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As someone who has to deal with the complicated world of supply chain management, I find that talking to shippers about the importance of managed transportation services is an important part of the process. We keep talking about managed TMS because we want to improve supply chain performance even though freight rates are going up, truck capacity is limited, and customers’ needs are changing and becoming more demanding.
One question that keeps coming up for me as I learn more about Managed TMS is how to find the best transportation management software (TMS) platforms in the business. Based on my own experiences and learnings, I know how important it is to be honest and open with buyers as they go through the complicated process of choosing a TMS that fits perfectly with their goals for upgrading their supply chain technology.
The landscape of TMS options is not easy to navigate, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this ever-changing problem. My own experiences have made me realise how important it is to know everything there is to know about the different kinds of TMS software that are out there. By sharing my own experiences, I hope to give buyers the tools they need to make smart choices that take into account the specifics of their supply chain needs. Through open and honest conversations, I’ve learned how important it is to help buyers find the TMS platform that fits their needs the best, which leads to a more customised and effective approach to supply chain optimization.
Best Transportation Management Software Comparison Table
Transportation management systems (TMSs), according to Gartner, are pieces of software that help plan and carry out the physical movement of goods along the supply chain using more than one mode of transportation. It helps a business handle more complicated transportation issues involving many types of transportation and places.
| Feature | e2open | Descartes | Blue Yonder | Manhattan | MercuryGate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom quotes based on usage and functionality | Subscription-based, tiered pricing | Subscription-based, tiered pricing | Subscription-based, tiered pricing | Subscription-based, tiered pricing |
| Deployment | SaaS and on-premise | SaaS and on-premise | Cloud-based | SaaS and on-premise | SaaS and on-premise |
| Key Strengths | Global trade management, transportation management, multi-enterprise visibility | Global trade management, customs brokerage, compliance | Demand forecasting, supply planning, inventory optimization | Warehouse management, order fulfillment, labor management | Transportation management, visibility, carrier management |
| Weaknesses | Complex implementation, high cost | Limited transportation functionality, less user-friendly | Primarily focused on forecasting and planning, not execution | Can be expensive for smaller businesses, complex UI | Primarily focused on transportation, not as strong in warehousing |
Best Transportation Management Software
When shippers want to improve the performance of their supply chain, they talk to us most often about managed transportation services. This is because freight rates are going up, truck capacity is limited, and customers’ needs are changing and becoming more difficult.
e2open
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Visibility | Real-time visibility into the entire supply chain. |
| Collaboration Tools | Facilitates collaboration among trading partners. |
| Demand Sensing | Advanced demand forecasting and sensing capabilities. |
| Order Management | Efficient order processing and management. |
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Taking your logistics skills to a whole new level. It’s like having all of your shipments run smoothly, with the art of intelligent routing meeting the science of balancing cost, lowering carbon footprint, and meeting your specific needs. With e2open, it’s not just about shipping goods around the world; it’s a dance of efficiency that makes sure your cargo journey goes smoothly and doesn’t hurt the environment.
The Good
- Comprehensive supply chain visibility.
- Robust collaboration tools.
- Accurate demand sensing.
- Streamlined order management.
The Bad
- Learning curve for new users.
- Some features may be overwhelming for small businesses.
Descartes
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Global Trade Solutions | Comprehensive solutions for global trade compliance. |
| Logistics Management | Efficient management of transportation and logistics. |
| Customs Compliance | Tools for ensuring compliance with customs regulations. |
| Real-time Tracking | Real-time tracking of shipments and inventory. |
Masters of international trade who make hard things look easy. It can be hard to find your way through the complicated worlds of customs, freight forwarding, and trade finance, but Descartes makes it easy. They untangle the web of paperwork so that your goods can easily cross borders. Trust the experts who make the world of international trade clear and easy to understand with your business.
The Good
- Strong focus on global trade compliance.
- Robust logistics management capabilities.
- Effective customs compliance tools.
- Real-time tracking enhances visibility.
The Bad
- Pricing may be on the higher side.
- Customization options might require technical expertise.
