Transport Management Systems (TMS)

Leverage BoxLogic’s vast logistics systems experience to review, select and implement Transport Management Systems in your operations

What is a Transport Management System

A Transport Management System (TMS) is software to enable planning, execution, and optimisation of transport movements across the supply chain. TMS takes order data from the WMS to plan and track it into transport movements. They are deployed to drive efficiencies in inbound and outbound logistics movements across all modes of freight.

Plan shipments based on cost, efficiency, distance and service

Execute deliveries by communicating with carriers, providing documentation and tracking progress

Optimise operations by tracking carrier performance via analytics and reporting

Advantages of a Transport Management System

A TMS streamlines transport operations with improved planning and execution, providing a better service to its customers. The main advantages are:

Transport Management software provides the most benefit to operations with complex transport networks. It’s ability to provide increased visibility. The ability to provide increased visibility across the supply chain, irrespective of mode of transport and beyond typical geographic barriers helps navigate the complexities of modern supply chains.

How BoxLogic Can Help

BoxLogic supports our clients throughout their transport management system journeys from a review of existing systems all the way to the selection and implementation of a new TMS solution.

Project Stage
How Can BoxLogic Help
Review Current TMS
Assess capability of the incumbent TMS to meet current and future operational requirements.
Gaps Analysis
Identify the functionality gaps between current TMS and business requirements or latest market developments.
Requirements Gathering
Documentation and categorisation of business requirements across transport and warehouse processes for TMS.
Process Mapping
Mapping of the ‘as-is’ and ‘to-be’ processes of the transport operation.
Functional Design Specification
Full documentation of the operational requirements for issue to TMS development and configuration.
Business Case Support
Provision of expert support to build an achievable and robust business case for new or upgraded TMS software.
Vendor Selection
Full management of, or provision of expertise through the tender process for a new TMS using extensive market knowledge.
Systems Testing
Creation of, leading or management of testing programme to capture issues prior to a go-live, including load testing, integration testing, smoke testing, user acceptance testing and business readiness testing.
Training & Go-Live Support
Project management or operational support to deliver a smooth implementation and cut over to a new solution.

Our Process

BoxLogic can deliver the end-to-end deployment of a TMS. We are flexible in our approach and can contribute throughout or only in specific parts of the project where external expertise is needed. An end-to-end project approach might be:

We develop a strong working understanding of your transport and warehouse operations with a site visit. A kick-off workshop and interviews with key stakeholders, including IT, help to further our knowledge of the project requirements, TMS landscape and IT infrastructure.

A high-level process review with a TMS super-user completes our familiarisation. If no TMS is in place, then we will familiarise ourselves with the current tools and ways of working.

We conduct a detailed walk through of the end-to-end transport processes with super users and members of the transport team to understand of the ‘as-is’ flows. At this stage, we take the opportunity to also document the requirements as we go through this process along with all the interfaces with other systems. This also includes understanding the flow of information through the broader IT architecture.

The current processes and operational requirements are compared to the functionality available across the Warehouse Management System marketplace to understand where the existing process and system functionality does not meet the operational requirements.

We then document the gaps or non-standard processes and needs, which inform the To-Be flows.

Current processes are updated to include the new steps to meet the operational requirements.

We start with standardised processes as far as possible while considering requirements and trying to bridge the identified gaps to optimise flows. The agreed ‘to-be’ processes might be able to be deployed within the current system, and if not, they form the basis of a selection process for new TMS software.

A tender process is initiated for a new or upgraded TMS software. The agreed requirements and process flows can be documented in the form of a Functional Design Specification as part of a tender process.

A shortlist of appropriate solution providers is provided with a comprehensive RFQ pack. Vendor solution proposals are submitted and reviewed to select a preferred vendor based on a blend of financial and non-financial criteria.

Delivering a successful project with experienced support in the project management, testing, training and go-live processes. We offer a flexible approach; either leading the project delivery or playing a more supporting steering role. A more active role is usually advised during the design, testing, training and go-live process with much less activity during the ‘Build’ process, which is executed by the TMS provider.

The testing process captures defects for resolution before go-live and is used structured to support the overall change management process, particularly with User Acceptance Testing and Training. Our extensive data validation and cleansing skills are utilised during the Data Upload process pre-go-live. Post go-live support can also be provided but is usually led by the TMS provider.

Why Work With BoxLogic

Our team of dedicated logistics professionals are well placed to help you on your next TMS project for several reasons.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Transport Management System (TMS) is a digital platform that aids in planning, executing, and optimising the physical movement of goods. It enables businesses to manage their transportation operations more efficiently by providing tools for route planning, carrier selection, load optimisation, and real-time tracking. A TMS can also facilitate the documentation and compliance processes related to transportation, ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met. The system ultimately helps in reducing transportation costs, improving delivery reliability, and increasing overall operational efficiency

A Transport Management System offers several key benefits. Firstly, it enhances the visibility of the entire transportation process, allowing businesses to monitor shipments in real-time and make informed decisions. Secondly, it reduces operational costs by optimising routes and loads, which can minimise fuel consumption and reduce the need for manual intervention. Additionally, a TMS improves customer satisfaction by ensuring more accurate and timely deliveries. The system also aids in compliance with transportation regulations and can generate detailed reports that assist in strategic planning and continuous improvement.

A Transport Management System works in conjunction with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system by integrating transportation data with other business functions such as inventory management, order processing, and customer service. The integration allows for seamless data flow between the two systems, enabling a holistic view of the supply chain. For instance, when an order is processed in the ERP, the TMS can automatically create a shipment plan, select the best carrier, and schedule the delivery. This ensures that transportation activities are aligned with broader business objectives, improving overall efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.

The most important goal of a Transport Management System is to optimise the transportation process to achieve cost efficiency and operational effectiveness. This involves reducing transportation costs, improving delivery accuracy, and ensuring that goods are moved in the most efficient and timely manner possible. By achieving these objectives, a TMS helps businesses to enhance customer satisfaction, reduce operational risks, and improve profitability. The system also supports strategic decision-making by providing insights into transportation performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Buying a Transport Management System involves several steps. First, it is crucial to assess your business’s specific transportation needs and define the key functionalities required from the TMS. This may include considerations such as scalability, integration capabilities with existing systems, and user-friendliness. Next, research and shortlist potential TMS providers, evaluating them based on factors like cost, customer support, and industry reputation. It is often beneficial to request demonstrations or trials to see how the system performs in a real-world scenario. Finally, once a decision is made, ensure that the implementation process is well-planned, with adequate training and support to maximise the system’s effectiveness from the outset.

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