How to Choose the Right TMS for Your Logistics Operation
Published by Synnøve Kjerstad on
Logistics is the backbone of many businesses, yet it operates in a landscape of increasing complexity and rising customer expectations. In this environment, technology plays a key role as an enabler. A powerful Transport Management System (TMS) not only moves goods efficiently but also drives continuous improvement through data-driven insights.
This article aims to help decision-makers understand what to look for in a TMS and why Trace TMS stands out as an ideal choice for efficient logistics operations.
Proactive planning
A robust TMS should support strategic planning for recurring operations, to ensure predictable transportation within a fixed set of constraints, such as scheduled pickup times, specific delivery windows, and a limited pool of vehicles and personnel.
In the case of deviation from regular operations, such as around business holidays and other events that can impact volume and resource availability, a TMS should support proactive planning so that businesses can reliably ensure that they are prepared to meet customer demands efficiently ahead of time.
Execution and monitoring
A TMS should also facilitate transport execution and monitoring. Real-time insights should be available to underpin efficient dispatching and tracking. A system that supports replanning just-in-time can be leveraged to make use of every last bit of capacity, ensuring that each vehicle is utilized to its full extent.
Furthermore, robust exception insights and management features can help swiftly address disruptions, ensuring smooth operations even in the face of unexpected circumstances. Automated workflows can also prove critical for minimizing the impact of these situations.
Adaptability
Adaptability is a critical factor when selecting a TMS. Decide early whether the system should seamlessly adapt to your existing processes or if your operations should evolve to align with the software.
A capable TMS should support a wide range of operations, including inbound and outbound logistics, cross-docking, transshipment, and multimodal transportation such as road, rail, and sea. This versatility allows your logistics setup to evolve without system limitations.
An adaptable TMS also enables your business to respond quickly to changing conditions, from fluctuating demand and new regulations to emerging technologies, strengthening operational resilience and maintaining a competitive edge.
Why Choose Trace TMS
Trace TMS offers efficient, data-driven decision-making support for both long-term resource planning and day-to-day execution, monitoring, and deviation handling. Real-time macro and micro views with drill-down capabilities ensure that the right level of operational insight is always available to users, anytime and anywhere.
It can be seamlessly integrated into your existing systems or delivered as part of Trace — our supply chain management platform for state-of-the-art trade logistics.
Ready to take control of your logistics?
Discover how Trace TMS can transform your transport operations.
Learn more ↗
Discover how Trace TMS can transform your transport operations.
Learn more ↗