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Tag: tms

Transporeon Launches Freight Matching for Forwarders

Posted on by David Priestman

Freight forwarders are experts in their areas of the freight industry and have a vision of how the industry can be optimised. To set this vision in motion, Transporeon is thrilled to launch Freight Matching for Forwarders to boost their operational know-how and drive a digital revolution in the freight forwarding industry.

“This is a game-changer for the industry. The way we move freight has evolved over the years, but some basic principles have remained the same as freight is cascaded down from shippers to one or more forwarders and carriers. But this is often a manual process that comes with numerous challenges,” says Gruziana Hoxha, Executive Director for Carrier Management at Transporeon.

In today’s dynamic market there is a continuous search for transport capacity, often forcing forwarders to look beyond their trusted carrier network. Subcontracting has always played an important role in many supply chains. Even asset-heavy carriers subcontract as not every load fits perfectly within their network. However, subcontracting still has a negative connotation and comes with several risks. These include interrupted information flows, lost in-transit visibility, degraded service quality and OTIF performance, and potential security risks.

Freight Matching solves these challenges by maximising the available capacity forwarders already have with their trusted carriers. It empowers logistics teams to optimise the transport assignment process so they can make best use of their trusted carrier networks, limiting the need to look elsewhere for available capacity. “It basically makes sure that the right carrier gets assigned to the right shipment, for the right price, every time,” adds Gruziana Hoxha.

Forwarders play a crucial role in today’s supply chains. They have been consolidating fragmented capacity and delivering end-to-end transportation services and great customer experience for more than 200 years and this is what drives them every day. “It’s a people business, where relationships and partnerships make the difference. Now we are adding a great technology into their toolbox that optimises their capacity sourcing and enables them to spend more time on improving existing relationships or building new ones to strengthen the network, creating solutions, and providing an even better customer experience. Technology in logistics is all about making people’s lives easier while empowering collaboration and business growth – and that’s exactly what Freight Matching does,” says Stephan Sieber, CEO of Transporeon.

 

How TMS has evolved and what it can do for you

Posted on by David Priestman

How have transportation management systems (TMS) evolved, and how can you get the most out of a TMS without negatively impacting your established business processes or customers? This article, supplied by FreightPOP, has the answers.

The growing list of supply chain concerns is forcing shippers to make significant changes to their operations. The list of challenges we still face in this industry include:

  • Severe supply chain bottlenecks
  • Shipping delays
  • Labour/Driver shortages
  • Increased customer expectations
  • Capacity and equipment issues

Whether you’re looking to shift from a manual process to a more integrated and automated solution, or you are thinking of upgrading your shipping software, here’s what you need to know.

What Does A Modern TMS System Do?

In the early iterations of transportation management applications, we saw basic functionality such as rate management, carrier communications, and load consolidation. Over the past two decades, enhancements have included functions such as multimodal routing, cross-docking or pooling, and payment integration.

Today, robust solutions provide an end-to-end process to automate and integrate every aspect of your operation.

If you used a TMS system in the early days, you probably remember staring at green type on your computer screen and the high cost of implementation and ongoing computing power.

That’s all changed.

Cloud-Based TMS Solutions

As TMS solutions moved to the cloud, costs dropped significantly while computing resources grew exponentially. It used to be that only companies spending upwards of $100 million or more on freight used a TMS. But cloud-based TMS solutions allow even the smallest organizations to benefit from the advanced features without the hefty price tag.

SAAS TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT: The ubiquity of high-speed internet allowed for Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings, eliminating the capital investment needed for expensive mainframes and outsourcing the responsibility for software upgrades and hardware maintenance. This made TMS systems much more affordable as a subscription service with small monthly fees.

SHIPPING AUTOMATIONS: Modern TMS solutions now also allow you to automate much of the tedious, routine work to eliminate manual data entry and human errors. By utilizing APIs and web connectivity, you no longer need to call or check for rates and availability or be concerned about accurately tracking transactions. It all happens automatically to minimize workloads and optimise rates.

What You Need To Know About TMS Solutions

Not all TMS solutions on the market are equal, however, so if you’re shopping around, there are some things you need to consider.

For example, not all systems are customizable to your work processes. And the last result you want when trying to optimize is to have a TMS dictating or changing how you do business. Preferably, you need a system that integrates with third-party solutions you may already use such as ERP, WMS, order systems, and even any custom internal apps you may use.

The best TMS solutions should also excel at these critical functions:

  • Shopping for Rates
  • Real-time Tracking
  • Carrier Invoice Auditing
  • Carrier and Shipping Analysis

With the right TMS system, you can leverage your shipping data to improve your resource efficiency, vendor evaluations, and visibility on inbound and outbound products.

