Category Archives: Value Added Features

Top 3 Ways the Right Logistics Software Company Will Speed Up Your Business Growth

Let’s start with a to-the-point question today. Are you looking for ways to achieve sustained supply chain success? If yes, you must replace your “legacy supply chain management system” with modern logistics software. Do you know why? The right logistic system of the “right” logistics software company will help you solve existing challenges effortlessly, like addressing high operating costs, lower visibility, and poor data management. What else? It will streamline your logistic operations, enhance supply chain visibility, and boost the final return on investment. Remember, it doesn’t matter whether you own or operate a freight forwarding company, third-party logistics agency, or any other similar firm; a feature-rich logistics software is bound to fuel your business growth.  With that over, it’s time to look at some benefits logistics software company bring to your firm. So, let’s see: 

How does the advanced application by a leading logistics software company can help in your business growth?

 1. Build a better base

  Do you know what the best part of excellent logistic software is? They help you fix your internal organizational issues “along with” enabling you to enhance customer satisfaction and attract long-term loyalty. What’s more? Since legacy logistic systems lack user-centric features and functionalities, the modern logistic software puts the most vital “user experience” first. “To be specific,” if you use the mentioned logistic-oriented application for your business, you can easily leverage self-service tracking, higher visibility, push notifications, and real-time updates.  

2. Cut overall costs

Apart from all this, you must know that state-of-the-art logistics solutions reduce your overall operating costs by streamlining the data collection and application. For instance, this logistic system usually applies the collected data to the entire supply chain from warehouses and distribution facilities to freight agents, shippers, and many more associated companies.  Thus, if you “choose” an advanced logistic software solution over its conventional counterparts, it can help you limit total expenses by decreasing the consumption time to execute various inbound and outbound shipment processes.  

3. Eliminate critical errors  

Believe it or not, even the slightest error in the “supply chain management” matters. A case in point could be a tiny mistake in determining the warehouse stock levels, freight dimensions, or order picking. If this happens, the chances are high you will have to face the consequences like struggling to fill orders, find the “missing” stock, rushing to combine profit and revenue data, and whatnot.  Therefore, we recommend investing in tried-and-tested logistic management software featuring automated and electronic data storage and exchange systems. It will keep you rest assured about reduced error rates and increased operational output.  

Summing it-up  

We hope you learned how vital it is to use the virtual products of prominent logistics software firms if you own or operate a similar business. So, if you liked this content piece and want to know how much it will cost you to buy a user-friendly logistic application, give a ring to the most popular transportation software seller in India now. 

Top 5 Reasons to Get a Cloud-based TMS From a Transport Management Software Company

When you are in the market to purchase the best TMS software for your logistics company, you will come across two options – cloud-based and on-premise. Though on-premise is the most preferred software solution for many logistics companies, it is not as advantageous as web-based TMS. Do you know why? It’s because on-premise TMS requires you to have a separate server for your business and attracts high setup and maintenance costs. But, when it comes to cloud-based TMS, all you need to pay is a monthly or yearly subscription fee for the software usage. 

Once you invest in an internet-based TMS software, your potential transport management software company will take care of all the updates, bugs and errors fixes without any hassle. And the money you save by not spending on your on-premise TMS software installation can be used in buying equipment and other vehicles for your logistics company. Now, let’s see a few solid reasons to purchase cloud-based transport management software:

Top 4 Features to Look for in A Transport Management System

Transportation is an essential component in the logistics and supply chain. It helps to seamlessly supply products from the point of origin to the final destination. Developing the right strategy for transportation management is an essential requirement for supply chain companies. It helps to meet end-user needs and increase productivity and ROI efficiently. Transportation fulfills various roles in supply chain management. Any delay or disruption in these processes can significantly impact the interconnected supply chain operations and affect the larger economy. How a particular company handles the various transportation activities will determine its position and competitiveness in the global market. It will help the supply chain move with minimal delays, actively mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and satisfy customer requirements.

