The seemingly never-ending uncertainty over Brexit deal-making is evidently going down to the wire as the UK and EU extend talks deadlines almost daily. This has only cemented what transport operators have long known deep down – and that is they will need the ability on turn on a sixpence as new and amended regulations pop up at the whims of so-called decision makers on both sides of the Channel.
If they are to be successful (as much as they can possibly be) at rolling with the Brexit punches as they come from all directions in the next few weeks, transport operators simply must have a highly capable, nimble transport management system (TMS) at their disposal. Even in the event of some kind of interim arrangement for a no-deal, any agreed period of status quo will not be for very long; a few months at most. Time is not on anyone’s side in what is, frankly, a crisis for UK business.
Of course, a transport operator can not foresee everything, but we all know for sure that they will need to rapidly respond to challenges and will have to:
Implement new operational solutions to handle unexpected changes as new regimes are imposed upon them
Adapt to suit new/amended government requirements
Be able to respond proactively as well as reactively; for instance, provide all levels of management with information and solutions ahead of any potential crises
In short, operating with a silo mentality is not going to pass muster and transport operators will need to engage effectively with external stakeholders if they are to deliver on their customer promise, as well as comply with changing regulations. A TMS will be need to be able to ensure that digital communications are used to best effect wherever possible.
The winners will be those companies that have reviewed their TMS processes to ensure that paper based transactions are minimised or preferably digitised to engage efficient digital processes that can deliver automated outcomes. The key for this will be to have a TMS that incorporates engagement with all necessary parties at varying times and stages, while communicating constantly and updating information automatically.
Should your TMS be unable to deliver on any or all of the above, talk to Deltion’s Bashir Khan: bashir.khan@deltion.co.uk