New cloud TMS system accounts for hours of savings

A haulier has significantly improved customer invoicing after investing in new cloud transport management technology, provided by software specialist Mandata.

Skelcher Express, which employs 16 drivers and operates a fleet of 25 commercial trucks from its head office in Southam in Warwickshire, uses the subscription-based TMS Go! system for checking and processing PODs (Proof of Delivery) for upwards of 40 loads a day and the accompanying invoices.

Adopting cloud technology has enabled the haulier to cut by three-quarters the time it used to take to process upwards of 100 invoices per week using a paper-based system. 

Now, transport manager Robert Fox, says approximately 30 man-hours a week of administrative time are being saved thanks to TMS Go! It’s also helping to expand the ‘added value’ support provided by his company to customers, who require quick and accurate weekly invoicing as part of their own commercial and business activities.

Established in 1993, Skelcher Express services include delivering building and construction products on a Just-in-Time (JIT) basis to sites across the UK. Customers include Alumet Systems, DYWIDAG-Systems and caravan parts manufacturer, AL-KO Kober.

TMS Go! is suitable for smaller transport operators such as Skelcher Express, who want to cost-effectively benefit from computerised transport management technology but at a fraction of the cost of larger systems. The easy-to-use, ‘out-of-the-box’ cloud technology, enables operators to simplify and manage better ‘order-to-invoice’ processes via cost-effective paperless technology.

Robert Fox added: “The technology has significantly improved our invoicing, enabling us to quickly and effectively check-off all the PODs at the end of the working week simply at the click of a button.

“Invoices are now going out to our customers much more quickly. This in turn, allows us to provide better services to customers who want weekly invoicing. In general, we are seeing more streamlining and automation of processes, which is delivering savings.”

Quick and easy to set-up, TMS Go! is particularly advantageous for operators looking to migrate from paper-based processes to a more sophisticated computerised transport management system.

The technology incorporates an intuitive dashboard-style drag-and-drop traffic pad that improves job planning and scheduling, enabling Skelcher Express to more effectively plan workloads - drivers can be allocated to vehicles and loads far easier.

Transport managers such as Robert Fox can see at a glance daily load schedules, note any late changes to planned drops and analyse jobs to identify improvements or efficiencies.

It’s clear that TMS Go! is starting to play an important role in helping Skelcher Express’ transport department balance the needs of operating a busy fleet, meet the needs of customers and drive-up overall levels of customer service in a competitive sector.