How to choose an ERP for Transportation & Logistics companies
In recent years, having the best tools and software has become absolutely necessary to manage supply chain flows, improving efficiency and competitiveness. Its implementation has clear competitive advantages, as we discussed in our post on the advantages of ERP software for freight forwarders and logistics operators.
However, many organizations delay this decision because of the work involved in the search, contracting and implementation. What should we do to choose the right solution? Here are a few tips.
1. Define the needs of the logistics industry
Being aware of that need is the first step to be able to find a solution, since the logistics software for freight forwarders on the market today, such as bytemaster, covers all the logistics management needs. Having clear needs will help us to search in a more detailed way. If you are still in this phase, keep in mind these aspects as the most important ones:
Software for Freight Forwarders
If we are a freight forwarder, we need a logistics ERP with a very powerful transport module. It needs to have all the necessary connections to perform tasks such as traffic control, customer document control, shipment tracking by milestones, and integration with different information platforms that provide information on the location and status of the shipment.
Customs Control Software
Do you have a relationship with Customs and the Tax Agency? If your answer is yes, you need to incorporate a powerful and dynamic customs management module. Customs information changes constantly, so you need a module that incorporates that information on a daily basis, a vital issue that we discussed in the bytemaster blog.
ERP Software for Warehouse Management SGA
In addition to managing transportation, if your company has a warehouse or is a logistics operator that stores goods on behalf of its customers, having a software with a logistics management module is essential. This type of ERP allows us to have total control over the goods we have in the warehouse: its variation, outputs and inputs or stock.
Business Intelligence for Logistics
Discover a powerful tool for the logistics sector, BI for logistics has the configuration of customized reports for each member of your organization from a friendly and simple graphical interface. Determine the data, format and periodicity of a particular report and the system will automatically send it, or allow the members of your organization to download this document through a subscription.
2. Write a proposal
Once the needs have been defined, it is very important to draft a requirements document. It can be a time-consuming task, but having such a document helps the organization to agree on the needs of the different business areas, identify the operations that are critical and those that would be an add-on to any proposal. With a requirements document, it is much easier to compare offers from different suppliers, and it makes it much easier to manage the purchase of a logistics management system.
3. Contact suppliers and conduct demos
Once the organization's information needs have been documented, it is time to contact suppliers. There is a wide range of management systems available in the Spanish market, but few are specific to freight forwarding, customs brokers and transport operations. Rely on companies that have an updated website, with clear access to information, and that cover your operational needs in a standard way. Another important aspect is to look at references: which companies in the industry do they work with and are they relevant players in the transport and logistics industry? A good indicator of the quality of a product is that its customers themselves publicly recommend it through videos or articles.
4. Request high and low level technical proposals
Once you have made contact with potential suppliers, request technical and economic proposals based on your requirements document, and check that the solution covers all the needs you have identified. Pay attention to the things that the system performs by default, and those operations that need custom developments. In general, custom developments mean an extra cost in the implementation phase, so it will always be better to have a solution that is able to cover your needs in a standard way.
5. Aspects to take into account
Support
A very important element to take into account when choosing ERP software is the type of after-sales support offered by the company providing the solution. The purchase of a management system or logistics ERP is a long-term contract in which it is essential that the communication channels and incident resolution processes are clear and direct. Trust in a solution that provides online platforms for incident management and different support and maintenance plans according to your needs.
Implementation
The implementation of a management system can be a headache for any organization, since its implementation involves a change in the way of working for many of its employees and because of the time and dedication required for its optimal operation. With this in mind, it is important to look for a supplier that provides clear project management from the outset, with dates and milestones and follow-up meetings at agreed times. Make sure that the work milestones are agreed upon and are in line with the needs of your organization.
The purchase of a logistics ERP is an important decision and a long-term contractual relationship, so human relations are an important component to take into account. A solution capable of meeting your requirements and a friendly and collaborative human treatment, is a perfect combination for a successful choice.
