How To Integrate EDI with Your Transportation Management System (TMS)

Your Transportation Management System (TMS) provides a wealth of benefits for trucking and freight companies that are made even more impressive when enhanced with available tech integrations — like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). EDI technology provides seamless integration of important documents like invoices, shipping documents, and purchase orders with your Transportation Management System to enhance communication and collaboration. Trucking and freight companies that want to optimize their operations may want to know how to integrate EDI with a Transportation Management System — and TransPlus can help.

Step-by-Step Process to Integrate EDI with Your TMS

Integrating EDI with your TMS is a strategic project that requires planning and execution to ensure a smooth transition and to maximize the benefits of the integration. It's more than simply connecting systems — it's about optimizing the flow of electronic data and business processes between you and your shippers, carriers, and 3PLs. Here’s a general step-by-step process to use when you decide to integrate EDI with your TMS platform:
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• Define your EDI document needs and the EDI transaction set requirements.
• Choose a compatible TMS and EDI integration solution that handles the transactions and secure connections you need.
• Have a plan for the project scope, timeline, and resources needed. And establish clear communication with team members.
• Configure your system and map data fields for EDI transaction formats between your TMS and other platforms.
• Perform EDI transaction testing with each partner platform for accuracy and workflow.
• Implement a go-live strategy and monitor system performance and data flow.
• Train your team on the integrated EDI/TMS processes and establish ongoing support and maintenance plans.

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What Are the Benefits of Integrating EDI with Your TMS?

Integrating EDI directly into your Transportation Management System will transform how you exchange critical business documents — leading to significant operational benefits and stronger relationships. Automating the flow of standardized documents promotes synergy, reduces reliance on manual document processes, and improves supply chain visibility and efficiency.
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• Less manual data entry reduces time spent with documents and human errors.
• Exchange documents like load tenders and invoices quickly to speed up processes.
• Standardized EDI formats improve data accuracy and consistency that reduce errors and disputes.
• Real-time EDI updates — like EDI 214 shipment status messages — integrated into your TMS improve visibility of shipments for all parties.
• Streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency with automated document processing.
• Meet partner EDI mandates, improve compliance, and strengthen business relationships.
• Discover cost savings with less paperwork, less labor, fewer errors, and faster payments for carriers and brokers.

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READ MORE: What Are the Different Types of EDI in Trucking?

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Understanding how to integrate EDI with your Transportation Management System (TMS) is a key step toward optimizing your trucking or freight operations. This combination of innovative tech solutions streamlines communication, improves data accuracy, boosts efficiency, and strengthens relationships with your business partners.

Interested in a TMS that offers EDI integration? Contact TransPlus about our TransPlus TMS solutions and to learn about available technology integrations!

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