the catch – it’s only as good as the magic it weaves through its features. 

Adapting to multi-route delivery: Can you guess what’s the most preferred TMS functionality for users? Its predictive estimated time of arrival (ETA). Without ETA knowledge, your delivery operations can become daunting. We’re talking about upset customers, restocking delays, and the whole downward spiral of operations. Every move matters, especially when you’ve got deliveries and pickups spread along the route. A transportation management system helps you find the most fuel-efficient paths, lowering operation costs by 25-30% annually.

Fewer miles = Lesser spend on fuel = Cost Saving = Rise in ROI

Unleashing the power of data analytics: The use of data is crucial to enhance ROI using TMS. It helps you access performance data like the use of owned-fleet vs outsourced fleet. Find bottlenecks in operations, details related to delivery operations, inventory management, and more. When you make decisions based on data, you can be assured of raising above your targets. 

Data Analytics = Cost-effective decisions = Optimized Processes = Better ROI

Automating delivery management: Finding the right balance between shippers and carriers is essential for seamless logistics operations. Ensure maximum capacity storage for shippers. While carriers ensure maximum deliveries are completed with minimum fleet requirements. The use of automated delivery management helps to adapt to current trends and fluctuating economic conditions. Additionally, transportation management software helps with compliance and documentation. This helps avoid penalties due to missing or expired documents and reduces manual paperwork that complies with enhanced ROI.

Maximum Storage Capacity = Lower Fleet Utilization = Rising ROI

Streamlining last mile operations: The use of a modern and advanced TMS ensures a plan to avoid disruptions and sail through any issues that may arise.  With a transportation management system and real-time visibility, you’ve got the tools to smooth out those last-mile wrinkles. The result? It improves delivery times, results in happier clients, and boosts ROI. This helps the leaders to boost the efficiency of last-mile operations.

Real-time Visibility = Improved Delivery Time = Happier Customers = Boost ROI

Planning for order returns: Delivering the parcel to the customer’s doorstep is not the end of the customer’s life cycle. Managing order returns is another headache that most companies fail to optimize. The use of modern transportation management software can reduce annual order return costs by up to 5%. In a world of ever-shifting markets, communication is the glue holding it all together. Add real-time alerts and notifications to the mix and ensure streamlined operations to enhance your ROI.

From the first mile to savings on order returns, it’s a data-driven symphony that’s transforming the supply chain game. The use of advanced TMS functions helps improve throughput and efficiency while deriving a stronger ROI. A transportation management system will not only streamline operations but helps improve ROI to new heights, leading your business to scale uncharted heights.

Summary

This blog focuses on key features and benefits offered by transportation management software. The benefits are tied up with the key metric C-level executives look for when purchasing any logistics software- Improved ROI. 

Author Bio

Matt Murdock works for a leading SAAS-based platform called LogiNext Solutions. Where he helps businesses optimize their logistics operations and improve their delivery performance. With a passion for innovation and technology, Matt is always looking for new ways to streamline logistics processes and enhance customer experiences. In his free time, he enjoys writing blogs based on his experience in the logistics industry. Happy reading!

 

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Top 5 Benefits Of Choosing The Best Transportation Management Software To Improve Business KPIs

As the orders placed by customers keep rising, the need for the best transportation management software (TMS) is still present. In today’s age, efficiency, and customer satisfaction are the top priorities most businesses are looking for. The use of a reliable transportation management system will be crucial to propel your business to newer heights. Let’s break down the top five benefits of choosing the best TMS for your meet business KPIs.

  1. Better Customer Service: Do you recall the time when we used to pace by the door, impatiently waiting for the order to reach your home? Well, these would be history if you can choose the right transportation management software. Studies show that businesses utilizing an efficient TMS experienced a remarkable improvement in on-time delivery, reducing delays by up to 35%. Imagine the smiles on your customers’ faces when their orders arrive promptly, leading to increased trust and loyalty. A happy customer will lead to a returning customer, meaning increased revenue.
  2. Tracking Deliveries: We all have experienced the anxiety of wondering where our package is and when it will arrive. The same is for your customers when they can’t track their orders. By implementing the best transportation management system, you can easily remove these hurdles. TMS-equipped businesses reported an impressive 60% reduction in “Where’s my order?” calls. That’s right – real-time tracking allows both you and your customers to monitor shipments, giving everyone peace of mind and reducing unnecessary inquiries.
  3. Supply Chain Visibility: Ask any dispatcher, “What does he need as a wish to streamline logistics?” Almost 87% have stated the need for a crystal ball to offer real-time visibility of the goods. Well, C-level executives cannot offer them a crystal ball but offer the next best solution- Transportation Management Software. More than 73% of companies have switched to the use of a TMS to enhance their supply chain visibility. This bird’s-eye view allows you to spot bottlenecks, optimize routes, and make informed decisions, leading to a smoother and more efficient supply chain. 

