TMS Update - Apr 4th

Hi,

Welcome to this edition of our Transportation Management Software Newsletter, where we explore pushing the boundaries with AI, automation, and unified supply chain solutions. Stay ahead with key insights to inform your strategy and operations.

Since our last update, there have been new blogs and updates from Fourkites, Project44, Descartes, Shipsy, McLeod, Blue Yonder and Flat World Global.

Here they are summarized for your convenience - enjoy!

How AI R&D Separates Top Supply Chain Technology Vendors

• FourKites enhances supply chain execution using purpose-built AI, backed by a dedicated R&D team.

• Highlights the value of partnering with technology providers committed to ongoing AI innovation.

• Mentions DeepSeek’s AI model that significantly reduces costs, making AI-powered processes more accessible and scalable.

Why traditional freight procurement is costing you more than you think

• Features Platform Explore Movement that streamlines pre-shipment workflows, inventory management, and facility automation.

• Explains how AI, real-time insights, and IoT-enabled workflows enhance efficiency and disruption management.

• Challenges traditional procurement methods, promoting automated mini-bids, data-driven negotiations, and the Initiate solution for smarter freight strategies.

• Discusses the impact of tariffs and offers project44’s tools for adapting to global trade shifts.

Four Smart Ways to Safeguard Customer Experience From Inventory Expiry

• Tackles the issue of expired inventory, especially in FMCG, food, and pharma sectors.

• Advocates for the FEFO method, real-time inventory tracking, and automated alerts to reduce waste and protect brand trust.

• Shares a case study of a cosmetics brand that cut losses by 55% using a modern Warehouse Management System (WMS).

Maximizing Efficiency Using RFID in Warehouse Management

• Highlights how RFID technology improves accuracy, reduces labor costs, and prevents inventory errors.

• Covers the types of RFID systems, and their benefits for stock control, quality assurance, and real-time visibility.

• Encourages RFID integration for streamlined warehouse processes and operational agility.

Reimagining Retail: Unifying Category Management and Inventory Planning for Tomorrow’s Success

• Calls for unified platforms to replace fragmented systems, aligning category management, planning, and execution.

• Emphasizes that connected planning enables faster response, higher efficiency, and better profitability in retail.

Breaking Barriers in Golf: Blue Yonder Associate Shares Her Experience With Fore the Ladies

• Showcases Blue Yonder’s values through employee engagement with Fore the Ladies, promoting inclusivity in golf.

• Blue Yonder encourages volunteering and supports it with Volunteer Time Off, reinforcing a strong company culture.

• Reaffirms its standing as a Gartner Magic Quadrant leader in TMS.

Blue Yonder named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Transportation Management Systems for the 14th Consecutive Year

• Celebrates 14 years as a Gartner Leader, driven by customer-centric solutions and continuous innovation.

• Discusses the integration of acquisitions like One Network Enterprises to strengthen global transportation management.

• Solutions support sustainability, AI/ML adoption, and end-to-end optimization.

Last-Mile Delivery: Strategies to Cut Costs & Improve Speed

• Highlights that last-mile delivery is the most expensive step, making up 53% of shipping costs.

• Offers cost-saving tactics like AI-powered route planning, gig-economy drivers, fulfillment optimization, and parcel lockers.

• Recommends selecting partners based on scalability, tech integration, cost transparency, and customer experience.

• Advocates for continuous performance monitoring and emerging tech like drones and autonomous vehicles.

Cut Export Licensing Costs with Trade Compliance Software

• Manual license management can lead to errors, lost time, and non-compliance risks.

• Descartes’ compliance tools automate license tracking, streamline documentation, and ensure regulatory alignment.

• Highlights the importance of scalability, integration, and true automation for export-heavy businesses.

Viamaster International Boosts Efficiency with ETSF

• Viamaster’s ETSF setup in West Yorkshire helped them overcome Brexit customs challenges.

• Leveraged the Descartes Pentant badge to handle customs efficiently away from the UK border.

• Strategic planning and Descartes' support helped preserve client trust and competitive positioning.

Parade Expands Integration with McLeod Software's PowerBroker to Include Voice AI

• Parade's Voice AI integration automates inbound carrier calls, capturing offers across phone and email.

• Enhances carrier network visibility, reduces manual effort, and boosts operational speed.

• Clients report improved decision-making and carrier response times with CoDriver technology.

McLeod Software Appoints Stacey Queen as CFO and Promotes Missy Wright to VP of Core Operations

• Stacey Queen steps in as CFO, aiming to align financial strategy with company growth.

• Missy Wright focuses on customer self-service, project delivery, and team mentorship in her new VP role.

• Leadership changes emphasize McLeod’s drive for innovation and operational excellence.

McLeod Software’s 25.1 Ushers in New Accounting, Fraud Detection, AI, and Visibility Upgrades

• Version 25.1 introduces AI-driven order entry, fraud detection, and QuickBooks Online integration.

• Enhancements aim to streamline financial processes, document management, and driver navigation.

• Designed to improve collaboration between brokers, carriers, and customers, driving industry leadership.

📢 That’s all the new posts since last our last post on April 1st - you’re all caught up!

Keeping up with the latest trends in Transportation Management Software is essential for businesses looking to optimize logistics, improve efficiency, and leverage cutting-edge AI-driven solutions.

Stay tuned for our next update coming soon!

Best Regards,
TMS Tracker