In Pursuit of the Holy Grail, A KPI For TMS Performance (Part 2)

The Ideal Metrics To Gauge And Report Success

As we venture into Part 2 of our series, "In Pursuit of the Holy Grail, A KPI For TMS Performance," we aim to expand the lens through which we assess Transportation Management System (TMS) performance, building upon the foundational insights established in Part 1. Our journey began by challenging the conventional reliance on metrics of cost and time, revealing the intricate layers of TMS efficacy that these standard measures often overlook.

In this part of the series, we introduce an advanced suite of metrics, thoughtfully designed to encapsulate not just the immediate gains in operational efficiency and cost savings, but also the broader strategic contributions, adaptability, and sustained enhancements brought about by TMS solutions. We will navigate a spectrum of metrics that delve into the core of TMS influence, from fostering operational agility and optimizing carrier performance to boosting customer satisfaction and promoting sustainable practices.

Equipped with precise methodologies for calculating each metric, this installment promises a comprehensive toolkit for an in-depth TMS evaluation. We'll explore the art of interpreting these metrics, intricately connecting diverse data points to craft a holistic narrative of your transportation management's achievements, challenges, and prospects.

Looking ahead to Part 3, we will spotlight Shipwell's critical role in bringing these complex metrics to life, demonstrating how its state-of-the-art features bridge the divide between raw data collection and meaningful insights, thereby reshaping the landscape of TMS performance evaluation. Some of the metrics we discuss in this section require advanced reporting capabilities, including integrating the TMS data into other enterprise systems through exporting a private data store. 

But for now, let’s continue our quest for the definitive KPIs, moving beyond the basic pillars of cost and time to embrace a multi-dimensional approach that truly reflects the innovative impact of TMS and its expansive effect on the supply chain ecosystem.

The Imperative of Measuring TMS Performance

Measuring the performance of a Transportation Management System (TMS) is essential for many reasons, extending far beyond the justification of its ongoing investment. Recognized as a strategic asset, a well-utilized TMS can drive substantial gains in cost efficiency, elevate service quality, and secure a competitive edge in the market. Detailed performance metrics offer a lens through which the real-world impact of a TMS can be quantified, affirming its value proposition with concrete evidence of enhancements in freight management, streamlined workflows, and improved strategic decision-making.

This rigorous analysis serves a dual purpose: it provides internal stakeholders with actionable insights for refining logistics operations and underscores the TMS's contribution to external partners and customers by boosting service levels and forwarding sustainability goals. Furthermore, in today's fast-paced, data-centric business environment, the insights garnered from performance metrics are instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. They encourage the adoption of new capabilities and innovations within the TMS, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of logistics and supply chain management.

By systematically measuring TMS performance, companies can not only align the technology with their strategic objectives but also inspire a dynamic, adaptive approach to logistics challenges. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of the TMS, guaranteeing that the investment generates a significant return and propels the business towards its long-term goals.

Metrics that Matter - Core Metrics

Enhancing the evaluation of a Transportation Management System (TMS) requires a deep dive into a broader set of metrics that not only reflect operational efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction but also provide insights into the system's adaptability, scalability, and strategic impact over time. Here's an expanded and detailed set of metrics, including their calculations and the introduction of composite metrics to illustrate specific aspects of TMS performance and improvement:

Freight Savings

• Freight Savings: Compare total freight costs before and after TMS implementation to determine savings. Measure the percentage reduction in freight costs before and after TMS implementation. This can include savings from optimized carrier selection, consolidated shipments, and better negotiation leverage.some text
  • Freight Savings % = [(Pre-TMS Freight Cost - Post-TMS Freight Cost) / (Pre-TMS Freight Cost)] * 100

Operational Efficiency

• Time to Book Shipments: Track the average time it takes for staff to book a shipment. A decrease in this metric indicates improved staff efficiency.some text
  • Average Time to Book = Total Time to Book Shipments / Number of Shipments
• Automation Rate: The percentage of tasks (like carrier selection, rate comparison, and shipment tracking) automated by the TMS. Higher automation rates typically lead to reduced manual effort and errors.some text
  • Automation Rate % = (Number of Automated Tasks / Total Number of Tasks) * 100
• On-time Delivery Rate: Determine the percentage of shipments delivered by the promised date. This metric measures the reliability of delivering shipments on time. A higher percentage indicates better on-time performance.some text
  • On-time Delivery Rate % = (Number of On-time Deliveries / Total Deliveries) * 100
• Order Accuracy: Calculate the accuracy of orders fulfilled correctly. This metric reflects the percentage of orders that are fulfilled correctly. A higher accuracy percentage signifies better order fulfillment.some text
  • Order Accuracy % = (Accurate Orders / Total Orders) * 100
• Cost per Shipment: Average the total cost (freight, labor, overhead) per shipment. This metric provides the average cost incurred for each shipment, considering factors like freight, labor, and overhead costs.some text
  • Cost per Shipment = Total Shipment Costs / Number of Shipments
• Carrier Performance Scorecards: Score carriers based on key performance indicators like on-time delivery, damage rates, and billing accuracy.
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• Customer Satisfaction Scores: Use survey data or Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to measure customer satisfaction. This metric assesses customer satisfaction based on survey data or Net Promoter Scores. A higher score indicates greater customer satisfaction.some text
  • Customer Satisfaction Score = Total Positive Responses / Total Responses
• Inventory Levels: Monitor and compare inventory turnover rates before and after TMS implementation. This metric assesses how quickly inventory is being sold and replenished, comparing before and after TMS implementation.some text
  • Inventory Turnover Rate = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory Value

Metrics that Matter - Advanced Metrics

• TMS Adaptation Index: Composite metric assessing how quickly and effectively a business integrates and utilizes TMS features. This index evaluates how well a business adopts and utilizes TMS features, considering both the number of active features and user training completion.
  • TMS Adaptation Index = (Number of Active TMS Features / Total Available Features) * (User Training Completion Rate / 100)
• Supply Chain Resilience Score: Measure the supply chain's ability to adapt to disruptions, calculated by changes in on-time delivery rates in response to external disruptions. This score indicates how well the supply chain adapts to disruptions by assessing changes in on-time delivery rates during such events.
  • Resilience Score = 1 - (Drop in On-time Delivery Rate during Disruption / Average On-time Delivery Rate)
• Strategic Value Contribution: Quantify the strategic impact of TMS on business goals, combining cost savings, efficiency improvements, and customer satisfaction enhancements. This metric quantifies the overall strategic impact of TMS on business goals by considering various factors like cost savings, efficiency gains, and customer satisfaction improvements.
  • Strategic Value = Freight Savings % + Efficiency Gain % + Customer Satisfaction Improvement %
• Operational Agility Index: Evaluate the speed and effectiveness of adapting operations to market changes, factoring in the automation rate and the ability to shift carriers or routes. This index measures the operational agility of adapting to market changes, considering automation rate and the flexibility to shift carriers or routes.
  • Agility Index = Automation Rate % * (Flexible Shipments / Total Shipments)
• Environmental Impact Score: Assess the reduction in carbon footprint due to optimized routes and consolidated shipments. This score evaluates the environmental impact, measuring the reduction in carbon footprint attributed to optimized routes and consolidated shipments.
  • Environmental Impact Score = (Pre-TMS CO2 Emissions - Post-TMS CO2 Emissions) / Pre-TMS CO2 Emissions * 100

By incorporating these expanded metrics and their calculations, businesses can gain a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of their TMS's performance, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning for continuous improvement. Regularly reviewing and adapting these metrics ensures alignment with evolving business goals and market conditions, maximizing the TMS investment's value.