Beyond Numbers: A TMS Data Management Module for Smarter Logistics

Logistics management is more than just moving goods from point A to B—it's about precision, efficiency and most importantly, data-driven decision-making.

For businesses like yours, managing logistics effectively is all about having robust and accurate data you can trust. Data that's available in real time, accessible to everyone that needs it and presented in a user-friendly and actionable way—in a nutshell, data you can bank your business decisions on.

This leads us to the pivotal question: how do you achieve such a high standard of data quality?

The answer lies in deploying a logistics system that provides detailed tracking and monitoring capabilities, enabling you to ensure your operational decisions rest on a bedrock of reliable information. You need a tool that not only captures data but turns it into action steps.

Enter a transportation management system (TMS). While a TMS serves many functions, our focus today zeroes in on how it can enhance logistics operations across your entire supply chain by rendering your data visible and actionable.

Understanding the Importance of Efficient Logistics

If speed is currency in today's market, inefficiencies are significant and detrimental costs. As you know, efficiency reigns supreme in logistics and any shortfalls, especially those affecting customers, can bring about the undoing of a business.

Poor data management or antiquated processes do more than frustrate; they directly bleed your bottom line. Whether it's errors, missing data, silos between teams or simply the sheer amount of time required for recording and analyzing, inefficient data processes can have significant consequences—ultimately increasing costs, harming customer satisfaction and limiting your growth. A TMS with a robust data management module offers a solution, empowering you to tackle these challenges directly.

The High Cost of Inaction

The hesitation to enhance logistics systems may stem from various factors, yet the consequences are uniformly detrimental. As mentioned, inefficiencies tax your finances heavily, stemming from overpayments and operational slowdowns.

A TMS data management module arms you with the tools to proactively streamline your logistics, turning each dollar spent into a deliberate step towards efficiency and reduces overall shipping costs up to 15% annually.

Why Overpayments Happen and How To Prevent Them

Overpayments in logistics typically arise from human error, misapplied surcharges and Bill of Lading (BOL) discrepancies.

An effective TMS can address these issues head-on by automating critical processes, minimizing errors and offering a transparent overview of all financial activities and adjustments. By automating the audit and processing of invoices seamlessly in a TMS solution, you can ensure your organization is not overpaying for shipments and reduce audit and process costs on average from $7.75 per invoice to $1.05.

Instant Return on Investment and Long-Term Benefits

Investing in a TMS data management module can provide you with an immediate return on investment. Companies typically see reduced freight and parcel auditing costs almost immediately after implementation. Additionally, workflow automation can help reduce time spent on the entire shipping process by 28%.

These savings are just the beginning. Over time, the system provides deeper shipping insights, paving the way for continuous optimizations. Armed with the right data and the time to act on it—thanks to automation—you can make more informed, strategic decisions to increase profitability and accelerate growth.

Transforming Your Supply Chain

The profound impact of a TMS with data management capabilities cannot be overstated.

By integrating with existing systems, it promotes a seamless flow of information and a unified approach to managing logistics across all levels of your organization from sales to the shipping and receiving floor. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also boosts sustainability efforts by reducing waste and promoting better resource management.

Embracing the Future of Logistics

The future of logistics management is charted by data, and the Aptean TMS data management module is your navigator. Aptean TMS is the cornerstone for smarter logistics and we have decades worth of experience to prove it.

“Aptean has provided Chase Corporation with a fully integrated TMS including order consolidation, rating, routing, BOL creation and automated shipment tendering to carrier. They also provide proactive tracking with multiple reports to recipients across divisions. In addition to improved pricing, the TMS provides us excellent control and visibility into our supply chain.” - Dharman Hensman, Director IT, Chase Corporation

Adopting a solution like Aptean’s TMS not only streamlines your operations but also equips you with the actionable, real-time data you need to make smart decisions, quickly.

The thought of TMS implementation may seem daunting, but the risk of operating without one is far greater on your bottom line. Our purpose-built TMS software, with its powerful data management module, is designed with your unique challenges in mind, making it the perfect ally to help you improve your logistics efficiency.

Interested in leveraging data to streamline your logistics operations and guide your business toward heightened efficiency and enduring success? Contact us for more information, or to see Aptean TMS in action—request a personalized demo today.