A logistics control tower provides control, insight, and overview of all your transportation activities through a single platform. By streamlining all processes on one platform, data is standardized, enabling data-driven decision-making. With a control tower, you can continually strive for improvements in costs, service, and sustainability.

It is difficult to provide a specific price in advance because it strongly depends on expectations regarding the control tower. For example, maintaining diesel surcharges in the TMS can be offered at relatively low costs. However, tasks such as periodic tendering, rate maintenance, reporting, invoice auditing, etc., vary widely in price depending also on the size of the company. Feel free to Kontakt us if you would like to discuss more details. We are ready to discuss your specific needs and present a tailor-made solution.

With our Transportation Management System (TMS), you effectively act as your own control tower. A TMS offers complete visibility through transparent and universal data, allowing you to maintain control. Optimizing your transportation organization requires time and attention. Critical aspects include managing rates, diesel surcharges, data analysis, carrier invoice audits, report creation, communication with carriers, periodic tender processes, etc. If your company seeks relief, we offer tailor-made support. The result is continuous, data-driven improvement. Through our control tower support, you clearly see (based on data) the impact on your operations.

Der Unterschied liegt darin, dass wir keine eigenen Transportmittel besitzen und völlig transparent und unabhängig arbeiten. Unsere Kunden zahlen die Rechnungen der Spediteure direkt und einen eindeutigen Betrag für unsere Dienstleistungen, so dass die tatsächlichen Kosten der Beförderung völlig klar sind. Wenn ein 4PL die Rechnungsstellung übernimmt, fehlt es an vollständiger Transparenz, so dass letztlich ungewiss ist, ob er tatsächlich weitergibt, was bezahlt wurde, oder was der Transport ihn tatsächlich kostet. Außerdem werden manchmal die eigenen Lkw des Logistikdienstleisters eingesetzt, was nicht immer die beste Lösung ist. Es sind also andere Interessen im Spiel, wenn ein Spediteur die Rolle des Kontrollturms übernimmt. Bei unserem Konzept geht es um völlige Transparenz bei den Transportkosten, um Klarheit über die Kosten unserer Dienstleistungen und um unseren Mehrwert in Form einer kontinuierlichen Verbesserung.

Often, we observe a limitation in available data, which is essential for an effective organisation of the shippers freight operation. Our process usually begins by implementing transportation management software through our own TMS. We choose our alpha-TMS for two reasons: alpha can be operational within days and is cost-effective (with a guarantee) compared to similar providers with the same functionality. With alpha-TMS, we achieve our jointly formulated goals within the shortest possible time. Using one integrated platform gives us complete insight into all freight data, providing a solid foundation for further optimisations. A tender often follows (although it can sometimes be the other way around, starting with tendering and then transitioning to alpha-TMS). We present the best carriers that fit your profile and negotiate agreements together with you. If no new partnerships are desired, we can also start optimising existing partnerships. Through alpha-TMS, we maintain control over operations and initiate a continuous improvement process. With our control tower concept, we can take over every aspect of transportation management.

Absolutely, that is certainly possible. Even if you are already using an existing TMS, we can support you with control tower support. In this case, it may be necessary for our experts to be trained in the use of new systems. Usually, our lead consultants will set up the control tower, set targets, and document processes. Once the control tower is operational, management is transferred to our back-office team for tasks such as invoice audits, support, data analysis, reporting, etc. At significant milestones, such as tenders, our consultants come back into the picture. This way, we ensure the efficiency of your control tower at the most cost-effective rates.

Transparency is crucial in a logistics control tower, especially because a shipper wants to maintain control over transportation and associated costs. When a company providing control tower support also takes over invoicing, the shipper loses insight into what is actually paid for transportation or what it costs when part of it is managed with its own trucks. Additionally, choices for selected carriers often remain unclear, with potential hidden interests, such as receiving a percentage of each shipment assigned to a specific carrier. For these reasons, transparency in a logistics control tower is not only relevant but crucial. It ensures fairness, clarity, and the ability for the shipper to make informed decisions.

Typically, objectives (KPIs) revolve around costs, service, and sustainability. However, the importance of these three aspects may vary by company. When implementing a control tower, we set a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 KPIs for each of these 3 categories. Throughout the time we manage the control tower, these KPIs are measured, and results are reported periodically. There is room for adjusting and renewing KPIs and goals during the agreement’s term, in joint consultation. This way, we can continue to strive for optimal performance that aligns with the evolving needs of the company.

Measuring CO2 emissions is still in the early stages. While some FTL carriers can already accurately report emissions for each transport, this is not yet possible for most shipments. This is because LTL and groupage shipments are often handled by different carriers, with various vehicles and engine types, between different stops (cross-docks) to their final destination, which does not happen in a straight line. Due to the many links and the lack of standardised reporting in the market, measuring actual emissions is challenging. Our approach is based on reporting an estimated value. We use the kilometres from the TMS and, based on kilograms, determine an emission value per shipment using tiers per modality or trailer type. Then we report on increases, decreases per modality, smart combinations made, etc. While 100% accuracy is not yet possible, it is currently the best approach for reporting emissions until a watertight standard is implemented in the market.

Yes, that is certainly possible. With our TMS, you are essentially fully capable of functioning as a control tower yourself. If desired, we can train your team so they know exactly what it takes to manage a well-functioning control tower and continually improve it. Rather let us take over part of the work, of course that is possible. We provide customization in all our services to align with your specific needs and capabilities.