Lifting the brakes on setting up a TMS Logistics

It is not always easy to embark on a transport management software installation project. Convincing people of the merits of the approach, accompanying internal and external teams through the change, removing operational and technological obstacles are among the main challenges to be taken up in the implementation of a Logistics TMS. Focus on the best practices to adopt.

Although the effectiveness of logistics TMS is no longer to be proven. Better collaboration with partners, reduction of the transport services purchase budget, efficiency gains, return on investment estimated between 5 and 10%. Their implementation still appears too often as complex, hindering its development on the French market. Concerned about the supposed investments in financial, human and organisational terms, shippers and transport companies are still struggling to make the transition to the implementation of this transport software, which is highly promising for their business.

Demonstrate the relevance of logistics TMS to its ecosystem

However, carriers, logisticians and supply chain actors are familiar with transport software such as Logitics TMS. On the other hand, managing directors, CEOs and board members are sometimes further away from these issues and underestimate the usefulness of this type of tool. In order to prove their interest, supply chain managers are more and more involved in the management of their company and have become strategic elements of its growth and development. They carry out a wide awareness work on the importance of digitalization of processes and in particular of the supply chain.

Another possibility of concrete proof of the interest of Logistics TMS is the launch of a Proof Of Concept (POC). This type of test allows the product to be tested in a simplified environment. As a lighter experimentation phase, the POC has a two-fold advantage: it demonstrates the usefulness of the software while reassuring users in the way the tool will integrate with the systems and their daily activities.

Convincing internally and externally

While the digitalization of the supply chain is becoming an increasingly widespread precept in the sector, in fact, many organizations have not yet initiated projects in this area. A study conducted by E.S.T. and DDS Logistics in 2016 showed that more than 43% of companies still use a spreadsheet to manage transport tenders.

Thus, once the top management is convinced and the project has been initiated, the internal users still need to be trained in the operation of the Logistics TMS. Training, workshops to get to grips with the tool, there are many ways of learning. To do this, the company must be able to rely on an involved, competent and educational project team. Making an initial version of the application available to the teams, configured according to their needs, also allows them to enter into a first phase of appropriation. Subsequently, web supports, videos or even physical training can be set up to facilitate the handling of Logistics TMS.

On the external side, training and presentation sessions, dedicated days, can be organised at different stages of the project, in order to explain in a transparent and clear way the evolutions that will occur in the relationship between the service providers and the client.

From the publisher to the partner: the importance of support in the implementation of a Logistics TMS

The offer in terms of Logistics TMS on the French market is rich. Once the needs have been identified and the solutions evaluated according to their functionalities and price. It is therefore advisable to choose the editor according to its ability to provide a tool that is easy to use and to support its customers in the change management involved in setting up a Logistics TMS.

Top management, internal employees, transport partners… Depending on the profiles, expectations and needs vary. A project manager with an agile stance and discourse will help you to respond to each of these issues. At DDS Logistics, whether you opt for our DDS Shipper TMS, its lighter version Shipper Light or a collaborative platform such as Join2ship, our teams will be at your service throughout your transport optimization project.