Transport management software (TMS) is a valuable asset to facilitate the daily monitoring of transportation operations. It helps fulfill various activities, such as route planning, supplier connections, fuel costing, fleet management, cargo handling, and customer communications. A TMS makes it easier for supply chain companies to conduct commerce. It streamlines and supports export and import activities and also helps manage the auxiliary tasks. It adds value to the logistics operations and is highly effective in controlling and lowering transportation costs. Companies are increasingly embracing TMS to make transportation more reliable and cost-efficient.

You can contact transport management software company and review their offerings to determine which solution is best for your needs. Transportation operations vary across industries. Hence, you should not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, carefully consider your requirements to identify how a TMS will help you fulfill your business objectives. What are specific service rendering and features you require in the software solution to achieve your business tasks? Typically, a TMS should include the following essential features.

Powerful Optimization Engine

A TMS is equipped with various optimization engines for streamlining transportation activities. Load optimization, route optimization, strategic freight management, and carrier selection features are few valuable engines to make the most out of a supply chain transportation process.

Real-Time Tracking

Ensure that the potential TMS solution has track-and-trace capabilities. It will give you a comprehensive view of the entire network and help you manage the process better. Check the software’s accuracy rate of monitoring and tracking by leveraging real-time data to provide product visibility from carriers and fleet.

Integration With Leading ERP, Or WMS System

The TMS should integrate with other systems on your business platform. You should incorporate TMS information with other data sources, like ERP or WMS, to overcome information silos and enhance real-time visibility into products. A single portal that provides a unified view into various processes will enable the stakeholders to access required data easily and track the supply chain’s visibility. Such a single reference point will provide you with an all-inclusive view and help you plan and coordinate better.

Carrier Contracts Management

Contracts are at the core of a TMS. The TMS must be capable of leveraging the preferential and negotiated terms that your business establishes by consolidating the contracts in an e-database.

To Conclude:

TMS act as the enabler of seamless supply chain management. A TMS platform must be equipped with these essential features to augment the transport management processes’ efficiency, security, and profitability.

4 Amazing Things You Can Do with Your TMS App

A transportation management system application or simply a TMS app is a type of software that helps you plan, execute, and oversee the physical movement of stock items. Anyone involved in a supply chain – be it the manufacturer or a logistics expert can use these apps to coordinate their shipment-related activities.

TMS control towers oversee entire shipment processes, providing users with valuable real-time data via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The real-time data from distribution centers, warehouses, delivery professionals, and customers can be analyzed and used to optimize supply chain performances and resolve any customer service issue.

Here are amazing things you can do with your TMS app –

1. Manage Orders

In TMS apps, order-related data is always accessible to anyone involved in the supply chain – from supply chain managers to drivers. This consolidated platform of information on the app is very useful for viewing, managing, and adjusting all transport requests. Users can manually or automatically enter new orders.

Each of these order entries can contain large amounts of information such as the weight of the shipment, the intended destination, etc. Highly advanced transportation management system applications also assign optimized routes to the driver. Supply chain managers can even dictate what type of vehicle the drivers use, the time of their deliveries, and the routes they follow.

On these consolidated platforms, all order-related documents are automatically linked to their related orders. Anyone with a smartphone/tablet can access this information at all times. Anyone involved in a supply chain can just visit the app’s dashboard to see the number of orders for the day. With this info, they can customize their daily workloads.

2. Manage Contracts

Freight payments keep fluctuating as stock items move through supply chains. For example, demurrages can increase the costs of the orders abruptly in the middle of a delivery process. With transportation management system applications, it becomes easy for supply chain managers to track these expenses.

All demurrages, detention fees, shortages, refusals, etc., are automatically entered into the app’s billing sections. Hence, supply chain managers can offer their clients highly detailed and transparent freight rate contracts. In the long run, these small cost-related adjustments can save companies a lot of money.

3. Vehicle Management

In the past, supply chain managers had to depend on their dispatch staff to recruit drivers and vehicles. With a transportation management system app, they can carry out these tasks from their offices without facing any hassle. Directly negotiate payments with truck suppliers.

