Uncovering the Differences in TMS Systems
The adoption rate of TMSs has been on the rise in the last several years, thanks in part to an increase in the types of systems and price ranges that make them more affordable for small and mid-sized 3PLs, shippers, brokers and carriers.
Notably, SaaS-based TMSs have changed the game, offering faster implementations, more flexible options (especially for companies without large IT teams), and delivering better ROI when it comes to planning, procurement, load tender, visibility and freight payment. Some providers even offer stripped-down “free” TMSs that offer very basic functionality and tools.
But in this article at Journal of Commerce, Mitch Weseley explains why first-time TMS system buyers should take the time to understand the differences between TMSs, even though so many vendors call their software offering a TMS. There will be stark distinctions in flexibility, robustness and usability. From the article:
“If I’m coming in as a TMS buyer, the first thing to appreciate is there are no standard nomenclatures,” Weseley said in an interview with JOC.com. “There are countless kinds of products calling themselves a TMS. It’s particularly challenging for a first-time buyer. They often don’t even know what questions to ask. The mistake virtually everyone has made is they don’t understand the problem they’re trying to solve when they start. They build a data model with rules they can’t get around….
If we can’t identify things they need that require a Tier 1 product, we don’t waste our time and their time.”
To better understand the differences between 3Gtms and other systems, check out these side-by-side comparisons between traditional TMS systems and the reimagined architecture and design of our 3G-TM system.
