The growing use of – and dependence on – transportation management systems (TMSs) is glaringly apparent when looking at a forecast that projects the market size will grow from $16 billion in 2024 to $40.3 billion by 2029 – a compound annual growth rate of 20.2%.
From the Markets and Markets projection, you can surmise that there already are a lot of TMSs out there – and many more are to come. Finding the most effective TMS becomes essential as a means of gaining an advantage over the competition.
No two businesses are exactly alike, and a TMS deemed essential to company success must be configured to reflect the operation’s unique needs. Individual businesses have distinct workflows, and their processes require tailored solutions.
But there are things all businesses in transportation and logistics need: visibility and data. That’s evident from the growing list of companies joining the federal Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) data-sharing platform, designed as a complementary tool to existing systems to enhance visibility.
TMS customization is absolutely key for one freight brokerage to stand out from another, for one transportation provider to stand out from another, and for one shipper to stand out from another.
Robert Reyes, a web and mobile app developer who posts commentaries on LinkedIn, said off-the-shelf TMSs lack flexibility and adaptability. Companies also can end up paying for software features they don’t use or can’t integrate with.
“Contrary to the one-size-fits-all approach, a fully customized TMS can be tailor-made to fit your logistics business like a glove,” Reyes wrote. “Imagine having a system that aligns perfectly with your operational model, incorporating only the modules and features you need and excluding what you don’t.”
Markets and Markets said 80% of surveyed users prioritize functions such as route optimization and automated shipment tracking when implementing TMS software solutions. It said the right software “empowers” logistics providers, carriers, and shippers by streamlining operations, reducing inefficiencies, and maximizing return on investment.
Owlery allows businesses to set up customized automation rules tailored to their specific operational processes. This includes automating tasks such as order processing, shipment tracking, and invoicing.
Workflow automation reduces manual intervention and enhances overall efficiency by ensuring that routine tasks are performed consistently and accurately. Owlery’s automated workflows generate bills of lading (BOLs), build loads, send orders, schedule appointments, maintain daily operations dashboards, and more.
Owlery enables users to create and customize reports and dashboards that reflect the key metrics and insights relevant to their businesses. Users can choose which data points to track, how to visualize them, and how often to receive updates.
Customized reporting provides actionable insights specific to the business goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), aiding in better decision-making and strategic planning. It also allows different stakeholders to access the information most pertinent to their roles.
Owlery can also help users with:
Owlery’s supply chain TMS can be configured to seamlessly integrate with other software, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), a warehouse management system (WMS), and an order management system (OMS). This ensures a unified and cohesive flow of information across all platforms.
We are integrated with ERPs such as Oracle’s Netsuite, Microsoft D365, Oracle’s Netsuite, Microsoft D365, Katana, and Cin7; warehousing providers such as Flexe, Radial, Lineage, and Americold; and freight brokerages such as C.H. Robinson, Uber Freight, Coyote, and Priority1.
Seamless integration enhances data accuracy, reduces redundancies, and ensures that all parts of the supply chain are synchronized. It facilitates smooth communication among disparate systems, improving overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.
By managing all supply chain partners, Owlery’s systems integration enables integrated quoting and tending for any carrier and mode; centralized tracking data; configurable, real-time exceptions; in-depth reporting and analyses; prebuilt, shareable scorecards; and centralized BOLs and receipts.
Owlery’s rightsized logistics platform was designed for users’ unique needs, providing exactly what they need for a faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective supply chain. Our TMS does it all and helps users save costs, boost efficiency, enhance decision-making, and improve customer satisfaction.
At Owlery, we’re committed to providing businesses with the tools they need to achieve real-time visibility, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. Schedule a demo today and get started with Owlery.