In 2022, You Need A Robust TMS

Overcoming today’s challenges — and whatever comes our way tomorrow — is essential to remain competitive and manage costs. A modern TMS solution can help you streamline and optimize your process holistically, so you can focus more on your core business and worry less about logistics.

For more information to help you learn how to deal with carrier capacity, what integrations to use to manage and scale freight, and much more CLICK HERE to access FreightPOP’s Ultimate Supply Chain Visibility Guide.

 

 

 

Globalia adds new features to TMS

Posted on by David Priestman

Globalia Logistics Network’s member-exclusive TMS FreightViewer will henceforth allow users to send quote requests to non-members via an interactive link.

In the ever-evolving scene of the logistics sector, it is now more important than ever to increase the accessibility of online tools and extend the opportunities of logistics software to as many users as possible. In this context, Globalia Logistics Network has decided to open up FreightViewer for access by non-members. Globalia agents will now be able to send and receive quote requests to any partner both inside and outside the network. This quote request comes in the form of an interactive link that needs to be clicked on and filled up by the recipient.

Despite the fact that collaborating with the network partners is a fool proof way to work in a safe and secure environment, many members have already successfully partnered with several external companies before becoming a Globalia member. For this reason, Globalia’s FreightViewer Department deemed it essential to open up the platform to external agents. This has immensely promoted communication even with freight forwarders who are not part of the network alongside the trustworthy Globalia agents.

Most importantly, the primary advantage of this new feature is that from now GLB agents can store the rates from independent freight forwarders outside the Network in FreightViewer software. Simply put, the addition of this new feature has enabled the agents to accelerate the quote generation process and even allowed them to store all quotations provided by any freight forwarder on this unique platform.

The digitisation of the logistics industry has highlighted several challenges for independent freight forwarders. One such challenge is the ability to consolidate and store all the data and exchange of information on one single platform. This where a software like FreightViewer becomes relevant. It not only allows GLB members to create instant, accurate door-to-door quotations but also streamlines the steps to request quotes from overseas agents.

As a result, it makes the daily operations of freight forwarders much more efficient. No matter whether the agent is a Globalia member or not, all users can now send and receive quotations from this platform.

Over the last couple of years, the freight forwarding industry has witnessed several changes including globalization and the rise in e-commerce trends. These changes have irreversibly transformed the landscape of this sector creating a more globalised and multimodal form of business involving a large number of components.

Furthermore, the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown have also considerably influenced and affected the operations of the logistics companies. The pandemic has made international travel extremely difficult. In this situation, freight forwarders can no longer consider travelling to a different country to meet their partner. This is why, now more than ever, it’s even more vital for freight forwarders networks to provide their members with efficient tools that encourage the easy exchange of data.

Dinges Logistics Selects new TOS

Posted on by David Priestman

Dinges Logistics has selected INFORM’s Intermodal TOS in January to replace their existing system at their Grünstadt container terminal. INFORM is a market leader in AI and optimization software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, the company has been in the optimization business for 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals with both add-on optimization modules as well as TOS solutions.

“When we set out to replace our existing system, we wanted to select a proven software vendor in the intermodal TOS market who will allow us to not only improve our transparency but also our efficiency,” commented Ingo Dinges, Owner of Dinges Logistics.

“As part of our selection process, we were able to see the impact of INFORM’s Intermodal TOS in live operations; INFORM’s solution was the clear leader after seeing the solution in place and speaking with the operations team at that terminal.”

“When we engaged with INFORM throughout the selection process, we always had a clear vision that they were looking at the long-term impact of their solution on our terminal and they were understanding our needs very well; it was clear that it would be a partnership with INFORM, that we weren’t simply buying a piece of software,” added Timo Mayer, Site Manager and Project Leader at Dinges Logistics.

“We had a strong focus on covering all aspects of our service offering with a single software solution to improve transparency while also reducing service times and we see digitalization as a key element in achieving these outcomes.”

The TOS replacement project is now under deployment and is slated to go-live in Q4 2021 and will build on INFORM’s existing footprint of intermodal terminal operators running their proven Intermodal TOS including KTL and Samskip in Germany.

“Our Intermodal TOS was developed over many years leveraging our knowledge of the container and intermodal industries combined with our optimization expertise,” commented Dr. Eva Savelsberg, SVP of INFORM’s Logistics division. “The TOS benefits from many of the add-on algorithms that the container terminal is probably used to hearing in conjunction with the name INFORM which truly makes it one of the most powerful intermodal TOS options on the market.”

