Very small businesses: how can you manage your supply chain with TMS software?

TMS software: definition

First of all, TMS stands for “Transport Management System”. It is a tool for managing and optimising the supply chain.

TMS software is designed to help manage and rationalise the transport process for companies of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

The TMS software adapts its functionalities to the specific needs of each business and to the needs intrinsic to the size of the company(VSE, SME/SMI, ETI, large group).

It helps you control flows, costs and lead times. It enables you to :

• manage the transport chain
• make savings on transport costs
• and improve service quality to satisfy customers.

TMS software is therefore an essential tool for efficiently transporting goods from shipper to recipient.

As a result, it’s the ideal solution for managing your logistics while boosting your performance.

This new technological tool will provide you with reliable assistance in managing your Supply Chain.

TMS software features

Successfully managing logistics with TMS software is essential.

However, managing your logistics with TMS software requires knowledge of how the tool in question works.

The basic functions of this software fall into four categories:

1. contribution to decision-making
2. operational monitoring
3. price control
4. and reporting.

1 Contribution to decision-making

First of all, the TMS software makes it easier to organise shipments and rounds, and to choose the right carrier according to a company’s requirements and rates.

It will then create the most appropriate structural plan to limit costs, while maintaining optimum quality.

2 Operational monitoring

From an operational point of view, the use of TMS software guarantees certain operations such as :

• transport planning
• chartering and appointment management
• load valuation,
• dock management
• immediate traceability of deliveries
• problem reporting,
• invoicing files,
• litigation.

Automating these tasks saves a considerable amount of time for small and medium-sized businesses, whose human resources are often limited.

Digitalisation also means that human resources can be refocused on the core business of your VSE or SME.

3 Controlling costs

Controlling costs with TMS software involves checking invoices and issuing pre-bills.

This means that, in all situations, the software can be used to manage financial risks. As a result, the use of TMS software is a real asset for both carriers and principals.

4 Reporting

Finally, reporting helps to collect data such as :

• number of shipments
• sales per service provider,
• compliance with delivery times
• and _CO2 emissions.

What’s more, the digital data appears on the user-friendly dashboard. It also contributes to optimised monitoring of all operations.

TMS software: how do they compare?

Study the advantages of different TMS software packages

More and more companies are turning to TMS software to simplify some of their day-to-day tasks.

TMS software is an intelligent tool with increasingly advanced functions. It offers considerable advantages. And its tools and ease of use are constantly improving.

At DDS, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our software.

Our Logistics Incubator is run by a team dedicated to finding innovative ideas and projects that will write the transport of tomorrow. Our developers have developed the first 100% free, no-obligation offer dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses.

However, to get the right TMS software for your needs, you need to compare products. The TMS software must meet the needs and challenges of your business.

Defining your needs

There is a wide range of TMS software on the market.

To ensure that your TMS software is suited to your business, you need to take the following criteria into account:

• your company size: small, medium or large – VSE / SME / ETI / Large group,
• your business sector: retail, mass distribution, industry, etc.
• your profession: carrier, shipper or forwarding agent,
• your types of flow: full truck loads, export, parcels, courier, international, sea, air, etc,
• your tracking requirements,
• carrier rates: the wide disparities and multi-currency rates are not taken into account by all TMS software,
• your expected degree of optimisation: in terms of kilometres travelled or service rate, for example,
• your expectations in terms of reducing emissions,
• your team: the choice of your TMS software will depend on their mastery of the processes and challenges of your business,
• your traceability requirements: data analysis and identification,
• the mobile application: some TMS software packages include a mobile application for improved real-time monitoring,
• or your capacity to invest time and money: free, modular solutions exist, like those from DDS.

If you have any questions about choosing your TMS software, DDS is here to help!

For your TMS software: what is the estimated ROI?

ROI stands for “return on investment”.

So when your company is considering installing logistics management software, it’s important to analyse the estimated ROI.

Whether it’s TMS or WMS software, the question of ROI always remains. It is essential to plan a payback period for a project such as this.

The ROI estimate must take into account the acquisition of the software and the cost of maintaining it.

However, in the long term, the project to digitise your company’s transport activities should not be put on the back burner. The benefits of a TMS solution are far from negligible.

Manage your goods flows accurately and efficiently with TMS software

Whether you’re an SME or a large group, your supply chain isn’t always efficient, and you’re wasting time and …. money!

Optimise your supply chain by controlling your logistics flows from A to Z.

TMS software is also for you! TMS software is an essential tool for simplifying and rationalising the management of your goods, whatever their destination.

A major advantage for small businesses: complete, centralised management

The TMS enables you to centralise and automate all your processes:

• real-time tracking of shipments. Keep an eye on the progress of your goods and be alerted in real time in the event of an incident or a change of route,
• Traceability. Optimise your stock management and ensure the safety of your products throughout the supply chain,
• Transport costing. Get accurate estimates and compare the different options to optimise your budget and cut costs,
• Choosing your transport provider. Select the most reliable carrier best suited to your needs
• automating tasks. Save time and reduce errors by automating document creation, delivery planning and order tracking.

A valuable ally for small and medium-sized businesses

The TMS offers many advantages for small and medium-sized businesses, including

• Improved visibility and control. Get a global view of your logistics flows and make more informed decisions,
• Major cost reductions. Optimise your routes, negotiate the best rates and benefit from better stock management,
• Save time and increase efficiency. Automate repetitive tasks and free up your teams to concentrate on added-value missions,
• improving customer satisfaction. Offer a reliable, responsive transport service that meets your customers’ requirements.

Managing logistics with TMS software: how do you go about it?

You enter the information that is essential for planning the transport operation.

This includes space-time information such as :

• countries and addresses
• references
• dates and times,
• loading and delivery sites.

You should also include invoicing information such as :

• weight
• dimensions
• type of goods
• the type of vehicle required
• and safety parameters.

All the information referenced in the software must, of course, take account of customer requirements.

VSEs/SMEs: a 100% free, no-obligation offer, tailored to your specific needs and small workforce

There is a wide range of TMS software on the market today, offering a variety of functions and prices.

It’s important to choose a solution that suits the size of your business, your specific needs and your budget!

So as not to add to your expenses, the DDS experts have developed the first 100% free, no-obligation offer on the market.