Orchestration in logistics: connecting what exists, steering what matters
Discover how transport orchestration bridges the gap between planning and performance
Transport Management Systems (TMS) have been the backbone of logistics operations for decades. They record orders, assign vehicles to trips, and ensure accurate administration… undeniably essential. But the world is changing.
Growing demands for interoperability, increased stakeholder collaboration, evolving legislation, and the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) are making supply chains more complex, dynamic, and demanding than ever before. As a result, there’s a growing need for something more: an intelligent ‘layer’ on top of a TMS that not only records but also connects, anticipates, and acts… all in real time. That’s where the power of a logistics Control Tower begins.
TMS vs Logistics Control Tower?
While a TMS focuses mainly on what has been planned, a Control Tower provides insight into what is actually happening, in real time and across system boundaries. Just as importantly, it looks ahead: by monitoring execution, recognising patterns, and predicting exceptions. The difference lies not just in technology, but in purpose. A TMS is typically administrative; a Control Tower is orchestrational.
So, it’s not “TMS vs Logistics Control Tower”, rather it’s “TMS + Logistics Control Tower”.
What is orchestration in transport?
So what exactly is transport orchestration? Broadly defined, orchestration means coordinating and managing multiple tasks or systems, often automated, to achieve a specific goal. In other words, it’s about steering processes in cohesion. Think of:
- Cross-chain collaboration: Seamless and automatic information sharing between shippers, carriers, receivers, and third parties.
- Internal operational alignment: Breaking down silos by enabling data and insight exchange between all supply chain stakeholders, like warehouse managers, fleet coordinators, transport planners, drivers, and other departments.
- Real-time monitoring and exception handling: Rather than identifying issues after the fact, you can proactively steer during execution (in-trip).
- Impact analysis during disruptions: Understanding the ripple effect of a delay on upcoming stops, time windows, docks, store operations or customer experience.
- In-cabin support: Providing drivers with real-time updates on new stops, traffic-based reroutes, or stop-specific instructions, reducing phone calls and stress.
- Electric vehicle (EV) support: Integrating battery levels, emission zones, access rules, and charging needs directly into day-to-day operations.
And this is just the beginning, as supply chains grow more complex and interconnected, the value unlocked by transport orchestration will only increase.
Open architecture, seamless supply chain
A logistics Control Tower stands out through its flexibility. Thanks to its system-agnostic architecture (technology- and vendor-neutral), it easily integrates into your existing IT landscape, from TMS and FMS to telematics, order apps, and warehouse systems. The result? Secure and scalable data exchange across systems, with no vendor lock-in. This enables a future-proof ecosystem where all components work together seamlessly.
Turning data into action
A Control Tower is more than a real-time platform, it’s the central hub where all transport data converges. By combining information from various IT systems, you lay the groundwork for deeper insights. Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Process Mining (BPM) allow you to analyse processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement targeted improvements. The operational feedback loop makes all the difference: you create an intelligent system that continuously optimises itself.
Adding true control to your transport operations
A Control Tower doesn’t replace your systems, it connects them and provides a common direction. It’s the orchestration layer that helps all stakeholders in the supply chain collaborate, anticipate, and improve.
Curious to learn what orchestration can do for your logistics operations? Let’s talk.
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