The data-driven advantage: How TMS software empowers businesses with supply chain insights

 Struggling with supply chain challenges? Discover how TMS can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and boost your bottom line.

According to a recent Gartner report, "Through 2024, 50% of supply chain organizations will invest in applications that support artificial intelligence and advanced analytics capabilities." This statistic highlights the growing importance of data in supply chain management. 

TMS (Transportation Management System) software is a type of logistics software that helps businesses manage their transportation operations.

Core functionalities of TMS software include freight procurement, shipment scheduling, carrier management, freight tracking, and transportation cost management. 

Traditional, manual supply chain management processes are often inefficient and error-prone. Businesses face challenges such as:

• Lack of visibility into inventory levels and shipment locations.
• Difficulty in making data-driven decisions about freight routing and carrier selection.
• Inefficient manual tasks such as freight procurement and shipment scheduling.
• Difficulty in proactively managing risks and disruptions. 

The data-driven advantage of TMS software  

Traditional, manual methods of managing transportation operations are no longer sufficient. TMS software offers a data-driven approach that can revolutionize how businesses handle their logistics, from procurement to delivery.  

By harnessing the power of data and advanced analytics, TMS platform features provide unprecedented visibility, control, and optimization opportunities.

• Enhanced visibility and control: TMS platforms provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, shipment locations, and carrier performance metrics. This enables businesses to track their shipments in real-time, identify potential problems early on, and make better decisions about their transportation operations.
• Data-driven decision making: Best TMS Software empowers businesses to analyze historical data and identify trends to make informed decisions about freight routing, carrier selection, pricing negotiations, and more. For example, TMS software can provide features like shipment cost benchmarking and carrier scorecards, which can help businesses save money on transportation costs.
• Improved efficiency and automation: TMS automates manual tasks such as freight procurement, shipment scheduling, and document management. This frees up employees' time to focus on more strategic tasks, such as planning and optimization.
• Risk management and proactive planning: TMS facilitates proactive exception management by identifying potential disruptions, such as weather delays or traffic congestion. This enables businesses to take steps to mitigate these risks, such as rerouting shipments or expediting critical deliveries.
• Sustainability benefits: Data-driven insights from TMS can help businesses optimize transportation routes, reduce empty miles, and minimize their environmental footprint. For example, top TMS solutions can help businesses identify more fuel-efficient routes and carriers. 

Choosing the right TMS solution 

Before selecting a TMS solution, it is important to understand your specific business needs and challenges. Some of the key considerations when evaluating TMS software include:

1. Functionalities: Make sure the TMS software has the functionalities that you need, such as freight procurement, shipment scheduling, carrier management, freight tracking, and transportation cost management.

2. Scalability: The TMS software should be able to scale to meet your growing business needs.

3. Integration capabilities: The TMS software should be able to integrate with your other business systems, such as your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system and your WMS (Warehouse Management System). 

4. Ease of use: The TMS software should be easy for your employees to use. 

5. Vendor support: The TMS vendor should provide good customer support. 

Leading platforms such as Pando.ai offer a variety of advanced TMS features, such as machine learning-powered route optimization, predictive analytics, and automated load building. These features can help businesses further improve their supply chain efficiency. 

Real-world example  

Many companies from various industries have leveraged TMS solutions to achieve significant improvements in supply chain efficiency. A prime example of a company successfully leveraging TMS to transform its supply chain is Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL).  

Challenges faced by GCPL:  

🔹Manual and inefficient logistics processes.

🔹 Inability to optimize freight costs. 

🔹 Lack of visibility into vehicle and SKU-level tracking. 

🔹 Absence of a unified analytics platform for performance monitoring. 

🔹 Ineffective procurement strategy and carrier selection. 

Solutions provided by Pando:  

🔹 Digitization and automation of logistics processes. 

🔹Freight cost optimization through data-driven insights. 

🔹Enhanced visibility into vehicle and SKU-level tracking. 

🔹Unified analytics platform for performance monitoring and improvement. 

🔹Optimized procurement strategy and carrier selection through advanced tools. 

GCPL's success story highlights how TMS capabilities can be a catalyst for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing overall supply chain performance in the consumer products industry. 

Pando's Solutions

Pando offers a comprehensive TMS technology that is designed to address the challenges faced by businesses of all sizes. Pando's TMS benefits include features such as:

• AI-powered freight procurement: Its TMS uses machine learning to help businesses find the best rates from carriers.
• Multi-modal transportation management: It supports all modes of transportation, including truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and ocean.
• Real-time transportation visibility: It provides real-time visibility into shipment locations and carrier performance. 

Pando is committed to helping businesses unlock the full potential of their supply chain with innovative logistics software solutions. 

The road to supply chain transformation starts here 

Leading TMS platforms can empower businesses with data-driven insights for a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chain. Pando's TMS solution is a comprehensive and innovative solution that can help businesses of all sizes achieve their supply chain goals. 

Are you looking to improve your supply chain efficiency? Schedule a demo to learn more about Pando's TMS efficiency.