Companies that can connect their enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms with their transportation processes can radically improve the accuracy of their shipping records.
They can access analytics that will allow them to fully understand costs down to the line item as well as save their time by avoiding the need for manual entries on shipping orders and recording the orders automatically on devices.
Kuebix, a Massachussetts-based tech start-up, has launched a suite of packaged ERP products that can connect seamlessly to the Kuebix Transportation Management System Opens a new window (TMS) software. The solutions can be implemented quickly and increase a business’s return on investment for both its ERP system and shipment software.
The company’s software products will integrate with NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, Infor, SAP, Sage, JD Edwards, Sage 100 and QuickBooks, among others.
Automating the Shipping Process
Kuebix works with companies to help them capitalize on supply chain opportunities through control, visibility and the use of predictive analytics. The integration of its software with ERP platforms enables businesses to automate and streamline shipping processes.
All stakeholders can view records of everything shipped, from costs to delivery details. The true, landed cost of goods can be understood and managed. Freight audits and payments are automated and tracked by the ERP platform.
“Users can now leverage the investment they’ve already made with their core ERP (and) order management and financial solutions to boost efficiency in their supply chains,†says Dan Clark, the founder of Kuebix. “By having orders, shipment details and financial information flow between the systems, our customers are taking an important step toward automating their entire shipping operation.â€
The Order is Mapped and Stored
Kuebix uses a common middle-ware connector that maps ERP order-and-item information and automatically creates orders within the technology.
The orders are stored in the software, and shipping departments can simply scan or enter an order number into a look-up field to receive rates and begin shipping.
Once the items are shipped, the Kuebix software notifies the ERP system and updates the order with shipment details, which can include a tracking number, cost, carrier and time in transit. It also enters a code for the company’s General Ledger, used by the business to keep track of its financial transactions.
Each ERP connector includes a configurable trigger function to automatically create orders, status changes or approval processes that instruct the software to pull the order details. This process allows for a seamless flow of data between the ERP and TMS systems.
After the Shipment
Once something is shipped in Kuebix, shipment details are mapped back to the target ERP system for accurate recording and visibility for all stakeholders.
Bi-directional ERP integrations can save users time, reduce errors and save companies money in their supply chains. This leaves users in the best position to leverage other money-saving features like score cards and analytics to make better shipping decisions and reduce their cost of goods.
Key takeaways
- Kuebix has launched a software suite that can connect ERP platforms to its transportation management system.
- The TMS software is designed to help users to track orders and shipping and provide more accurate intelligence on the cost of orders.
- The technology brings with it a high degree of automation that permits the management of highly sophisticated shipping processes that operates without many of the errors that can create drag in the delivery process and throw up unnecessary costs.