How to Make Your Transportation Management System Function Like a Fitness App

Setting goals is easy. The real – and perhaps only – challenge is staying on track to achieve them. For this reason, businesses depend on IT systems to create accountability and visibility of progress towards goals. As management guru Peter Drucker famously said: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it."

Trucking and logistics companies use various technologies to collect data, but often struggle with getting a single version of truth. System integration problems create data silos and disconnected reporting derails the tracking of key metrics and the aligning of resources to meet the objectives.

System integration is not an issue with modern personal fitness tools. If your goal is to lose weight (not that you need to), your smartwatch tracks your activities and shares data with companion apps, like MyFitnessPal, to automatically log your calorie burn from exercise and calorie intake from meals. You may also have an app-connected smart scale tracking your weight. The integrated system connects all of the dots from exercise to dieting and weight loss.

A fully connected transportation management system (TMS) gives a similar assist to achieving operational fitness goals such as:

• Increasing capacity. You may need a TMS to integrate with load boards or have direct API integrations to your capacity providers.
  
  
• Sharing data. Do you operate separate companies or divisions? You may want a better way to connect disparate systems to have a single version of truth.
  
  
• Expand connectivity. You may need to integrate a new application to your TMS, such as an ELD telematics platform or electronic payment system, that is not currently on your TMS vendor’s list of partners.

Unlocking the Benefits of a Saas-based Integration Platform

When connected to a SaaS-based integration layer, TMS platforms and their users benefit from native access to more data sources, insights and automation. With this affordable and non-disruptive upgrade, trucking and logistics providers are better conditioned to attain their operational and financial goals.

Trucking and logistics companies that use the integration layer to create a fully connected, modernized TMS will have:

• Quicker Upgrades. Faster access to new features and data from third-party applications without waiting for TMS vendors.
  
  
• Improved Analytics. Better data delivery through multiple channels (desktops, in-cab telematics, mobile devices, and more) for improved productivity and business performance.
  
  
• Real-time Communication. Faster connections with trading partners for EDI and real-time API communications.

With a single setup, a SaaS-based integration layer gives access to the right information, in the format, to help all TMS users work faster and smarter.

Want to see the power of system integrations for yourself?

Breathe New Life into Your TMS

Is your current TMS falling short on features and functionality you will need to solve current and future challenges? Your options are not limited to an expensive upgrade or a “rip and replace” implementation. These options are a last resort, and the steep learning curve of new software will make your operations worse before improvements take hold.

Such problems can be avoided with a SaaS-based integration platform breathing new life into your TMS. With this approach, transportation companies can exercise greater control and plan technology strategies that do not rely on the integrations available from a TMS provider.

Besides increased autonomy and freedom, companies that adopt this easy and affordable approach will digitize more transportation-specific workflows to have end-to-end visibility, and a more fluid exchange of data with customers and business partners via EDI and real-time API connections.

With a SaaS integration layer bridging the divide between legacy and modern TMS, companies will have a better flow of information for mission-critical tasks like improving on-time service and generating higher profits.

Taking Advantage of the Network Effect

In an article titled, “Top 5 Transportation Technology Trends For 2023,” Forbes begins with the "network effect," which the author defines as "the heart of supply chain transformation."

"Essentially, the network effect exists when all components of the supply chain technology ecosystem work together to improve the performance of the end-to-end supply chain," writes Steve Banker.

Fleets can put the network effect to work by using integrations that improve load matching, route optimization, and estimated arrival times. In addition, they can weave information together to create a single version of truth, monitor their progress toward goals, and make smarter decisions.

Learn more about system integrations and how to revive your TMS with our exclusive guide:

Just as pre-built integrations connect multiple fitness apps and devices to monitor your progress towards goals, your TMS platform can likewise benefit from greater connectivity that delivers total operational visibility and control.

Interested in learning more about how to revitalize your TMS? See how Tranztec's SaaS-based integration platforms, Connect and Extend, use pre-built integrations and APIs to help freight brokers and motor carriers get quickly up to speed.

Book a demo today to get your operations on track by seamlessly accessing more information and functionality within your current TMS.