{"id":19939,"date":"2017-03-07T16:19:14","date_gmt":"2017-03-07T21:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/01b.797.myftpupload.com\/?p=19939"},"modified":"2020-07-26T07:35:45","modified_gmt":"2020-07-26T11:35:45","slug":"top-things-to-consider-when-selecting-trucking-software-part-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roadvision.com\/blog\/top-things-to-consider-when-selecting-trucking-software-part-4\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Consider When Selecting Trucking Software: Integrations"},"content":{"rendered":"
Last post we covered \u201cThe Cloud<\/a>\u201d and the options as it relates to trucking software (TMS). This next topic we will explore is Technology Integrations. What is the TMS provider’s technology strategy, how do they choose their technology partners, and to what extent do they integrate with those partners.<\/p>\n Technology Integrations<\/strong><\/p>\n Transport Topics recent article talked about \u201cProduct Integration Among Competitors A Growing Trend in Technology Sector<\/a>\u201d. Whether it\u2019s drones, artificial intelligence, automation, or 3D printing there is no shortage of cutting-edge technologies being explored in transportation right now. For most LTL carriers integrating with technologies like this isn\u2019t on their immediate radar. Right now, less-than-truckload carriers are focused on building a sustainable, more productive human workforce while also trying to utilize vetted, affordable technologies that will make their businesses more competitive and compliant with regulations (ELD).<\/p>\n With that said, trucking software providers should, without a doubt, have an immediate strategy for how to adapt, integrate and evolve as these types of technologies become mainstream. The technology strategy of a TMS provider is going to dictate the long-term success of each LTL carrier running their solutions. For the purpose of this post, we\u2019re not going to focus on costs or ROI. Some technologies are required and should be thought of as the cost of doing business. So with that said, here are several areas we recommend you focus on:<\/p>\n Additional factors to consider are:<\/p>\n If an integration is done effectively, users shouldn\u2019t be aware of the integration. The technology and its tools should become just another feature within the provider’s trucking software package. The most important aspect, however, (beyond how the integration is presented within the trucking software) is how<\/i> is it used?<\/p>\n 4 Levels of Technology Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n Minimal: <\/strong>Users rarely use the technologies tools to complete tasks.<\/p>\n Occasional:<\/strong> Users infrequently utilize a few of the technologies tools to complete tasks.<\/p>\n Regular:<\/strong> Users utilize a variety of the available tools to complete tasks. The technology is used on a regular basis to achieve a better understanding of data.<\/p>\n Enhanced:<\/strong> The technologies\u2019 tools optimize how user’s complete tasks. It allows users to make smarter decisions with an enhanced level of comprehension.<\/p>\n Enhancing a user’s performance should be the result of each trucking software (TMS) provider’s integration. Technology integrations exist to deliver access that otherwise wouldn\u2019t be available within the trucking software package. These integrations should make both the TMS provider and its carriers more competitive and more productive by providing:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How we interact with technology is evolving at an exponential pace; it\u2019s not science fiction anymore. The Internet of Things (IoT)<\/a> and driverless trucks are a reality<\/a>. How each carrier prepares to adapt and incorporate these technologies (especially in LTL) is going to dictate their ability to thrive now and even more so in the future.<\/p>\n If you’re a less-than-truckload carrier that has avoided mainstream TMS packages. Say you\u2019ve designed your own in-house system, what is your technology strategy? Can your information technology (IT) department adapt, integrate, and evolve at the pace of technology? Will you be able to attract and retain the skills needed to integrate upcoming technologies? If the answer to any of these questions is not a confident “yes”, maybe this is the time to consider a TMS provider-partner.<\/p>\n These are extremely exciting times, and everyone should be building a network of partners that are obsessed with innovation and technology if they want to stay\u00a0competitive.<\/p>\n\n
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