Business intelligence

Your First Year with TMS: What to Expect Month by Month

November 14, 2024

Implementing a Transportation Management System (TMS) can be a game-changer for businesses in the transportation industry. It streamlines operations, improves efficiency, and enhances visibility.

But what can you expect during the first year of your TMS journey? Let's explore the key milestones and benefits.

Month 1: A Smooth Onboarding

The initial phase involves a quick and efficient onboarding process. Your TMS provider will work closely with your team to ensure minimal disruption to your operations. Expect to gain proficiency in using the system within the first few weeks, making it the central hub for all your transportation activities.

At Stratum we understand the importance of keeping things moving, we'll work closely with you through the onboarding process to ensure zero downtime. Our implementation team will quickly upskill the team to become Stratum power-users.

Months 2-3: Increased Efficiency and Reduced Manual Work

As you become more familiar with the TMS, you'll notice a significant reduction in manual tasks and paperwork. The centralized platform streamlines communication and eliminates redundant processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

Stratum TMS user tell us that in the first 2 months, spreadsheets begin to disappear and the phones get a whole lot quieter. The shift to a centralized platform has streamlined communication within the business and effectively eliminated manual processes.

Months 4-5: Improved Invoicing and Customer Satisfaction

One of the immediate benefits of a TMS is improved invoicing accuracy and speed. Cash flow improves as invoices get out the door in one click, and you get paid for every job you do.
Customers stop worrying about seeing missing order numbers, reference numbers and incorrect prices, as your team make fewer mistakes and communication comes easy with everything on one central database.

Month 6+: Data-Driven Insights and Competitive Advantage

By the six-month mark, you'll have access to valuable data-driven insights. The TMS can provide you with weekly reports that offer visibility into your business operations. This data can be used to identify trends, optimize routes and make informed decisions about fleet management.

With Stratum TMS, you'll set up weekly automatic reports that give you visibility into your business delivered straight to your inbox. Data informs chasing new business, dropping poor-performing customers, re-negotiation of rates and new fleet purchases. Uncover trends, get the visibility you need, identify areas for improvement, and gain a competitive edge in the market. 

Year 1: Significant Growth and Success

As you complete the first year with your TMS, you'll likely experience significant growth and success. The improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, cash flow, and competitive strategy will set your business apart.

Stratum users grow significantly within their first year of implementing the system. With the improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, cashflow, and competitive strategy, growth is only natural. 

Conclusion

Implementing a TMS is a strategic investment that can yield substantial returns. By understanding the key milestones and benefits, you can make the most of your first year and position your business for long-term success.

Every business owner tackles their own unique challenges. We'd love to hear your story to tailor-fit solutions to the problems you face.

Want to learn more about how a TMS can benefit your business? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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