Why Configurable TMS Solutions Are the Future of Transportation Management
The Power of Configurable TMS: Why Configuration Trumps Customization
In the world of Transportation Management Systems (TMS), the debate between configurable and customizable solutions has become increasingly relevant. While both approaches have their merits, configurable TMS solutions emerge as the superior choice for modern logistics operations over the legacy and sometimes homegrown systems.
Have you ever asked yourself any (or all) of these questions:
How much do you spend on making your TMS fit your business needs? How much money do you spend maintaining custom elements in TMS systems?
How much manual work do you do because the TMS doesn’t do the work you need it to do? And, How is this impacting the efficiency of my dispatching team?
How much work is on post-it notes or spreadsheets because your TMS doesn’t do what your business and your team need?
If any of these questions have been in you horizon, then you can confirm that there are compelling reasons for the shift from customized to configurable systems that all align to more cost effectiveness, less time to deploy updates and more integration friendly.
Time is money in the transportation management world!
Understanding the Key Differences: Configurable TMS:
Uses pre-built components that can be adjusted through settings Maintains core functionality while allowing flexibility Updates seamlessly without breaking modifications Requires minimal technical expertise to modify: lower maintenance expenses Changes can be made quickly and safely: reduced implementation costs Better risk management: No custom codes to break
Customizable TMS:
Involves writing custom code that are harder and mor expensive to maintain and adapt/integrate May require significant development resources leading to more costs Updates can break custom modifications Needs technical expertise for changes leaving users to vendor-lock situations Modifications take longer to implement
Common Misconceptions
"Configurable Means Limited"
Reality: Modern configurable systems offer extensive flexibility without the risks of custom code.
"We Need Custom Features"
Reality: Most "custom" needs can be met through smart configuration of standard features.
"Configuration is Too Simple"
Reality: Configuration can handle complex business rules and processes effectively.
Configurable systems put power in the hands of business users.
The advantages of configurable TMS solutions are clear: lower costs, reduced risk, faster implementation, and greater flexibility without the drawbacks of custom code. As transportation management continues to evolve, the ability to quickly adapt through configuration rather than customization becomes increasingly valuable.
For businesses looking to stay competitive in today's fast-paced logistics environment, configurable TMS solutions offer the perfect balance of flexibility, reliability, and scalability. They provide the tools needed to adapt to changing business requirements while maintaining the stability and support of a standard product.
Remember: The goal isn't to have the most customized system, but rather the most effective one. Configurable TMS solutions deliver this effectiveness without the complications and risks of customization.
While custom systems require expensive developers for every change and quickly become outdated, configurable platforms put control in users' hands through flexible settings rather than code changes. The shared infrastructure of multi-tenant architecture means all users benefit from continuous updates, enhanced security, and cost distribution, while configuration options ensure each fleet's unique needs are met without custom programming. This eliminates the traditional cycle of escalating maintenance costs, vendor lock-in, and delayed improvements that burden customized systems, allowing fleets to rapidly adapt their operations without technical bottlenecks.
Are you experiencing any of these with your current TMS?
Check out BeyondTrucks multi-tenant AI-powered configurable TMS!