“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is an old saying that means if something is functioning properly, it’s probably best you leave it alone and not make any changes that could potentially break it. Many companies subscribe to this mantra and keep processes in place that have existed since, what seems like, the beginning of time.
But what if they don’t realize that while their processes may not actually be broke, they could be doing things more efficiently and saving the company a considerable amount of money?
Updated technology can add efficiencies and cost-savings for companies in the supply chain and shipping industry. For 3PLs and Shippers, it is especially important to partner with a tech company that is constantly innovating and updating its software to cater to your needs and help you manage your freight spend. The technology providers are doing the same for your competitors, why not take advantage of the added efficiencies and cost savings?
Don’t let your competition reap all the benefits of innovative technology. Learn the top 5 ways updating your technology can save you money.
API technology solutions, like Banyan Technology’s LIVE Connect™ carrier-pricing platform, are the key to visibility in freight management because they integrate shipping, rating, and tracking functionality directly into companies’ existing platforms to share and transfer data. They also improve capabilities while minimizing human errors and delays in the manual transfer of data to supply chain partners, ultimately helping companies save money.
APIs enable automation of many manual processes. For example, shippers reduce the need for freight-bill audits by setting thresholds to flag orders outside the preset limits. Instead of manually reviewing each invoice, systems can flag exceptions for further review. Tracking and tracing can be automated as well, with alerts sent to shippers and receivers for specified events, eliminating the need for time-consuming check phone calls. Document retrieval for Proof of Deliveries and imaged BOLs can be automated and integrated to make the information accessible to all relevant parties.
Utilizing APIs to automate repetitive tasks reduces the number of employees needed to manage manual processes, freeing up valuable labor resources that are better focused elsewhere. By automating several administrative and tedious tasks, such as requesting quotes, submitting yearly RFPs, manual tracking and document retrieval, APIs create operational efficiencies throughout the organization.
With a modern API integration platform, you can complement your existing applications and systems to ultimately empower your team with leaner business processes. Plus, setting up an API is simple and cost-effective. The built-in features resolve exhaustive, day-to-day challenges ensuring business operations and performance go uninterrupted.
Looking ahead to the future, we can expect the logistics sector to continuously demand increased accountability, speed, and accuracy. The ability to adapt and leverage API technology to scale your business will prove essential to your success and growth. It allows you to be highly connected for better freight management spend and helps you provide the premium service that customers expect.
Implementing an API is not complicated. Most integrate seamlessly into your existing TMS giving you improved visibility and savings that will outweigh the cost of upgrading to an API solution. Stay ahead of the competition by updating your technology today!
Contact Banyan Technology today to learn more about our easily integrated LTL freight pricing API technology.