In recent years, having the best tools and software has become absolutely necessary to manage supply chain flows, improving efficiency and competitiveness. Its implementation has clear competitive advantages, as we discussed in our post on the advantages of ERP software for freight forwarders and logistics operators.
However, many organizations delay this decision because of the work involved in the search, contracting and implementation. What should we do to choose the right solution? Here are a few tips.
1. Define the needs of the logistics industry
Being aware of that need is the first step to be able to find a solution, since the logistics software for freight forwarders on the market today, such as bytemaster, covers all the logistics management needs. Having clear needs will help us to search in a more detailed way. If you are still in this phase, keep in mind these aspects as the most important ones:
Software for Freight Forwarders
If we are a freight forwarder, we need a logistics ERP with a very powerful transport module. It needs to have all the necessary connections to perform tasks such as traffic control, customer document control, shipment tracking by milestones, and integration with different information platforms that provide information on the location and status of the shipment.
Customs Control Software
Do you have a relationship with Customs and the Tax Agency? If your answer is yes, you need to incorporate a powerful and dynamic customs management module. Customs information changes constantly, so you need a module that incorporates that information on a daily basis, a vital issue that we discussed in the bytemaster blog.
ERP Software for Warehouse Management SGA
In addition to managing transportation, if your company has a warehouse or is a logistics operator that stores goods on behalf of its customers, having a software with a logistics management module is essential. This type of ERP allows us to have total control over the goods we have in the warehouse: its variation, outputs and inputs or stock.
Business Intelligence for Logistics
Discover a powerful tool for the logistics sector, BI for logistics has the configuration of customized reports for each member of your organization from a friendly and simple graphical interface. Determine the data, format and periodicity of a particular report and the system will automatically send it, or allow the members of your organization to download this document through a subscription.
2. Write a proposal
Once the needs have been defined, it is very important to draft a requirements document. It can be a time-consuming task, but having such a document helps the organization to agree on the needs of the different business areas, identify the operations that are critical and those that would be an add-on to any proposal. With a requirements document, it is much easier to compare offers from different suppliers, and it makes it much easier to manage the purchase of a logistics management system.
3. Contact suppliers and conduct demos
Once the organization's information needs have been documented, it is time to contact suppliers. There is a wide range of management systems available in the Spanish market, but few are specific to freight forwarding, customs brokers and transport operations. Rely on companies that have an updated website, with clear access to information, and that cover your operational needs in a standard way. Another important aspect is to look at references: which companies in the industry do they work with and are they relevant players in the transport and logistics industry? A good indicator of the quality of a product is that its customers themselves publicly recommend it through videos or articles.
4. Request high and low level technical proposals
Once you have made contact with potential suppliers, request technical and economic proposals based on your requirements document, and check that the solution covers all the needs you have identified. Pay attention to the things that the system performs by default, and those operations that need custom developments. In general, custom developments mean an extra cost in the implementation phase, so it will always be better to have a solution that is able to cover your needs in a standard way.
5. Aspects to take into account
Support
A very important element to take into account when choosing ERP software is the type of after-sales support offered by the company providing the solution. The purchase of a management system or logistics ERP is a long-term contract in which it is essential that the communication channels and incident resolution processes are clear and direct. Trust in a solution that provides online platforms for incident management and different support and maintenance plans according to your needs.
Implementation
The implementation of a management system can be a headache for any organization, since its implementation involves a change in the way of working for many of its employees and because of the time and dedication required for its optimal operation. With this in mind, it is important to look for a supplier that provides clear project management from the outset, with dates and milestones and follow-up meetings at agreed times. Make sure that the work milestones are agreed upon and are in line with the needs of your organization.
The purchase of a logistics ERP is an important decision and a long-term contractual relationship, so human relations are an important component to take into account. A solution capable of meeting your requirements and a friendly and collaborative human treatment, is a perfect combination for a successful choice.