Optimization and execution of transportation operations from the factory or warehouse through to the delivery at the client’s site TMS Distribution is based on the principal of establishing a logistics blueprint that illustrates the position and responsibility of each entity in the chain (manufacturers, service providers, transporters, etc.) in order to ensure the entire transportation process is correctly managed from the initial preparation point through to the delivery at the final destination.

The module deconstructs orders into transportation needs. The objective being to determine the best suited service provider for each individual phase of the operation, using the optimal economic result as a base for calculation.

TMS Distribution is composed of several modules that act together to ensure optimized results:

Choosing the best logistics scheme

This module takes the orders generated by the client’s ERP or WMS and transforms them into Units to Transport (UT).  Using the characteristics of the UT, it automatically selects the best logistics blueprint based on cost, timing and quality of service, and it can equally propose various modes of transportation (messenger, lot, express).  In the end, the user selects the blueprint and mode that best suits his or her needs.

The logistics blueprint enables users to preview the different steps of the process (break-loads, handling, storage, cross-docking, etc.) and associate services and tariffs in order to generate a provisional global cost.

Consolidation

Starting with the initial consignment and though each point of passage or break-load, the system offers the possibility to research opportunities for consolidation, under the conditions specified by the user including delivery windows, means of transportation, etc.

Site management and multiple departures

TMS Distribution offers a consolidated overview of transportation needs for the ensemble of the sites in the logistics blueprint.  It can constitute multi-point departure and arrival consolidations by simple drag and drop manipulation by the user.  These functions enable users to optimize various means of transportation and take advantage of important gains in productivity.

Automatic chartering

The chartering and communication of transit orders can be completely automated including the transmission of transit orders in multiple forms (e-mail, fax, PDF), validation of those orders via the Internet Communication Portal by the shippers, and alerts in cases of delays (for example, overdue validation).

Quay management

This feature allows users to manage loading schedules, calculate loading time, direct an order to a particular quay, or to view and follow quay schedules.

Tracking and alerts

The system is informed at each break-load to follow each shipment from beginning to end.  If an incident arises, the system instantly transmits an alert in order to work around the problem.  Even more, the system provides tools that allow users to follow-up on as well as to qualify incidents, enabling them to consult the database in order to judge the quality of service of any given provider.  DDS Shipper’s alert system is highly proactive, enabling users to automatically generate e-mails when incidents arise and to create a to-do list to resolve the issue.

Forum Trafic

In parallel, users have access to the ad-hoc web solution Forum Trafic that enables them to manage wide-ranging processes outside of their organisation.

EAI (Enterprise Application Integration)

DDS Shipper exchanges information seamlessly with other applications and actors in the supply chain.