After agreeing about the prices, they can fix permanent payment terms on their TMS software. Managers get to hire vehicles and drivers as per their terms. Managing their yearly/monthly contracts becomes much easier as well.  

4. Always Know Where Your Products Are

Right from the time when an order is picked up from a warehouse till it’s dropped to the dispatch center – supply chain managers can view the entire process on their TMS software. These software tools feature separate costing and finance modules which represent different points in the supply chain.

Hence, supply chain managers have full visibility over their supply chains. Avoiding risks like delivery delays or the misuse of order-related documents becomes much easier when you’re using TMS software!

As freight volumes keep increasing every year, the need for digitized transportation management systems becomes more urgent. High-quality TMS software tools help transportation and logistics companies deal with increasing orders, governance regulations, and changing consumer needs in the most efficient way possible!

5 Use Cases Of Transport Management Software

Transport Management Software is a must in modern-day logistics and supply chain management. TMS can help the supplier develop a proactive approach to managing the flow of goods from origin to consumption. It enables them to reduce freight transportation cost, identify freight capacity quickly, and offers transparency into various activities. It can connect to industry databases to allow the business to stakeholders to make data-driven decisions. 

However, choosing the right software is an intimidating task. While going through the selection process, you need to consider specific points. The software should integrate data and analytics features to support enhanced reporting capabilities and integrate them easily into your business infrastructure. Moreover, it should enable you to align your services to the general trade policies and compliance. The right software will provide you with better trade opportunities by optimizing the transport budget, manage costs, invoices, and track the fleets in real-time. TMS solution provides you with better visibility into the entire logistics transport operations.

The global TMS market size is expected to grow from USD 7.7 billion in 2020 to USD 17.8 billion by 2025. A TMS software can bring in multiple benefits in the supply chain process and enable you to generate maximum rate on investments. Here are five use cases of TMS in logistics operations.

Optimize Route Efficiency

A TMS solution gives you better visibility into the route for transporting the goods and services. It helps you consider real-time traffic conditions, equipment availability, personnel for loading/unloading, and more to facilitate on-time delivery and adhere to the SLA for enhanced customer experience. The route optimization capability of the software enables you to determine the most cost-efficient route. 

Inventory Reductions

A TMS facilitates an inventory reduction strategy which helps to improve inventory turnover. It uses accurate inventory forecast models that take the seasonality and trends into consideration to keep fluctuations in check while reordering stock. It helps to ensure replenishment strategy is aligned to market demand variances.

Improved Cash Flow

A transportation management software will help your business to minimize shipment costs significantly. Freight payment, auditing, and consolidation services help business personnel define each logistical route’s financial aspect. It helps to decrease direct variable costs by consolidating shipments and improving freight terms to make the transport operations more user-oriented.

Integrated Planning And Execution

A TMS solution can integrate seamlessly with the existing system you have in place for supply chain optimization. It can work together with other management systems for warehouse, customer relationship, purchasing and order cycle, and supplier relationship for better route planning and load optimization. 

Improve Customer Experience

A TMS solution enables you to make data-driven decisions to manage end-to-end shipments. It helps you to save locomotive costs between multiple locations and control the movement of goods efficiently. It enables you to consolidate all customer orders to find the best carrier at a cost-effective price. Improved efficiencies in your transport management will speed operations and deliveries to help you satisfy time-sensitive customers.

To Conclude:

A TMS solution will help you to move freight from origin to destination efficiently and reliably. It uses process enforcement, analytics, and optimization to enable businesses to save money, drive growth and revenue, and provide better customer service.

5 Tips For Choosing Freight Forwarding Software

Gartner introduced Secure Access Service Edge or SASE in 2019 in a research note titled “The Future of Network Security Is in the Cloud.” SASE is a new enterprise networking technology category, and it is a combination of SD-WAN capabilities comprising of various security services delivered through a cloud-based delivery model. It offers highly customizable policy-based control for performance and security to simplify network management.

SASE combines networking and security to improve app performance, reduce infrastructure complexity, and protect confidential data. However, only a few suppliers can provide a complete SASE portfolio with supreme networking and security capabilities as they struggle to integrate various technology acquisitions to build a reliable solution.

