Today's market is moving faster than ever, and businesses are looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. The trend towards automation, integration, paperless processes, portals and analytics continues to g row. The benefits of these tools are proven. They help businesses enhance cash f low, profitability, and reporting, and ultimately achieve greater success.The transport industry is one of the sectors being transformed by the trend, says Jean-Marie Barnard, a customer champion at Forte Transport Solutions. Transporters are facing increasing pressure from clients to work through portals which allow real-time management, including the uploading of documents while the truck is on the road. This sets a standard for operations, and again enhances cash f low, profitability, reporting, and business success.“In the past, some transporters may not have been technology-focused, but they are quickly adapting to the new reality,” says Barnard. “With the rise of automation, integration, and portals, it's clear that these tools are essential for success in today's fast-changing market. “Businesses understand that they must adapt to the changing landscape if they want to stay competitive. “The trend towards automation, integration, paperless processes, portals, and analytics is here to stay, and those who don't embrace it risk being left behind.”In the past businesses used to run on a collection of various data sources, usually excel sheets or hard copies. According to Barnard, this is changing. “They are now moving to transport management systems (TMS) to give them better control, and more accurate reporting. “The digital, and mobile options available have brought enhanced security and safety, and most importantly increased cash f low capabilities.”She notes that digitising documents now facilitates business in novel ways, such as pre-trip inspections that ensure safety and security, as well as facilitating real-time scheduling.“The ability of the business to have real-time analytics and visibility is now what offers them the necessary competitive edge in a business that is increasingly having to deal with thinning margins and external pressures affecting their profitability.”According to Barnard, technology ultimately increases productivity in the supply chain, minimising costs and errors, and critically, future-proofing a business. “Technology offers real-time analytics, everything can be accessed online, at any time. It can provide golden data-driven truth to any business. “The integration between a TMS (transport management system), tracking software, and customer portals is also becoming increasingly necessary to ensure all relevant data sources are being considered for profitable decision-making.”All of this makes choosing the right digital transformation partner along with investing in the right tools critical. “Technology can give the freight sector the cutting edge to keep it moving forward. As margins change and macroeconomic variables increasingly make their presence felt, technology offers the solutions to streamline business operations and offer actionable data insights.
