5 criteria to choose for your MSD

To meet the increasingly high demands of consumers in terms of quality and delivery, it is now essential for industry players to optimize the management of incoming and outgoing flows. In this respect, the TMS ( Transport Management System) is a must-have solution.

What are the challenges related to the use of such software? And what are the criteria to take into account when choosing your MSD, as well as the difficulties to anticipate? WAYDEN answers.

 

The TMS: definition and challenges

The TMS is a transport management system designed to facilitate and optimise the management of goods flows.

The TMS thus responds to major challenges for companies and is a valuable decision-making tool. If used properly, it can allow the company to shorten its delivery times, save time, reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, etc. All of these factors contribute directly to improving customer satisfaction and strengthening the company’s competitiveness.

 

5 criteria for choosing a TMS

Here are the 5 main criteria to consider when choosing your MSD:

• Ergonomics

First of all, it is advisable to opt for a user-friendly TMS , with an ergonomic and intuitive interface. This is a prerequisite to ensure a quick and easily operational start.

• The adaptability and scalability of the tool

It is also essential to find out about the tool’s ability to adapt to the different needs of the company: modes of transport used (sea, road, air, rail, etc.); area covered (regional, national, international); transport standards to be respected; material and human resources; information system used, etc.

In addition, it will be necessary to opt for a modular and scalable TMS software, capable of evolving as the company grows, increases the volume of deliveries, and evolves its needs.

• The ability to integrate with your existing systems

It is also imperative to ensure that the TMS can be easily interfaced with existing information systems within the company and that it can be linked with other production management software (ERP, MES, WMS, etc.).) to streamline data sharing and streamline logistics and transport chain operations.

• Cost and estimated ROI

The cost of the software is naturally another criterion to take into account. In Calculating the budget to be dedicated to the TMS, it will be necessary to take into account the cost related to the publisher, the integrator, but also the possible costs related to the disruptions caused by its implementation. It is also imperative to calculate the ROI ( Return on Investment ) to validate the relevance of this purchase.

• The features offered

The TMS must be equipped with several basic functionalities, including:

• Route planning and route optimization by limiting delays and empty kilometers;
• The comparison of the best carriers;
• The choice of driver;
• Load planning;
• The creation of the loading plan and the optimization of the fill rate based on the dimensions and nature of the products;
• The traceability of deliveries;
• Automating certain operations, such as invoicing;
• Centralization of data;
• The ability to monitor the flow of goods in real time;
• Generating reports;
• Monitoring of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators);
• …

Other features may be required depending on the specific needs of the business.

Among the other selection criteria, the reputation of the publisher and user feedback will also have to be checked beforehand. It will also be necessary to ensure that the software complies with any regulations and standards relating to transport.

 

Installing a TMS: Challenges and Solutions

Setting up a Transport Management System can be particularly complex.

First of all, it is essential to choose a suitable publisher and integrator, offering a solution aligned with the needs of the company. The TMS must also be linked to existing information systems, which can sometimes generate technical and organizational difficulties.

In addition, the challenges related to the implementation of such software on a human, managerial and organizational level should not be neglected. Indeed, it is not uncommon for this to generate a lot of resistance to change or disruptions in operational efficiency. Finally, it is necessary to anticipate, through regular maintenance and updates, possible breakdowns and technical interruptions of the software that can undermine the proper management of the supply chain.

Given the high initial cost of acquiring and implementing a TMS, it is therefore essential to secure its choice and installation. To do this, it will be very wise to call on external consultants.

At WAYDEN, we select a supply chain and transport expert from our pool of 8,000 highly qualified interim managers, capable of supporting you at every stage of the installation of your TMS on your sites in France or abroad. With With a 15 to 25-year career in high-ranking positions with major industry players, this professional will be able to help you meet the human, technical and organizational challenges related to the implementation of such a tool.