Transport Management Systems: Questions to Ask

If you are looking for an effective Transport Management System for all your logistical needs, it is important that know exactly what the system can offer you as well as how it compares to others in the same field. With new logistical software solutions coming onto the market daily, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best available option for your organisation, as well as the right team that will provide you with what you need to streamline business and bulk up the bottom line. Below are a few questions you should be asking of any Transport Management System before making your decision.

 

Transport Management Systems

 

1. How many years’ experience in the transport management software industry do you have?

Although not every Transport Management Software company that has been around for a while will be the best suited to your needs, having some experience in the industry will only provide useful insights as to what works and what doesn’t. It is also worth asking about their customer base and possibly getting some insights from others that have used their systems and services.

 

<str< span=””>ong>2. Do you customise your solutions?></str<>

It’s important to know whether the Transport Management System adopts a ‘one size fits all’ approach or whether they analyse your business needs to ensure you are getting the best logistical assistance. Although there are similarities across the board, every company differs somewhat and you want to find a system that works for your particular brand. Things you might want to consider are whether the transport systems integrate with external Enterprise Resource Planning. Another aspect might be area-specific problems. Transporting products on the African continent may offer unique challenges that a European company wouldn’t necessarily have to tackle. Put these challenges to the organisation and assess the value of their response.

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3. How will you improve my company?

Don’t be fooled by vague promises and generalities, get real details from the Transport Management Software company about how their services will directly improve your organisation. Exactly what will be done to increase your efficiency and profitability? Where will you see decreases in costs? Make sure they can provide you with tangible solutions for your company’s logistical needs.

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<p< span=””>>4. What elements of the logistics’ industry do you cater for?

 

If you require a Transport Management System which includes warehouse management, courier and road freight but the organisation doesn’t cover all these aspects, then you are wasting your time. Rather opt for an all-encompassing, integrated systems’ solution because they will all need to communicate with each other and it makes for a much more hassle-free approach. There is also more chance that the organisation has a deeper understanding of the logistics and supply chain industry, providing you with more benefits.

 

5. Does the Transport Management System include training?

While it’s great to implement the ideal system, if nobody knows how to use it effectively then you’re going to have a problem. The organisation you select should provide you with a comprehensive training programme that allows you to effectively use all the system’s features and functions. Also inquire about system updates and what support will be given going forwards so that you are always ahead of the game.

 

6. What security features does the system include?p>

User access security features are critical when implementing a Transport Management System. Find out exactly what control you will have over information access for the various departments. Who will be able to upload data, which data will be accessible, what security levels are available? Find out what limitations are in place and how they can be adjusted to suit your company’s needs.p>

Remember that you know your organisation and its needs better than anyone. Use this as a guideline to develop questions that will cover all your logistics’ requirements, ensuring you get the best out of your Transport Management System.p>

It is vitally important to partner with a transport management software company that understands your business and has the ability to ease the pressure and not create more.

<a href=”https://dovetail.co.za/transport-software/” data-mce-href=”https://dovetail.co.za/transport-software/”>Dovetail Business Solutions specialises in providing leading transport management software systems to the logistics industry. These are configured to increase transport management efficiencies, affordability and to optimise the entire logistics process. Contact Dovetail Business Solutions today for more on how improve your transport management process.

If this article was of interest to you, you may also be interested in:

https://dovetail.co.za/5-ways-reduce-risk-transport-management/” data-mce-href=”https://dovetail.co.za/5-ways-reduce-risk-transport-management/”>5 Ways to Reduce Risk in Transport Management&nbsp;and

Key Advantages of Effective Transport Management Systems

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