What Are ERP Integrations and Why Are They Critical for LTL Shippers?
As an LTL shipper, jumping back and forth between systems is not only a major time waster but can also lead to costly errors. Connecting all the systems you use on a daily basis is a must for efficient operations. An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) integration consolidates information from multiple systems such as order (OMS), warehouse (WMS), and transportation management systems (TMS) into one place. This means that all your order and shipment info is easily accessible - leading to better decision-making and a more streamlined process. This connection simplifies shipping, reduces errors, and improves visibility into operations. With the complexity of LTL shipping, ERP integrations are key to staying ahead of the competition and keeping customers happy.
What Are the Benefits of ERP Integrations for LTL Shippers?
Picture this: Your warehouse is bustling with activity and orders are coming in left and right. Meanwhile, you’re updating your order management system so you can stay on top of what needs to get out the door. But what about your transportation management system? Without integrated systems, you’re stuck copying and pasting order information from your OMS into TMS and shipment information back into your TMS… over and over again. This redundancy wastes time and is the number one cause of shipping errors.
A streamlined integration between your TMS and order management or warehouse management systems can make a world of difference in your company's daily operations. This simple connection eliminates manual entry and provides better control over your shipping process. When your systems talk to each other, you're able to make smarter decisions about how to ship products, where to route them, and how to get them to their final destination on time. Plus, with your TMS working in conjunction with your OMS and WMS, you'll have a clear view of your entire logistics process, from start to finish!
How Can ERP Integrations Save Your Business Money?
Many LTL shippers are constantly badgering their carriers for lower rates. Most don’t realize that real savings can be found within their four walls via ERP integrations. How?
These seamless digital connections:
As you can see, the cost savings from integrating your systems can be substantial.
Which Departments Benefit from ERP Integrations? Though the entire organization benefits from connected technology, the following departments often experience the most value:
Shipping: Shipping and logistics managers are often stuck with tedious, error-prone processes. For example, if your warehouse manager enters a single digit wrong on a zip code, your shipment could be delivered to the wrong side of the country. This often leads to reconsigning the shipment or having to re-ship the idea order and eat the cost of the original AND return shipment. With ERP integrations, the information is passed through automation eliminating the potential for human error and creating a much easier process.
Customer Service: Customer service often spends more time on the phone with customers than focusing on high-value tasks because they don’t have easy access to tracking information. Live tracking in your ERP means they can provide instant updates to the customer and devote time to more important tasks.
Accounting: Invoice matching is a tedious task made more tedious by hand-written quotes that must be matched up with freight bills. ERP integrations automatically pass back quoted costs, allowing your team to automate the freight matching process.
Leadership: Lack of visibility is a huge hindrance to the growth and scale of a business. With connected technology, you have easy access to data that matters and can easily create custom reports. This provides insight into where your freight spend leaks are and how to stop them.
What Does it Take to Get Integrated?
Whether you use NetSuite, QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, or another software, connecting your order or warehouse management systems with MyCarrierTMS can be a game-changer for your business. MyCarrier offers many different integration types in order to connect you with the system of record you use today. An experienced integrations team can assist you in that process, and the connection can be set up in as little as 24 hours.