{"id":19948,"date":"2017-02-16T16:30:21","date_gmt":"2017-02-16T21:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/01b.797.myftpupload.com\/?p=19948"},"modified":"2020-07-26T07:38:03","modified_gmt":"2020-07-26T11:38:03","slug":"top-things-to-consider-when-selecting-trucking-software-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roadvision.com\/blog\/top-things-to-consider-when-selecting-trucking-software-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Consider When Selecting Trucking Software: Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"

Picking a trucking software\u00a0provider (Transportation Management System<\/a>) can be an overwhelming investment of both time and money. However, if you commit to the process, the ROI can be limitless.<\/p>\n

Trucking software, and how software, in general, \u00a0integrates with technologies, is at an innovative intersection. Today\u2019s TMS packages should be designed to evolve, scale, and adapt with your business. If you want to be successful, you need a flexible solution AND a strong provider partnership.<\/p>\n

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WHERE TO START?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first thing you need understand is the provider’s use of the term TMS. Is the Transportation Management Software built for shippers or carriers? Was it designed for truckload, less-than-truckload, brokers, accounting, etc.? Was it then adapted to \u201chandle\u201d other transportation modes? For instance, was it designed for truckload carriers, but “can be” used to handle less-than-truckload operations? Meaning it’s not an optimal solution, but it technically may work.<\/p>\n

Next, you need to analyze each provider\u2019s features and services, then translate these into costs. You need to learn how their TMS package integrates with other technologies or other packages used internally, such as General Ledger or a CRM. Finally, you need to ask yourself, how will the TMS provider help you with internal marketing? One of the hardest challenges you will face is introducing change and achieving company-wide buy-in of the change. TMS providers are essentially agents of change and they should have a strategy in place that will make the implementation process flow smoothly.<\/p>\n

This may sound like more than you can tackle right now, however, data shows that it\u2019s well worth it: In a 2016 survey ARC Advisory Group found freight savings of 8% by integrating a new TMS<\/a>.\u00a0<\/a>Kicking the proverbial can down the road is a zero-sum strategy. Simply put, the right TMS provider will make your business capable of more; more productivity, more information, and more competitive. Assuming you pick the right provider, it should be last time you shop for a TMS package.<\/p>\n

FACTORS TO CONSIDER<\/strong><\/p>\n