Many companies have already figured out that modern logistics technology offers various solutions that can help their shipping operations run more smoothly. Basic software and web portals have been commonplace for years now and can be used to automate a lot of the manual work that’s a part of the transportation process. What some companies may not understand, however, is that with the constant evolution of logistics technology, there are certain tools that should be seen as requirements and additional solutions or tools that can be customized to their network.  

Here are the top 3 signs your logistics technology is not meeting your needs:

1. Time-Consuming Rate and Carrier Identification

The largest challenge for transportation managers throughout North America is access to capacity and pricing. In an era where routing guides are constantly failing, identifying carrier options that can step in and provide pricing and capacity can be incredibly time consuming. If you’re finding that your teams are spending a great deal of time on this activity and that your current system is falling short in this area, then it’s time to consider product or integration investments that can help you.

2. Lack of Real Time Transparency and Visibility

Shippers and their customers need visibility into not just the location of their freight, but also the data that surrounds it. Without the right technology to provide transparent information across stakeholder groups, you are likely missing out on information that would help address areas of inefficiency throughout your business. If you are not seeing the information you desire to see, when you want to see it with your current technology solutions, it may be time to assess a new technology solution.

3. Inability to Integrate with Supply Chain Partners

With the fragmented nature of the logistics industry, shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers will often use different systems (often proprietary systems). Although these stakeholders are not operating within the same systems, a thoughtful approach to integrations allows information to be shared across all groups seamlessly, regardless of where they manage their supply chain needs. While not every integration type is needed across all companies, what is needed is a system that can easily integrate via API or EDI partners.  

There are many lofty claims made in the marketplace about logistics technology and what it will do for companies, which can make it difficult to figure out whether your technology is performing the way you need it to. When you’re evaluating a system, it is critical to consider the value it will provide to not just your customers, but your own operations teams. If your assessment leads you to believe that a solution will allow you to improve your service levels with less manual work, it is likely worth considering.

As a leading 3PL, our team at Echo uses a unique combination of industry expertise, best-in-class technology, and award-winning customer service to simplify transportation management for our clients.  Our logistics experts are here to help you select the best mode for your shipments and discuss technology solutions that are the best fit for your company’s transportation network.

Echo services all modes of transportation, including truckload, partial truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and expedited.

Contact an Echo representative today at 800-354-7993 or info@echo.com, or request a quote for a shipment.