More visibility, less effort: What a TMS can really deliver

In a nutshell: A TMS can do more than just automate processes – it can revolutionize cost control and significantly increase flexibility when connecting carriers. Logistics manager Frank Geschwinde emphasizes how important it is to know your own requirements precisely and to focus on the core business case rather than being swayed by an overloaded feature catalog.

When Frank Geschwinde was faced with the task of implementing a new Transport Management System (TMS) , it wasn't simply a matter of selecting software. The goal was to make logistics processes more flexible, transparent, and future-proof in the long term. 

"We didn't want to start from scratch with rigid interfaces every time we ran a new tender and end up sliding into costly IT projects", Frank explains. The trigger was a specific tender in which the existing setup made it impossible to connect new carriers without significant effort. 

Unlike many TMS projects where load optimization or route planning take center stage, the focus here was primarily on connectivity and communication with partners. One distinctive factor: the existing ERP system was not SAP-based – which immediately ruled out many vendors. 

During an intensive market analysis lasting around three months, Frank reviewed numerous options. "I wouldn't have expected so many vendors to back out immediately once they heard we weren't on SAP", he recalls. In the end, the choice fell on a Solution tailored precisely to their own requirements – no standard package with unnecessary features. "The vendor listened to what we actually needed and didn't try to sell us a massive all-in-one system", says Frank. 

Go-live was achieved in just three months – made possible by a lean team comprising internal developers, order management, and the external partner. 

One central effect of the new system: full cost transparency. Instead of flat-rate shipping costs, exact figures now flowed into each order – a game-changer, especially for express shipments. "Before, we often underestimated costs. Now we could immediately see how each shipping method affected the margin", Frank explains. 

The flexibility in carrier connectivity also increased significantly. New service providers could simply be added or swapped out without launching complex interface projects all over again. Changes to carrier specifications were managed in the background by the TMS partner, noticeably reducing complexity. 

In addition, escalation management improved. Delays or damaged shipments were reported automatically, enabling the sales team to reach out to customers proactively. This relieved pressure on communication and boosted customer satisfaction. 

After the successful launch, an expansion followed: automated invoice verification. Discrepancies between planned and actual costs were flagged immediately – a process that previously required many hours of Excel work. "Today it only takes a few seconds", Frank reports. 

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