7 Things to Look for in Your New Transportation Management System

If your current or potential TMS provider doesn’t offer these key functionalities, start looking for one that does.

Modern software suites are built with a lot of capabilities, and transportation management systems (TMS) are no different. These platforms centralize and streamline transportation operations, offering features like route optimization, real-time tracking and automated freight tendering. They also offer valuable data analytics and reporting; help companies drive costs out of their transportation networks; and integrate with other supply chain systems (i.e.,   warehouse management and enterprise resource planning).

TMS vendors are also embedding more artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities that help users select carriers, make dynamic route adjustments, predict disruptions before they happen and a develop more accurate, timely demand forecasts—and all without overtaxing the human workforce. In fact, the AI and machine learning free up team members to focus on more strategic tasks.

7 Things to Look for in Your New TMS

Not all TMS platforms are created equal. Unfortunately, many companies don’t learn this until after the fact. They evaluate the options, select the software and implement, and then the cracks in the pavement start to surface.

Instead of letting you go through this process and wind up dissatisfied with your software choice, we came up with this list of seven “must-haves” that should be on your TMS shopping list. Some are software-related and others apply to the vendor itself, but they will all help you select a TMS that truly aligns with your current and future logistical needs.

• Knowledge of your company, operations and industry. All companies operate differently and have different transportation management requirements. Off the shelf solutions may suffice, but the best platforms can adapt to your individual needs. A freight brokerage, for example, has vastly different needs than a manufacturing plant or a healthcare provider. Make sure your software vendor understands your company’s (and industry sector’s) unique challenges and opportunities.

• Comprehensive data visibility. Look for a TMS platform that provides real-time visibility into all aspects of transportation operations, empowering users to proactively address potential issues and optimize performance. Functionalities like granular tracking of shipments allow for immediate identification of delays or disruptions, while customizable dashboards provide a holistic view of key performance indicators.

• Rapid implementation and quick onboarding. Time is money in the fast-paced logistics world, where companies can’t afford to get mired in lengthy software implementations that can disrupt operations and delay improvements. For these and other reasons, you should seek out a TMS vendor that offers rapid deployment and quick onboarding. “We emphasize very quick, intuitive installation,” says Charles Craigmile, Co-Founder and CEO at Revenova. “That makes a big difference for companies that don’t want to deal with a big, 12-month software installation.” 

• Cloud-based delivery without fixed CapEx costs. Any company that’s watching its bottom line right now is probably wary of significant capital expenditures (CapEx). A cloud-based TMS offers a compelling alternative to traditional, on-premise systems, and without the need for hardware, servers and infrastructure. While the cloud has become the deployment model of choice for companies of all sizes, it’s especially good for fleet owners that want to stay nimble and agile. Revenova TMS is delivered via a user subscription or truck-based model, which means you “won’t ever get hit with heavy, fixed costs,” says Craigmile, who adds that some TMS providers do impose such costs. “We don’t do that because we’re a pure cloud offering,” he says. “That makes a big difference in times like this, when budgets are tight.”

• A platform that can be used anywhere, any time. The cloud also puts the power of TMS technology into the hands of users’ laptops, tablets and cell phones. If the solutions you’re evaluating don’t offer this level of mobility, it’s time to expand your search. “We work with some smaller freight brokers with 3-5 employees who track their entire network with Revenova TMS via cell phone,” Craigmile points out. “Our solution is multi-device and also multilingual right out of the box, and available on any device that has a secure internet connection.” 

• Real-time rate analysis versus just historical data. Historical data is good in some instances, but itrarely reflects current trends of sudden supply and demand shifts. Unlike traditional load boards, which online offer historical data, Revenova’s LaneIQ delivers up-to-the-minute rate information, enabling users to negotiate effectively and optimize pricing strategies. LaneIQ utilizes a network consortium database that aggregates and anonymizes user load data, delivering competitive spot rate insights.

• Regular software releases that include all the new bells and whistles. Some TMS providers update their platforms every 18-24 months. With technology advancing quickly, those multi-year gaps can quickly turn into a competitive disadvantage for TMS users. Salesforce does four of its own product releases annually and Revenova follows the same release calendar. “We’re listening to our customers’ feedback and adding in new features every three months,” Craigmile says. “This puts Revenova TMS well ahead of its competitors on the performance scale and ensures that users always have the latest and greatest functionalities to work with.”

To learn more about Revenova TMS, Request a Demo. Follow Revenova on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X for the latest updates and news about Revenova TMS, the original CRM-powered Transportation Management System.