{"id":19922,"date":"2017-03-29T16:04:06","date_gmt":"2017-03-29T20:04:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/01b.797.myftpupload.com\/?p=19922"},"modified":"2020-07-26T07:40:21","modified_gmt":"2020-07-26T11:40:21","slug":"what-to-consider-when-selecting-trucking-software-future-proofing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roadvision.com\/blog\/what-to-consider-when-selecting-trucking-software-future-proofing\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Consider When Selecting Trucking Software: Future-Proof"},"content":{"rendered":"
Throughout this series of posts, we\u2019ve highlighted specific topics we think you should consider as you explore new trucking software packages\/TMS providers. All of the subjects thus far have focused primarily on the present, trying to help you understand exactly what you will be getting from each trucking software provider being considered. Now we are going to explore an area that can be hard to navigate but is extremely important: is your potential TMS provider future proof?<\/strong><\/p>\n What does \u201cfuture-proof\u201d mean? Future-proof<\/strong> <\/a>is the process of anticipating the future and developing methods of minimizing the effects of shocks and stresses of future events.<\/p>\n Each TMS providers\u2019 plans for their<\/i> future will definitely impact your<\/i> company\u2019s future. You need to consider how each trucking software package potentially meets your current needs, but also analyze how a TMS provider plans to address your future needs as well.<\/p>\n Several times through this series<\/a> we have discussed rapid innovative changes that are occurring in the trucking software and technology spaces. The vision and strategies of each trucking software provider are going to directly impact your ability to react, compete and grow, both now and in the future. If you select the right partner, your next TMS package could very well be your last. It\u2019s simply not an efficient investment of time, or money if you need to repeat this process every three to six years.<\/p>\n Future-Proof: Strategy and Innovation <\/strong><\/p>\n Investigate each TMS providers\u2019 strategy and plan for the future by asking the following questions to see what direction the provider leads you in:<\/p>\n Additionally, it\u2019s important to inquire about the kinds of new technologies the provider is examining for future consideration. For instance, how do they plan to adapt when autonomous trucks come online? Or how do they anticipated incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) within their applications?<\/p>\n Likewise, it’s extremely beneficial to spend some time familiarizing yourself with emerging technologies so that you can develop your own vision for how they could impact your business in the future. To give you a head start, we suggest exploring the following technologies:<\/p>\n Now that you have an understanding of each potential partners\u2019 strategy for the future in regards to technology let\u2019s progress to their internal structure.<\/p>\n Future-Proof: Ownership Structure <\/strong><\/p>\n Explore who owns the TMS provider:<\/p>\n With respect to ownership, you need to examine if the company you are considering owns other technologies developed for the transportation industry. This could affect the choices you have with regard to technology integrations down the road.<\/p>\n Future-Proof: Growth Model<\/strong><\/p>\n Does the TMS provider embrace technology partners or are they focused on being a one-stop-shop for their customers? Many trucking software companies\u00a0want to be the only provider\u00a0for all your transportation technology needs. The idea sounds convenient, and works great for some carriers, as it is definitely easier.<\/p>\n However, for many carriers, the freedom to choose your own technology partners is more important than convenience. Your company\u2019s priorities will help dictate which circumstance is more valuable: one-stop shopping or the freedom to pick and choose the technologies that will work best for you.\u00a0You also need to consider how the TMS providers\u2019 corporate affiliations could affect their role as your transportation technology explorer\/educator\/advisor; will they truly be able to steer you towards the best solutions for your company, or will they push you to use more of their services (or partner services)?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The key to developing a future-proof partnership, where strategies and plans align, is transparency and honest communication. This includes understanding all existing affiliations and partnerships.<\/p>\n Once this\u00a0information is gathered and the rubber meets the road, it\u2019s ultimately up to you. We hope this series of posts was valuable in helping you gather critical feedback from your list of potential TMS providers.<\/p>\n During your exploration of trucking software packages\/providers, we hope you take the time to consider our transportation management software<\/a>, services, solutions and partnership.<\/p>\n\n
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