Why You No Longer Need to Worry About TMS Integrations

In our challenging economic climate, streamlining your freight management software can help you stay competitive and drive profitability. There may be unanswered questions about the complexity, cost, and time required (including operational downtime) to integrate a new TMS successfully.

With the latest advancements in logistics technology and the creation of more user-friendly platforms, if you choose the right software, these challenges are easily overcome. How do you decide which software is right for your organization?

Understanding TMS Integrations

TMS integrations can streamline your operations, increasing speed and driving profitability. To do that, however, they typically have to merge with other existing applications, such as Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP systems, warehouse management systems, and Customer Relationship Management or CRM platforms. When done successfully, data can flow easily between different parts of the organization, providing an improved view of your total supply chain operations.

Benefits of TMS Integrations

When implemented successfully, TMS integrations can create opportunities and offer multiple advantages:

• Operational Efficiency: Automate manual processes and reduce data entry errors.

• Cost Savings: Optimize routes and carrier selection, reducing transportation costs.

• Improved Data Accuracy: Ensure consistent and up-to-date information across all systems.

• Enhanced Visibility: Gain real-time insights into your entire supply chain.

• Competitive Advantage: Respond faster to market changes and customer demands.

Common Misconceptions

Many businesses want to move to TMS integration but hold out based on outdated info. They may think integration will take too much time and be too complex because their operations have many moving parts. They may think it’s too expensive, without researching actual implementation costs — and what benefits you can reap. Or they may think their organization is too small to benefit from TMS integration when good logistics planning software can be right-sized for any organization.

The reality is that modern TMS solutions are designed specifically to reduce integration time and to manage all kinds of complexity, through features like pre-built connectors and standardized APIs. While there is an initial cost, the long-term cost savings and efficiency gains should be considered when evaluating ROI.

Challenges of TMS Integrations

While TMS integrations have improved, there are challenges. When evaluating whether or not the software will fit into your tech ecosystem, you may have specific questions or needs that must be addressed during integration. Here are some common areas that can present challenges in TMS integrations. Consider whether these are issues at your organization, and discuss with potential providers how they minimize, handle, or overcome these challenges when it comes to integration.

Data Quality Issues

Clean, accurate data is absolutely essential for a TMS integration to be considered a success. Your livelihood depends on the accuracy of your data and your clients and customers rely upon it. Poor data quality during integration can lead to errors and other inefficiencies. Understand how errors or gaps in data are proactively addressed by any freight management software vendor you are considering for TMS integration.

Legacy System Compatibility

Newer often means better when it comes to software, but many companies are using customized, older systems that they cannot discontinue for certain parts of the business. Ask your TMS software provider what solutions they offer to bridge gaps to integrate with older systems.

Resource Allocation

If you are worried about allocating resources to a TMS integration, discuss that with your provider before committing. Dedicating enough of the right personnel and necessary budget to an integration process is crucial to its successful installation and TMS implementation. Without enough or the right resources, you can experience delays and complications that can make the process take longer than planned.

Change Management

Change can be hard, especially for employees who are used to old systems. Discuss how they plan to make the integration process easy, what training is included, and how changes will be communicated.

Customization Requirements

While many TMS solutions offer out-of-the-box functionality, every company has unique needs that may require customization or special attention. A good TMS integration vendor should evaluate your project and create a detailed and customized execution plan, working alongside you and recognizing your needs and wants.

Simplifying the Integration Process

If you know it’s time for TMS integration but need to ensure it goes smoothly, here are some prep steps to get you ready:

• Define your goals and company-specific requirements.

• Choose a TMS provider with proven success with integrations.

• Clean your digital house—conduct data cleansing.

• Develop a project plan that includes achievable timelines.

• Allocate enough resources, which may include an integration project team.

• Implement in phases to make the change manageable.

• Provide training to all users.

• Continuously monitor the system and users post-integration to highlight issues.

Choosing the Right TMS Provider

When it’s time to choose a TMS provider, consider their experience in your industry and their reputation for success. Evaluate how well they respond to your questions and how prepared they seem to tackle challenges that may arise.

Evaluate their platform based on factors like flexibility and scalability – is it right for your organization both now and in the future?

Understand what type of customer support is provided throughout and after the installation process, and make sure you understand the total costs, including ongoing maintenance and updates.

Planning and Preparation

Preparing for your TMS integration can help it go more smoothly.

• Assess your current systems and processes.

• Identify key stakeholders and form a cross-functional team.

• Define clear objectives and success metrics.

• Create a detailed project timeline and budget.

• Develop a risk management plan.

Implementation and Testing

Once implementation starts, your work also starts. Conduct testing at each stage of the integration to ensure success. Train employees on the system. Monitor their progress and feedback to catch and address any issues that may arise.

Seamless TMS Integration with Planimatik

With a customized approach, thoughtful planning, and the right software provider, a TMS integration can be seamless.

Planimatik’s freight management software is designed for total simplicity: easy implementation and smooth integration with existing systems, augmenting and enhancing them.

Planimatik's implementation process is designed to take less than 2 hours, addressing common concerns about the challenges of incorporating new technology.

Contact Planimatik today to request a free demo of our digital freight marketplace software and learn more about how we can help you with a TMS Integration.