Blue Yonder
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| AI-driven Forecasting | Advanced artificial intelligence for accurate forecasting. |
| Inventory Optimization | Optimizes inventory levels for cost efficiency. |
| Fulfillment Solutions | Streamlined order fulfillment and delivery solutions. |
| Predictive Analytics | Utilizes data for predictive insights and decision-making. |
Leaders in changing the way you manage your supply chain. Imagine having visionaries by your side who use AI and predictive analytics to accurately predict demand, make the best use of inventory, and carefully plan transportation. Blue Yonder doesn’t just help you deal with volatile markets; they give you the tools to confidently navigate them, spotting problems before they happen and turning them into opportunities on your way to supply chain excellence.
The Good
- Cutting-edge AI-driven forecasting.
- Effective inventory optimization.
- Streamlined fulfillment solutions.
- Data-driven predictive analytics.
The Bad
- Initial implementation may require time and resources.
- Advanced features may not be necessary for all businesses.
Manhattan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Warehouse Management | Efficient management of warehouse operations. |
| Order Fulfillment | Streamlined order processing and fulfillment. |
| Transportation Management | Optimizes transportation planning and execution. |
| Omni-Channel Solutions | Integrated solutions for seamless omnichannel operations. |
Making your warehouses into places where things are done really well. Manhattan Associates is known in the distribution world as the smart people who can give your centres the most up-to-date Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and order management tools. As a result? Lightning-fast fulfilment that not only meets but also goes above and beyond what customers expect, leaving a trail of happy and loyal customers in its wake.
The Good
- Strong warehouse management capabilities.
- Efficient order fulfillment.
- Optimized transportation management.
- Integrated omnichannel solutions.
The Bad
- May be more suitable for larger enterprises.
- Initial setup may require technical expertise.
MercuryGate
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transportation Management | Comprehensive management of transportation. |
| Freight Audit and Payment | Automated audit and payment processes for freight. |
| Optimization Engine | Advanced optimization engine for cost efficiency. |
| Visibility Solutions | Real-time visibility into transportation processes. |
Making transport excellence with great care. Moving things isn’t just a job; MercuryGate has turned it into an art form. They are experts in transportation and offer a strong Transportation Management System (TMS) platform that is more than just logistics. You can easily keep track of your drivers, manage your shipments, and intelligently optimise routes to make sure that your goods arrive on time and on budget. With MercuryGate, transport is like a well-tuned symphony of dependability and low cost.
The Good
- Comprehensive transportation management.
- Automated freight audit and payment.
- Advanced optimization engine.
- Real-time visibility solutions.
The Bad
- User interface could be more intuitive.
- May require customization for specific business needs.
Key Features of Top Transportation Management Software
Transportation Management Software (TMS) is an important part of helping businesses run and improve their transportation processes. Some of the most important benefits of the best transportation management software are listed below:
- Taking care of orders: Effectively handle and control orders, including creating new ones, combining them, and making them better. Keep track of and organise packages based on factors like where they come from, where they’re going, and when they need to arrive.
- Optimising the route: Optimise paths to make them more efficient and cut down on the cost of transportation. To find the fastest and least expensive routes, you should look at things like distance, fuel economy, and real-time traffic.
- Tracking and seeing shipments: Give stakeholders real-time visibility into shipments so they can keep track of their state and whereabouts during the entire transportation process. This function makes it easier to talk to each other and makes customers happier.
- Management of Carriers: Take care of your ties with carriers, which includes negotiating rates, managing contracts, and keeping track of performance. With this function, you can find the most reliable and cost-effective shipping companies.
- Adding a warehouse: Connect to warehouse management systems (WMS) to make it easier for things to move from the warehouse to the truck. This makes sure that managing supplies and planning transportation work together smoothly.
- Support for multiple modes: Support different types of transportation, such as train, air, ocean, truckload, and less-than-truckload (LTL). Businesses can choose the best way of transport for their needs with a flexible TMS systems.
- How to Run a Yard: Improve how things are managed in the transportation yard, including how they are loaded and unloaded. Good yard management cuts down on wait times and improves the efficiency of the whole supply chain.
Questions and Answers
The cost of licensed TMS software can range anywhere from $50,000 to $1,000,000 or even more, and it typically comes with annual or monthly maintenance and support fees. Pricing is going to be significantly impacted by integrations as well as the amount of users on a platform. There are numerous organizations that will provide a variety of paid TMS packages to accommodate organizations of varying sizes.
A transportation management system, often known as a TMS, is a logistics platform that makes use of technology to assist businesses in planning, executing, and optimising the physical movement of goods, both incoming and departing. Additionally, it ensures that the shipment is compliant and that the appropriate documentation is available.