Logistics is the most important element in almost any company. You need to think of convenient and efficient ways to export, import, as well as send goods to certain customers at specific points. Therefore, everyone responsible for any logistics activity is looking for effective solutions to respond to increasingly important problems: high storage costs, very short lead times, lean manufacturing, real-time shipment control, etc.
It is professional software developers who promise to increase their productivity. It is also necessary that the logistics program meets the requirements of your work and the market.
What types of transportation and supply chain software are there? What are the most valuable features? And how do you make sure you choose the best? Keep reading this article to find answers to these and other most common questions. Also, do not forget that if you want to get such software, then you should contact the specialists at https://dinarys.com/supply-chain-software-development.
What is a logistics management program?
A logistics program, more specifically a supply chain management program, we call any solution that improves the efficiency of the supply chain by digitizing some processes.
Depending on the size of the company and its field of activity, the program can optimize all or part of the operations, from order verification to shipment to the final customer. These tools can, for example, facilitate the following:
- Supply monitoring and control.
- Organization of premises inside the warehouse.
- Order preparation, packing, and palletizing.
- Tracking of shipments, for outgoing and return flows, etc.
- All supply chain management (SCM) programs share the same goal: to centralize information to optimize collaboration between supply chain and transport participants.
What types of programs are used in the logistics sector?
We can divide supply chain programs into two broad categories:
WMS, simplifying the management of warehouses and premises.
TMS focused on transport optimization.
However, this representation is very schematic. Depending on your needs, you can use WMS, TMS, or both in a complementary way. Some program editors also offer modular systems that allow you to select "blocks" of additional functionality.
Basic functionality of WMS (warehouse management systems)
WMS, or warehouse management software, has useful features for:
- Real-time inventory visualization based on variables such as purchase date, concession date, use limit date, etc.
- Improve the organization of the supply of goods and reduce the number of breakdowns.
- Increase operator productivity (accurate warehouse mapping, order preparation plan, etc.).
- Improve traceability of products or orders at every stage of the supply chain (barcode, RFID chips, RF gun, etc.).
- Reduce errors and offer better service with alerts, dashboards, and more.
Even some WMS go further and offer management of fully automated warehouses, where robots ensure the collection and transportation of goods.
Basic functionality of TMS (Transport Management Systems)
The common goal of all TMS is to optimize transport, whether it be deliveries, interventions, or reverse flows. These programs are intended for carriers, as well as for all companies that organize the transport of fresh products, packaging, equipment, etc. Some TMS are also very useful for managing the movements of mobile workers, such as technicians, salesmen, etc.
Among the main functions of transport programs are:
- Vehicle charging optimization.
- Planning expeditions or routes.
- Geolocation of goods or distributors.
- Centralized management of documents and proof of delivery.
- Solutions for real-time response to incidents that may occur on the road or at the client's home (traffic jams, absence, etc.).
- Performance analysis and control, etc.
Therefore, if you have not yet implemented such systems at home, we strongly recommend that you explore the software that best suits your needs and also complements your procurement process. To do this, you can simply turn to a dedicated magento developer for help.
