If you’re in the logistics industry, especially if you have an independent business that completes a high number of owner driver jobs, you’re going to (quite literally) be on cloud nine when you hear the following news. There’s been a new development in technology useful for couriers – cloud transport management technology. Read on to find out what it is and how it’s helped R&G Logistics become more efficient.
In the Cloud
Despite having a name that seems a bit confusing, cloud transport management technology is a concept created by specialist software provider Mandata that is easy to understand and easy to use. It’s subscription-based and allows operators to better manage and simplify the ‘order to invoice’ process – all while using paperless, cost-effective technology.
This system was specifically created to benefit small transport operators taking on owner driver jobs, and it serves to simplify the invoicing process for courier companies still using spreadsheets and diaries.
This product, more casually known as TMS Go!, has key features such as:
•The ability to allocate a PO number to every job, making it easier to process orders and reducing billing queries
•Easy additions and removals of information with just a touch of a button
•A dashboard-style drag and drop traffic pad that allows viewers to immediately see the status of any of their invoicing jobs
•Connects directly to Sage and other accountancy software, meaning those using this program get automatic updates
•Electronic proof of invoice delivery.
How It Has Helped
R&G Logistics, a quickly expanding courier business based in the West Midlands, has been using this technology for over a year. The company has found that it has already saved time and money while simplifying processes. Despite having only 20 employees, they deliver to over 200 customers all across the UK and Ireland. With so many jobs being completed, they were spending an excessive amount of time on invoicing – at one point, it was taking two people up to five hours a day to complete around 100 invoices.
However, since making the switch to cloud transport management technology, this has significantly reduced – now one person can process and issue the same amount of work in less than an hour. Time is money, and both are being saved with the use of TMS Go!, as well as increasing accuracy as human error is significantly reduced when using this program.
When you have an independent business and work hard to complete your owner driver jobs well and on time, it can be frustrating to have something as seemingly simple as processing invoices holding you back. Spending hours and hours on this menial task in a waste; your efforts could be better spent elsewhere in your business. Consider getting the cloud transport management technology that is TMS Go! if you want to increase efficiency, do more owner driver jobs and watch your business grow.
Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world's largest neutral trading hub for same day owner driver jobs in the express freight exchange industry. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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