  4. Accurate Order Fulfillment: Have you ever faced incorrect order delivery due to manual error? It’s frustrating for both- The dispatcher and the end customer. The best transportation management system will offer 99% order fulfillment. By automating processes like inventory management, and order assignment, you can significantly reduce manual errors, resulting in happier customers and lower returns. 
  5. Minimal Documentation: When surveying the most annoying part of logistics, there was a clear winner- Paperwork. The use of a TMS can significantly reduce documentation efforts by 45%. Automated data entry, electronic proof of delivery, and streamlined invoice processing help reduce documentation needs. Your team can bid farewell to mountains of paperwork and focus on more value-added tasks.

By choosing the best transportation management software for your business, you can guarantee improved logistics operations. Logistics operations should not just be focused on getting items delivered from point A to B. It’s about getting them delivered faster, safer, and with maximum customer satisfaction. Investing in a robust transportation management system will offer better customer service, track deliveries, streamline order fulfillment, enhance visibility, and reduce paperwork.

Summary

In this blog, we have stated the top 5 benefits of choosing the best transportation management software to help your business grow exponentially by meeting every KPI.

Author Bio

Matt Murdock works for a leading SAAS-based platform called LogiNext Solutions. Where he helps businesses optimize their logistics operations and improve their delivery performance. With a passion for innovation and technology, Matt is always looking for new ways to streamline logistics processes and enhance customer experiences. In his free time, he enjoys writing blogs based on his experience in the logistics industry. Happy reading!

 

R2 LOGISTICS: SETTING THE BAR HIGHER

In a market with increasing demand for disruptive technology and automated solutions, R2 Logistics understands not only how to create these solutions, but how to create the best version that exceeds customer expectations. The award-winning third-party logistics provider, which is known for its multi-dimensional variety of specialties from Managed Transportation, Full Truckload, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), to Expedited and Air Freight, Intermodal, Ocean and Specialized Hauling, boasts a TMS that takes operations one step further.

“Roughly 90 percent of companies with less than $250 million in revenue do not utilize a Transportation Management System today,” explains Frank Dreischarf, vice president of Supply Chain Solutions at R2 Logistics. “Our TMS is specifically designed to bring transparency, reporting, mode and carrier management to these customers. Many of these companies still operate off of paper routing guides and Excel spreadsheets with little to no KPI’s surrounding one of the largest line items on their P&L, freight.”

Additionally, R2 Logistics offers their TMS on any device, increasing visibility for their customers while removing all barriers. This feature is one of many that serves as a differentiator, setting the company apart from the others in the logistics sector. R2’s customers are assured they have the knowledge needed to understand every dollar coming in and going out, instantly.

“From Mode selection, quick quote capabilities, document retention and track and trace, R2’s TMS provides all of the functionality that you would expect from a cutting edge TMS,” Dreischarf says. “Where we really excel though is in taking the transportation data and presenting it in an automated way that helps to speed up the pace of decision-making while at the same time providing unparalleled transparency into a shipper’s transportation spend.”

Dreischarf adds: “With most other TMS systems, a customer can expect to receive freight bill payment data, and then it is up to the customer to hire an infrastructure of analysts to make sense of the data. R2’s TMS system is designed to automate much of that function, allowing shippers to concentrate their limited resources on managing their operations rather than worrying about collating data.”

Customers are always the focal point for R2 Logistics, from automation and transparency, to satisfaction and reputation. As identified in their 10 company principles, at No. 1 is to obsess over the customer while creating competitive advantage. From the early days as an expedite carrier for Tier 1 automotive manufacturing to the multi-dimensional company it is now, R2 has stuck to the core of the business: customers.

“In all things that we do, we consider the customer’s needs first,” Dreischarf says.  “We ask ourselves, ‘Will this benefit the customer? Does it eliminate a headache for them? What can we do to provide a better experience?’ If you are passionate about adding value to your customer and putting them first, it makes everything else easy. It was this beginning that drove our ‘Customer First’ and ‘Do it Now’ culture.”

As a solutions-based and results-oriented company, R2 understands quality comes from every part of a business and must start at the employee level. With a significant amount of concern looming over retaining competitive talent, R2 provides some insight to their success.

Dreischarf notes, “As we have continued to grow over the past decade, we knew we wanted to maintain that high service culture. We spend a significant amount of time on recruiting, training and developing our people to ensure that we hire individuals who have a passion for service and then have all the tools necessary to provide great service to our customers.”

For future goals and planning, R2 Logistics aims to stick with what works while creating innovative ways to exceed customer expectations and demands. As Dreischarf puts it, “Our short-term and long-term goals can best be summed up as ‘to continue to grow, add value to our customers and always be the best 3PL in the business.’”

 

Frank Dreischarf is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he dual majored in Operations Management as well as Transportation and Logistics. He started with R2 Logistics in 2017, when he filled the role of Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions. Frank has 20-plus years of distribution and supply chain experience, and has spent the past 10 years managing $200 million+ transportation spends. In his current role, Frank is responsible for developing and managing R2’s multi-modal and Supply Chain service offerings, which include: LTL, Reverse Logistics, inbound Supply Chain Logistics and Distribution, Intermodal and Final Mile Delivery. Frank believes logistics is a relationship-based business and the foundation for any successful relationship is integrity and trust. In his own words, “That means doing what you say you will do, always seeking to find and add value, and to treat others as you want to be treated.”