SASE security solution helps to strengthen enterprise network security. The SASE market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 116%. SASE is based on a suite of dynamic edge security and connectivity capabilities delivered through the cloud. Here are five essential things that you need to know when considering SASE for your business.

· Define Your Needs

To build a SASE architecture in your business, you need to consider the SASE framework carefully. It defines various network and security functions, including traffic shaping, latency optimization, Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Zero-Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and more. Some vendors cover most of these SASE functions in a ‘single-pass solution. Hence, your vendor will provide you with SD-WAN and Security solutions. However, while this offering may sound convenient, it doesn’t mean that you will receive the best solution out there. In a ‘best of breed’ platform, you integrate your business with Network and Security providers. It leverages your proximity to the PoPs (point of purchase). It allows you to pick up the choice of vendor for each feature. Depending on your need, choose the right vendor.

· SASE Exists At The Edge

You can deploy SASE natively in the public cloud or at the Edge of the cloud. Edge Cloud is an interchangeable cloud ecosystem that encompasses the storage and computes assets located at the Edge. Finding SASE on the edge cloud allows you to adapt to changing needs securely and in real-time.

· Proximity Is Key

Devise an appropriate strategy that allows you to use the SASE to execute an application and deliver data as close to the end-user as possible. It helps to minimize the time it takes to provide web content to users. SASE should enable you to optimize the Applications, Data, and Users and the interactions among them.

· Long-Term Vision And Viability

While choosing a SASE vendor and architecture, ensure that your vendor has developed the SASE solution with long-term vision and the agility to rapidly adjust to new market requirements. The SASE architecture should be able to integrate the upcoming technology smoothly.

· Know Which Solution Fits

Ensure that your vendor is not selling the SASE solution based on false claims about its use cases. No single SASE solution will likely fit into all use cases. You need to prepare a list of your organization’s needs and priorities and match it with various vendors’ SASE features. Do not fall prey to the marketing gimmicks and choose a SASE solution wisely.

To Conclude:

Keep in mind the points mentioned above to choose the right SASE. It converges networking and security, optimizing access performance, minimizing operational complexity, and enhancing your business’s security posture.

6 Things Should Be Considered When Choosing Fleet Management Software

Fleet management involves utilizing and managing fleet and asset information in the logistics operation. From the acquisition of fleet to its disposal, efficient fleet management optimizes productivity, reduces costs, ensures compliance in the entire system.

With the use of fleet management software, it becomes easy to track and manage vehicle maintenance, control the inflow and outbound movement of goods, expenses, and operations to maximize efficiency. A fleet management software gives the fleet manager better visibility with special features like GPS tracking, trailer tracking, dashboard camera, routing and dispatch, Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, safety, upcoming vehicle maintenance, and more. It helps managers to optimize every aspect of their fleet.

A fleet software with cloud computing features offers faster innovation, and flexible resources, to lower down operating and infrastructural costs. The global fleet management software market size is expected to reach USD 50.09 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 16.8% during the forecast period. However, you need to choose a suitable software that integrates the right features to cater to your business needs. Here are six things you need to consider while selecting fleet management software.

• Fleet Tracking

A fleet management software should have the capability to effectively use the data collected by digital telematics features like GPS, data modem, and sensors. Your fleet management software should include GPS tracking to easily track the accurate location of the entire fleet. Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking is used for asset tracking, performance tracking, locate your vehicles, and assess the driver-driving pattern. The real-time visibility of the vehicle’s location will help you to convey to your customers the exact location of the fleet. The data that is collected with GPS tracking is transmitted to software-based sensors, to examine the fleeting operation, run analytics, and deliver insights.

• Scalability

Scalable fleet management software will help you to accommodate to cater to more fleet assets as your business grows. Pay as you go is a cost model for SaaS-based software that allows users to pay only for services they have signed up for. You should work with your team to determine what plan’s features will work best for you.

