Trucking and logistics companies that simplify their operations can achieve greater, more consistent success. To simplify means shifting out of slow, clunky processes and error-prone, disparate workflows into smoother, more controlled and automated practices. Everything gets easier when this happens. Drivers and back-office staff can direct their focus on what really matters: delivering higher-quality outcomes.
Pressing challenges and priorities differ for each business. Opportunities to simplify are often hidden in plain sight. To find them, you may first need to gain a better understanding of what about your current systems is serving you well and what may need replacing.
Not everything that is not working well can be replaced in a piecemeal fashion. On the contrary, to get the benefits of modern tools and technologies often will require an overhaul of your back office. Fortunately, this process has become easier than ever. Any size fleet can deploy a new transportation management system (TMS) in record time to reduce costs, remove technology barriers, and introduce greater speed and scale.
Perhaps no change is more significant than introducing a new TMS to improve the order-to-cash lifecycle of loads. When a back office is transformed by a modern platform, the impacts are widespread. As information flows smoothly and accurately from order entry to payment, the benefits are palpable – from billing customers immediately upon load deliveries, to improving cash flow and eliminating manual, time-consuming work.
Challenges with the order-to-cash lifecycle of loads are inextricably linked with outdated technology. Any difficulty you may be experiencing with this cycle is surmountable. Upgrading your back office to a modern TMS designed to simplify operations will forever remove manual steps and rework caused by:
Slow, inefficient processes: Legacy technology is notorious for a lack of integrations with modern tools that can expedite the flow of essential load information and documents from in-cab or mobile driver apps. Inflexible and dated TMS platforms throttle cash flow and can push drivers to the breaking point by delaying billing and payroll by not making critical information readily available.
Manual data entry: Costly mistakes are likely to occur when companies lack real-time visibility for planning and executing loads. Any process that requires manual data entry will detract your line of sight. For example, critical data fields might get overlooked and documents arrive in an unreadable format. By the time the back office catches an error, the driver might have forgotten the details or lost the required documentation.
Limited visibility: Legacy systems with limited visibility of critical information such as load status or delivery updates create more work, confusion and delays. Without seamless communication between different stakeholders, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage the order-to-cash lifecycle, leading to lost time, resources, and revenue.
It’s possible today to reduce – and even eliminate – the above challenges by streamlining the steps in the order-to-cash lifecycle of loads and enhancing driver-to-office communications. An innovative, modern TMS can handle every step of the lifecycle and manage all necessary details, ensuring the entire process is integrated and accurate from beginning to end.
Here’s how the order-to-cash lifecycle can (and should) work with a modern, SaaS-based TMS:
Order Entry – Order details can be entered automatically through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions. EDI essentially creates an electronic connection with customers to receive orders, send tracking updates, and automatically transmit other routine communications.
Load Planning – Advanced features in a modern TMS platform, such as artificial intelligence capabilities, can help users make optimal load planning decisions by evaluating all options to ensure the best possible decision is made.
Dispatch – Fleets and brokers can give drivers automated, step-by-step instructions for completing loads. The load details can be automatically pushed to drivers through an integrated mobile app, and drivers can be prompted to capture proof-of-delivery receipts as well (they cannot submit loads for payroll until this step is complete). Additionally, fleets can use signature capture for a true electronic delivery.
Invoicing – The back office then receives proof-of-delivery images captured by drivers as soon as the load is delivered to help avoid any delays in the review and approval of load details.
Billing and Payment – The team is then able to produce an accurate invoice and electronically send it to the customer, eliminating any unnecessary delays.
By leveraging straightforward, modern technology solutions, trucking and logistics companies can simplify operations, accelerate cash flow, and make better, smarter choices for their organizations. A simplified approach to the order-to-cash lifecycle makes all tasks easier and less stressful. This ultimately frees time and resources to increase sales, revenue, and profitability by helping leaders and their teams focus on these more strategic activities to propel their businesses forward, faster.
If you’re ready to simplify your operations, improve your order-to-cash lifecycle, and shift to a modern SaaS-based TMS, let’s connect. Contact us to schedule a demo at (877) 381-4632 or sales@magnustech.com.
For more ways to simplify and thrive in 2023, download our latest guide.