The world of commerce in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sectors is evolving rapidly, with even faster changes on the horizon. A critical element of a successful strategy is having a unified source of data that spans all sales channels and the entire supply chain. To thrive in today’s dynamic manufacturing and distribution environment, companies must achieve new levels of cost efficiency, flexibility, and customer responsiveness. As a result, a high-performing logistics function has become essential for the success of manufacturing and distribution businesses.
Logistics encompasses the planning, management, and operation of goods' movement, storage, and inventory throughout the supply chain. It is a cornerstone of success for both B2B and B2C manufacturing and distribution businesses, directly impacting customer satisfaction, cost efficiency, and overall performance. By enabling timely deliveries, effective inventory management, and optimized supply chains, logistics plays a pivotal role in ensuring business success.
The Problem
Traditionally, Transportation Management Systems (TMS) have supported manufacturing and distribution businesses by facilitating planning and operational management for the movement of goods. However, many legacy TMS solutions fall short of helping companies stay lean, make real-time data-driven decisions, or respond effectively to business demands. Today’s manufacturers and distributors require TMS providers that offer advanced automation and digital capabilities to address the following challenges:
- Freight Management Automation: Streamline inbound and outbound workflows, including private fleet operations, broker activities, cargo types, and diverse services.
- End-to-End Supply Chain Visibility: Manage complex routing and ensure asset and supply chain transparency.
- Change Management: Provide employee training to align with new automation processes.
- Flexibility: Deliver customized solutions tailored to diverse business models, customer contracts, and demand-driven changes.
- Dynamic Carrier Bidding: Leverage tools for responsive capacity sourcing across all market conditions..
- Embedded Risk Management Tools: Qualify and monitor carriers and drivers’ eligibility with access to the most reliable sources and current data.
- Order Management: Seamlessly integrate with ERP systems and customer platforms.
- Financial and Accounting Integration: Ensure compatibility with ERP financial systems.
- Inventory Management: Enable smooth integration with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
- Real-Time Reporting: Generate actionable business insights to support data-driven decision-making across all sales channels.
- Performance Tracking: Monitor on-time deliveries, financial performance, and supplier/customer relationships.
Technology Solutions for Superior Cost and Customer Relationship Performance
The senior EKA team brings extensive supply chain experience from working within and alongside manufacturing and distribution businesses. This expertise is evident in the practical design of EKA Omni-TMS™ - an all-in-one, people-first platform created to tackle these challenges and enhance the performance of distribution and manufacturing businesses of all sizes and types.
EKA is committed to rapidly developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions in collaboration with its growing network of alliance and integration partners. By offering forward-thinking, best-in-class technology, EKA empowers businesses to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
That said, technology alone is not a "silver bullet." Success requires the full commitment of senior management to embrace integration, automation, and improved data health. Additionally, companies must allocate high-performing project management resources to work alongside the EKA team to ensure effective implementation and sustained success.