Dinges Logistics Grünstadt Container Terminal is an important intermodal facility located in the Rhein-Neckar region close to Ludwigshafen/Mannheim, Germany providing storage places for loaded and empty containers, serviced storage slots, and regular shuttle services. Further, Dinges Logistics is an important one-stop-shopping solution for the industry in the region for all services including cleaning, workshop activities, heating and cooling as trucking services, as well as other services all under a single provider.

Dr. Savelsberg continued, “Dinges Logistics’ Grünstadt Terminal is our smallest Intermodal TOS deployment to date and it reflects the work that the team has done to make the solution scalable and nimble allowing any sized terminal to benefit from digitalization and optimization.”

Return Container Booking App Launched

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cargo stream – the first of its kind container booking app in Europe – has officially gone live. Built by Cargo stream, an international company developing solutions to manage the whole logistics chain in one place and making empty container logistics in Europe more efficient, the app is set to become a go-to tool for cargo forwarders and carriers. It enables users to book their shipping container faster and easier across the globe.

“This functionality was highly requested by various shipping lines. More and more companies are moving their operations online, accessing important data via computer or smartphone screens, and we see this trend as an extraordinary opportunity for the logistics sector. Technology enables immediacy, ubiquity, in our case, while booking containers or managing logistics processes. Our decision to launch an app was inspired by the number of functionalities requests we received from our partnering shipping lines. We are creating value for our customers by launching the first app of its kind in Europe,” said Anthony Poullain, member of the board at Cargo stream.

Currently, available solutions in the market are limited to desktop applications, enabling only several actions, which forces companies to stick to managing most of the procedures by phone calls or emails. “We want to be at the forefront of technological implementation in an otherwise stagnant industry. It is difficult to develop a solution from the shipping line side because other shipping lines will not join the internal system. Cargo stream is an independent, reliable and objective solution provider that connects different parties in the whole logistic chain,” said Stéphane Gouvart, an associate of the CMA CGM Group.

The Cargo stream app allows users to make container bookings and offers or announce that they are searching for a specific container. It facilitates a full exchange between cargo senders, forwarders and carriers and provides a single portal to manage the entire container communication with shipping lines in real-time. Additionally, users can use the container location tool that helps find empty containers near their location. From there, users quickly book the containers and begin the cargo journey.

The app also provides value for customers in the following ways: request changes in drop-off and pick-up locations, check empty container status and whether it can be re-used for export customers, as well as manage cross-border open equipment opportunities in real-time. With these features, app users can optimise trucks’ planning, avoid congested areas and disputes with other carriers, and centralise all lines on one platform.

“Using such technology, logistics professionals can save time and money by reducing the number of empty runs. When facing a global containers’ shortage, speed and concrete communication are key to be first in line and secure the containers. We have started booking containers through Cargo stream with MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company),” said Igoris Uba, CEO of Limarko Maritime Agency.

Previously, both parties lacked the information they needed to improve their business efficiency: since forwarders had to ask hundreds of carriers if they have a container or vice versa, carriers had to inquire whether forwarders need empty containers for their shippers. The economic value here is immense, as it was never that easy to match empty containers with cargo shippers. Moreover, Cargo stream is not a marketplace, but a modern hub for re-using containers for export.

Cargo stream business model is straightforward: it comes with no license fees, subscription requirements, and upfront commitments. The app only takes a fixed rate when business transactions have performed. It is expected that Cargo stream will increase the speed of finding suitable parties for transportation circumstances, expediting service requirements for all parties involved. As existing app users have already claimed, the app is the fastest and easiest way to book a container in the European market.

Real Time Yard Management Solutions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Today, the largest European logistics platform gets one step closer to becoming real time in everything it does and expands its visibility solutions into Real-Time Yard Management. In addition, Transporeon announces a strategic partnership with Peripass to offer enhanced Yard Management Solutions. Peripass dedicates its expertise and technology to help companies digitize and optimize their logistics processes. Thanks to this partnership, companies can benefit from extended real-time visibility capabilities.

Today, most transport or warehouse activities are often optimized with Time Slot Management. Combining Time Slot Management with Real-Time Visibility information allows dynamic rebooking of time slots and provides a real time view on yard activities. Only few companies have invested in digitizing their entire yard operations in real-time. Nevertheless, yard management is key to gain total visibility on the entire digital supply chain. Yet for many companies, this is still a missing link in supply chain. Although transport or warehouse activities are often optimized or automated, relatively few companies have already invested in digitizing their yard operations. The yard is where a lot of additional value is ready to be collected. This fragmented and reductionistic view and management of the yard makes it very difficult for Shippers, Retailers, Carriers and Logistics Service Providers to utilize all available resources in the best possible way leading to reactive processes, a lack of flexibility and also increased waiting times.

