Services
Key Features of the TMS
As an internet-based, real-time application, we use a web portal system for clients to initiate shipments with us and continually monitor the progress of these shipments throughout the course of the logistics process. Carriers enter these portals to accept tendered loads, provide updated check calls and provide POD information.
Shipment data can be entered into this system in a variety of ways, from directly entering the portal, sending flat files, through EDI, through other Web applications, ASCII, sending a fax or just calling us on the phone. Regardless of how you initiate a shipment, the same standardized process and document control occurs on your shipments, which ensure continuity of service.
Depending on the carrier, we will process a tender using the same methods that we receive shipment data in. Small carriers may want a simple faxed or emailed tender, while larger carriers handling a great many loads may prefer EDI or ASCII methods. The system can handle all methods of electronic communications.
The system offers an automatic optimization for route and backhaul planning. This assists our load planners and transportation specialists access to the right carrier at the right price at exactly the right time.
Because the system is comprehensive, clients can enter the portal to view accounting reports, on-time percentage reports, tender acceptance reports and so much more.
One of the unique features of our TMS is the load optimizer. It was built to reduce greenhouse gases while reducing transportation costs. The optimizer shows demonstratable CO2 reductions for transportation plans allowing your logistics department to be a major contributor to the overall green initiatives of the corporation.
The optimizer was built to address three critical issues:
- Enable multiple pickup and drop scenarios for consideration along with backhauls and cross docking scenarios. (Most optimizers are built for a single location optimization.)
- Provide continuous feedback as to why the system was not able to optimize the shipments.
- Easily load data in and get results out.
Complex algorithms are fed by a simple set of spreadsheets that may be generated from the TMS or simply uploaded from outside sources. The optimizer can be run with an individual client’s needs in mind or magnified over all of the Transact clients which often provide strong cost cutting directives. Are you optimizing your logistics operation?