• Mobility

Your fleet management software should have the feature to enable remote collaboration in real-time. Deeper visibility and collaboration will allow you to enact a proactive approach to maximize the efficiency of your fleet operations. A mobile fleet management software will help to stay connected to drivers, maintenance supervisors, and mechanics with a native mobile-based app. Data can be fed to the app in real-time to streamline fleet management.

• Automation

A fleet management system should have the capability to automate processes and data collection. Automating basic everyday operations can help to reduce the redundancy in the system. It will also organize the data in an easy-to-search platform.

• Hours Of Service (HOS) Compliance

While choosing a fleet management software solution, make sure that it will help you to remain compliant. Hours of Service (HOS) compliance regulates the number of continuous hours drivers are permitted to be on duty including driving time. It specifies the number and length of their rest period to reduce accidents caused by drowsy drivers. Your fleet management software should have a complete HOS compliance solution to stay compliant with such regulations.

• Return On Investment

Select a fleet management software that can demonstrate the value and ability to maximize your fleet’s return on investment (ROI).

To Conclude:

Ensure that your fleet management software integrates the necessary features like GPS tracking, HOS compliance, and cloud solutions for effective maintenance of fleets. An easy-to-use and mobile software which can be connected to the driver mobile app can be used for your fleet operations.

Must-Have Modules in Online Logistics Software

How do enterprises deliver their products to distributors, retailers, and customers? They either have an elaborate transportation system or hire third-party logistics services. Logistics also include procuring raw materials, storing the final products at the warehouse, and distributing the goods as per the requirements. 

While the debate about using in-house logistics services and 3PL services will continue, there is one thing necessary for either choice. What’s that? Technology. 

We have come a long way in integrating technology into our everyday lives. Similarly, an enterprise cannot function without using related software and technology to enhance the quality of production. 

There is a software solution for every aspect of the business. Logistics software is one such solution aimed to help enterprises and 3PL service providers to streamline their business operations. It helps reduce time and cost, increase productivity, enhancing customer satisfaction, and improving ROI. 

Among the various software solutions available, it is important to choose the right online logistics software for the business. The software should be easily integrated into the existing system after being customized to include the features and modules required by the enterprise. 

• Trip Management
  • This can also be called the Fleet Management Software, where the vehicles and their maintenance, the drivers and their performance and salaries, etc., are monitored and recorded. From fuel consumption to insurance renewal and an inventory for spare parts, the software is capable of handling every single detail. Employees can access the data with just a few clicks of the mouse.

• Transport Management
  • Digitization seems to be the word of the year as more and more enterprises are coming forward to upgrade their systems and adopt the latest technology in the market. The transport management module is used to organize the entire transportation system and workflow, right from procuring raw materials to delivering goods, paying invoices, and recording every detail in a central database.

• Payroll Management 
  • Isn’t this the responsibility of the HR department? Technically, yes. But for the HR team and the finance department to simplify their work, having a payroll management module in the logistics software will be quite useful. The list of drivers, technicians, cleaners, etc., who have been hired to handle the transportation vehicles will be listed in one place with their work hours and other details recorded against their names.

• Third-party Logistics Warehouse Management
  • Also known as 3PL services, enterprises are increasingly relying on service providers who offer warehouse storage space and transportation services to distribute goods. But for the 3PL provider and the enterprise to work in sync, they need a software solution (preferably hosted on the cloud) to connect their databases and share the required information. This will reduce the risk of miscommunication and increase work efficiency.

• Customer Relationship Management
  • CRM has gained importance in the last few years. Customers no longer want to be taken for granted by businesses. Keeping customers happy is crucial to retain their trust in the enterprise. Personalized services are becoming a common feature in the market. Be it the type of goods customers prefer or their delivery choices, CRM when linked with the online logistics software can help enterprises understand the purchase preferences of customers and offer personalized services. Identifying leads, closing them in less time, and attracting new customers also become easy using this system.

Apart from the above modules, an intuitive dashboard for admins is also vital for enterprises. This allows the employees to customize the layout and have important sections ready to access at all times. Enterprises can contact the leading software provider to request a consultation.