Transporeon’s launch of Real Time Yard Management and its partnership with Peripass, the Yard Enabler, will deliver an experience of simplicity in a fully automated real time yard ensuring hassle-free logistics and augmented visibility. A solution that aims to ease yard management and automate different visitor and logistic flows, enables significant efficiency, cost savings and safety & security improvements for all Shippers, Retailers, Carriers and Logistics Service Providers running warehouses and cross-docks in Europe.

Stephan Sieber, Transporeon’s CEO, said: “Launching Real Time Yard Management and partnering with Peripass will deliver tremendous value to carriers, shippers and forwarders. By combining the two best offerings approaching the yard from the timeslot and from the physical yard and all in real time demonstrates the strength of our platform and delivers a fully integrated experience to our customers. The whole Transporeon team is excited about the cooperation with a thought-leading and dynamic team at Peripass that shares our passion of delivering outstanding value to our customers.”

Leander Naessens, Peripass CEO, added: “By offering a combined solution, we join forces, with on one hand innovative Yard Management Solutions from Peripass, and on the other hand time slot and dynamic slot management capabilities from Transporeon. This integrated solution increases real-time visibility between transport and yard operations. This is an absolutely unique offering for the digital logistic market and Peripass is proud to be part of it.”

Transporeon has been working on this co-innovation with key pilot customers in Europe and plans to release the product and make it generally available by April 2021. We have already common projects in our pipeline to have the solution combined which will soon lead to real cases.

Dock Slot Booking

Posted on by David Priestman

An easy-to-implement smart booking function can eradicate inconvenience and inefficiency at the warehouse unloading dock. Paul Hamblin reports.

Here’s the scenario. You’re running a warehouse with several trucks arriving every day. Trouble is, you don’t know exactly when a certain truck is coming and exactly what’s on it when it does. You can’t match it to the specific equipment that might be needed to unload it and you don’t know how many people from your side you need physically to perform that task, whether a small amount of pallets or whether a full truckload.

From an efficiency perspective, it would be very helpful if you knew that sort of information for the day in advance – approximately how many lorries are coming, how big they are, what they’re carrying and when to expect them. Are they carrying bulk goods or packed goods or something in between? You need to know these things so that you can be properly prepared with the equipment and people necessary to process the arrival quickly and cost-effectively. Vice-versa with an outbound pickup – you can have the goods ready to be loaded at the right dock at the right time.

Then think of the carrier – waiting patiently in line, the driver twiddling thumbs until their turn comes up. Not the best use of time for all parties. What you all need is something to plan and coordinate this effort, a single source of information available to all stakeholders, making life more efficient and cost-effective for shippers and transport and warehouse managers alike. With such a facility, speed and cost are both optimised, to the benefit of shipper, carrier and warehouse.

Step forward transport software specialist Alpega TMS with a slot management and dock scheduling software solution that is both quick and easy to implement. Carolyn Hunt, Alpega’s Brussels-based Director of Go to Market TMS, explains how it works: “It starts by creating a virtual twin of the inbound/outbound facility. It shows how many docks they have and what type of goods are loaded into those docks.The warehouse then sets up its schedule, to include working hours. Once that’s set, the carrier actually goes into the system with its proposed truckload. The system will
then automatically choose the right dock for that carrier to book, and the most appropriate available time slot for that location based on specific product requirements.”

Realtime warehouse visibility is enhanced by an easy-to-use, customisable interface. Jean-Yves Lemelle, Product Manager for Alpega TMS Smart Booking Solution, explains that user experience has been key to the success of the product (developed from the former Transwide solution) which was launched last year and which already has several blue-chip companies, including Maersk, onboard. Admin for shippers and carriers is reduced. “We try to provide an interface for warehouse users which gives them as many configurations as possible, so that they have inbound and outbound options available matching exactly what they wish. Then we focus on the experience of the carrier so that they have the least information possible to provide, yet giving them the most
optimal dock and time slot.”

A familiar USP of Alpega TMS is its modularity. It enables customers to move at the pace they wish on the digital journey. The tool can be bought as a stand-alone or as part of a complete suite of end-to-end TMS solutions. “A lot of shippers want to get started on that path of digitalization, and I think this is a good tool to get started with, because it can be implemented very quickly,” points out Carolyn Hunt. “It’s quite self explanatory and easy to use, and it shows immediate benefits, to both the shipper and the carrier.”

Jean-Yves Lemelle adds: “I think it’s also important to highlight that we’re committed to making this tool as self service as possible, enabled by having configurations that other competitive
products are not able to offer.”

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