After a decade of refinement, our Managed TMS® process is proven—but it's also flexible. It begins with our Six Sigma process engineers working with you to identify your desired state and painting a clear, honest picture of your current state.
We then develop a roadmap based on the performance targets most important to you. We deploy the processes and technologies required to get you to your desired state and provide you with power users who know precisely how to get maximum impact from our TMS technology.
We work with you on a regular basis to drive savings and identify areas for ongoing improvement. We also provide you with the management reports and business intelligence you need to make profitable business decisions.
- 1 KPI Prioritization
- 2 Gap Analysis
- 3 Roadmap
- 4 Process Alignment
- 5 Transformation
- 6 Technology Deployment
- 7 KPI Deployment
- 8 Performance Improvement
- 9 Community Innovation
Step 1. KPI Prioritization
When we engage with a client, we identify and prioritize KPIs across the entire supply chain, not just in the transportation network. We align teams from various parts of the supply chain and unite them with a single plan, a common dashboard, and shared metrics. Our KPI prioritization helps us identify which metrics are the most critical and which improvements will have the greatest impact on the client's costs and overall performance. KPI prioritization helps translate a client's strategy to execution.
Step 2. Gap Analysis
After we identify the KPIs, we analyze the client's existing processes and systems. We determine where there are performance gaps, and fill those gaps by applying our expertise and technology. This "current state" to "future state" analysis provides a highly effective blueprint for the client. Further, it ensures that clients don't fall into one of the common software traps—software for software's sake. Instead, we align the software to the client's specific, prioritized needs in a manner that maximizes their ROI.
Step 3. Roadmap
Once we have defined KPIs and understand the gaps in capabilities, we develop a step-by-step cost savings plan ("roadmap") for each client. This roadmap provides a clear and concise guide for achieving very specific and very measurable results. All improvement initiatives are linked to the prioritized KPIs to ensure our plan directly links to the client's strategy. This also ensures we have clear metrics to evaluate the program's success. There is great value and equity in both the roadmap and roadmapping. If a consulting or process engineering firm were to create this, it would cost tens of thousands of dollars. Our clients get this high-value roadmap as a part of our relationship.
Step 4. Core Process Alignment
Our process is collaborative. We identify where the client has efficient core processes in place and where there are gaps. We then integrate the best of the client's infrastructure and core processes with our portfolio of solutions. The result is an optimized network powered by entirely new capabilities and technologies.
Step 5. Transformation
Our collaborative implementation and tollgate processes provide a systematic methodology that ensures fast, easy, and seamless integration. During this process, we complement the client's vision, systems, network, and culture with our people, processes, and technology. Our methodology is consultative and platform-neutral. Our approach is systematic and blends the best practices developed from past deployments. This results in a fast, stable implementation process.
We understand that in some cases, the client's existing processes and technologies work well and are critical to their success. We integrate our processes and technologies with the best parts of this existing infrastructure to transform the client's transportation network. We lead a smooth transition from the current state to the desired state and create a highly accountable process that respects and adapts to the client's existing culture.
Step 6. Technology Deployment
Deployment of our web-based technologies is typically completed in 90 to 120 days. Installation is non-disruptive and does not detract from the stability of the network. The intuitive design of our interfaces and dashboards minimizes training requirements and enables rapid cost savings and performance improvements.
One key differentiator is that we train the client's staff, suppliers, and carriers. We ensure that the client's valued partners and internal stakeholders understand the processes, technology, and expected outcomes. Further, we measure client and carrier satisfaction as part of our commitment to ensuring ongoing process improvement.
Step 7. KPI Deployment
Once our processes, technologies, and business intelligence tools have been deployed, we work side by side with our clients to manage their KPIs relative to their performance targets. Information gathered with our online tools is less than 24 hours old, which makes it exceptionally valuable for decision-making throughout the supply chain. Our dedicated account team proactively monitors KPIs and is responsible for continuously identifying performance gaps and performance improvement plans.
Step 8. Performance Improvement
We continually measure performance against KPIs, and then make adjustments to processes or technologies to ensure performance targets are achieved and process improvements are ongoing. We work to ensure continuous and sustainable improvements in network stability, real cost savings, and service level improvements. Our improve-measure-refine process is based on Six Sigma, LEAN, and other proven performance-enhancement methodologies.
Step 9. Community Innovation
Our collaborative approach—which includes our staff, the client's staff, carriers, and other service providers—allows us to amass unmatched enterprise knowledge. Unlike traditional 3PL or TMS models, we provide clients with open access to the carriers and other supply chain partners who are critical to their businesses.
This commitment to neutrality allows us to bring in the best ideas from all parties and to continually refine our best practices.
This knowledge empowers our clients and enables them to continuously evaluate and improve their transportation networks and supply chains as a whole. Our ability to create and sustain a proactive community allows best practices and fresh thinking to be shared by clients who might not otherwise get a chance to learn from one another.
We have also developed a private online community called TMC Connect, which allows our clients to exchange ideas, discuss relevant topics, and access our experts.
