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Find fleet management transportation logistics information technology options

This popular type of software solution helps the 'head office' or 'dispatch' stay on top of what's happening out on the road. Day-to-day progress is made so much easier with this kind of technology; leaders in many industries are integrating it into their command centers.

I recommend: The GPS Fleet Tracking System from FleetMatics uses global positioning to record locations in time for vehicles. This and other features help businesses manage large fleets effectively and get accurate results every day. For more in a range of transportation logistics information technology solutions, try Capterra online.

Look for warehouse and inventory transportation logistics information technology solutions

If you have a lot of goods stored in a facility, and they're going in and out the door every day, inventory logistics IT is a great way to micro-manage all of the stuff your workers deal with. This kind of IT helps out in getting implementation on the old slogan: 'a place for everything, and everything in its place.'

I recommend: Logistics IT provider Infor offers Warehouse Inventory Management systems for busy storage facilities. Get more choices for inventory control and logistics at The Software Network.

Find large-scale transportation logistics information technology solutions for busy companies

If your needs go beyond just one type of transportation information technology module, online companies can recommend comprehensive solutions for tracking goods and shipments, from the door to the destination, with versatile I.D., tracking and sign-off tools.

I recommend: JDA's full scale logistics information technology site offers tools for procurement, freight orders and much more. Use the visual and infromative website at Red Prairie to see how this provider offers a wide range of tools for everything from workforce to retail, including logistics and transportation systems.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for transportation logistics information technology, always think about exactly how the system will be integrated into your existing operations. Try to train ahead and anticipate the 'bump' that inevitably happens when everyone has to learn a new system.

Guide to Transportation Logistics Information Technology

Get your goods going in the right direction with the right logistics information system

By Wesley Ratko, Transportation Planning

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Hire an information technology and transportation expert

IT for logistics management software solutions work best when customized to your business. Hiring a consultant to walk you through the basic steps of getting a transportation logistics information technology program off the ground will help ensure a smoother integration process.

I recommend: Find specialists in transportation information technology software at the Freight Transportation Consultants Association website. Services range from supply chain transportation management to transportation logistics consulting.

Know what you want your information technology transportation software to do

Before investing in all the bells and whistles of a comprehensive transportation logistics information technology software package, know how you intend to put it to use. When you come to a conclusion, investigate the offerings from providers of information technology in transportation.

I recommend: MercuryGate offers "shipper solutions" that will save your business time and money. The transportation traffic logistics provider will let you use their product to be certain it's the solution you need--before you pay.

Make your vendors responsible for inventory replenishment

Vendors can arrange to have their products available to their retail customers such as grocery stores and mass merchants. By monitoring sales, they can ship what's needed when it's needed.

I recommend: Institute a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system or a Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) system, which includes additional partners in the supply chain. VendorManagedInventory.com can provide basic information about setting up pilot programs with vendors familiar with Electronic Data Interchange.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Information technology transportation software is only part of the operation. Consider seeking transportation facilities that emphasize applications of the Internet, intranets and extranets in their design, construction and use.

Guide to Transportation Logistics Information Technology Education and Training

Raise your status as a transportation logistics professional with the right education and training

By Virginia Franco, Freelance Writer

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Further your transportation logistics information technology education and training with a degree

Advanced degrees in logistics, or transportation logistics, contain logistics IT coursework as part of the curriculum. Many accredited learning institutions offer online courses to allow you to earn credits from your desk without ever entering a classroom.

I recommend: Sullivan University offers an online Associate of Science degree in Logistics and Distribution Management. American Public University offers online courses to get a B.A. and an M.A. in Transportation and Logistics Management.

Advance your information technology transportation knowledge with a CTL certification

A Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) is often referred to as the 'CPA of the transportation /logistics industry.' A CTL certification is respected throughout the industry and is considered an indication of status as a logistics and supply chain professional.

I recommend: The American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L) offers a CTL. This certification requires study of transportation economics management, logistics analysis and management in addition to several other related topics. The University of Houston College of Technology's CTL certification program is approved by the AST&L. It also offers additional certificates for domestic and international logistics from its Supply Chain and Logistics program.

Receive training from information technology and transportation software experts

IT software specifically tailored to meet the needs of the transportation logistics industry has transformed efficiencies in warehouse and supply chain management. Many manufacturers of this technology offer training as part of any software your organization purchases.

I recommend: Tailwind Management Systems, a manufacturer of transportation management software, has a team of trainers that can assist users online and over the phone. The Adora Group, the publishers of Freightnet, offer online tutorials for Pangaea's Logistics software functions.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When your organization is looking to train several users on transportation logistics software, consider hiring a trainer to come on site and teach to everyone all at once. This will help cut costs in regard to travel and lodging and will allow a training professional to work on site with software that contains data specific to your organization.

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Fleet management systems

Vehicle tracking through GPS is a primary function of most fleet management systems. Fleet management systems can also include maintenance, fuel management, diagnostics and driver management.

I recommend: Visit the FleetMatics website to see how GPS tracking works, and its benefits to fleet management.

Inventory and warehouse control

Software to manage inventory and warehouse operations allows companies to quickly check inventory and monitor fulfillment rates, as well as manage warehouse workforce and labor.

I recommend: See Infor for a list of features and capabilities offered as part of its inventory and warehouse software.

Consulting services

Transportation logistics consultants assess a company's current systems to develop custom information technology solutions, as well as train staff and integrate software.

I recommend: Check the Horizon Services Group website for information about what is included in its consulting service.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) system

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) systems incorporate key customers in inventory and supply chain planning. Instead of waiting for customers to order more products, vendors offer the service of planning inventories and placing orders.

I recommend: Visit SAP America for more information about Vendor Managed Inventory systems.

Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) system

With Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) guidelines, customers and suppliers share in the planning of inventory management, reducing difficulties caused by order uncertainty. Information is shared between supply chain members over the Internet.

I recommend: See the Textile/Clothing Technology website for a detailed article about Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment.

Global Trade Management

Doing business globally means staying in compliance with the regulations of foreign countries. Global Trade Management systems provide assistance in this area by creating and submitting documents, invoices and other paperwork, evaluating customs and tax charges, and keeping track of rules and regulations.

I recommend: See RedPrairie for an example of the tasks performed by Global Trade Management systems.