Currently, the demand for innovative, efficient, and cost-effective solutions has never been greater in the logistics industry. In a market saturated with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), one company stands apart due to its simplicity of approach and customer acquisition strategy.
Developed by InMotion Global, Ascend TMS is a notable player in the field of transportation management. This cloud-based Transportation Management System is specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of 3PLs, freight brokers, shippers, and trucking companies. Since its inception in 2002, AscendTMS has continuously evolved, emphasizing user-friendly features and comprehensive management tools. Its suite of capabilities, including load and dispatch management, integrated accounting functions, and an automated workflow engine, renders AscendTMS a valuable asset in streamlining complex logistical operations and enhancing efficiency and productivity in the logistics and transportation sectors. However, this description could apply to many TMS platforms. So, what makes AscendTMS stand out?
AscendTMS was the brainchild of Tim Higham, a British-born entrepreneur who moved to the US in his 20s. His journey is a remarkable blend of an early passion for technology, a successful career in insurance, and a transformative venture into the trucking industry. Beginning in 1981, at just 14 years old, Higham's fascination with a 1-kilobyte memory computer sparked his interest in technology. He explored and recreated games like Quasimodo and Pong, despite his family's skepticism about a career in computers. Higham's persistence saw him continue coding throughout his early life.
After college, Tim embarked on a career with Lloyd’s of London, one of the top insurance firms in the UK. His determination was evident as he completed the rigorous CPCU, which involves 10 exams, in just two years. This period in insurance was pivotal, as it not only solidified his professional credentials but also laid the groundwork for his later technological innovations in the field, leading to the establishment of his first company. Higham's experience in insurance, combined with his tech expertise, allowed him to create solutions that streamlined the insurance industry's processes, marrying his two areas of expertise in a groundbreaking way. After a few years in insurance, Tim created IRC, a tech company that focused on reducing data entry for insurance brokers to obtain multiple quotes for customers.
This venture's success, culminating in a $28 million sale in 1998, marked the beginning of Higham's significant achievements. After moving to Florida, he encountered a challenge in the trucking industry, which piqued his interest in Transportation Management Systems (TMS). His solution to a nursery owner's logistical issues marked his foray into trucking. Higham assisted her in creating a simple excel spreadsheet, which streamlined work for LTL carriers in their head hauls and back hauls. He then worked with Home Depot, providing solutions for 22 stores over a decade, further deepening his understanding of logistics. This experience, coupled with running his own brokerage, Interstate Logistics Group (now owned by Palm Beach Capital), showcased his adeptness in the trucking industry. The brokerage's eventual sale not only highlighted his business acumen but also led to the retention of InMotion Global, the intellectual cornerstone of his future endeavors.
Inspired by Salesforce's cloud-based efficiency, Higham envisioned a TMS that was not only online but also accessible and user-friendly for smaller market players. This vision materialized in AscendTMS (named for practicality/SEO reasons), a testament to his commitment to providing practical, tech-driven solutions in the logistics and trucking industry. His journey from a young computer enthusiast to a visionary entrepreneur in the logistics field is a compelling narrative of innovation, determination, and strategic foresight.
AscendTMS is renowned for its comprehensive and user-friendly features, making it a standout choice in transportation management systems. Key features include load and dispatch management, offering detailed load financial summaries and payment tracking. It also provides robust accounting tools, including profit and loss reports and invoicing, with integration capabilities for third-party accounting solutions. The automated workflow engine streamlines operations, and the IFTA tax reporting feature simplifies fuel tax calculations. Additionally, AscendTMS offers ELD and telematics for real-time management, efficient document management, and asset and fleet management tools to streamline asset tracking and maintenance.
AscendTMS has adopted a unique customer acquisition strategy that significantly contributed to its growth and popularity in the transportation management system market. Key to this strategy is the offering of its software for free, particularly to small and medium-sized logistics companies. This approach has not only made AscendTMS accessible to a wider range of businesses but has also facilitated rapid onboarding, with account creation times as quick as 13 seconds. This ease of access and the lack of financial barriers have been instrumental in attracting tens of thousands of customers across North America.
Furthermore, AscendTMS has focused on addressing real customer pain points, a strategy that stems from the founder's deep understanding and experience in the logistics industry. By offering a solution that directly solves existing operational challenges, AscendTMS has been able to secure a broad user base that includes small trucking companies as well as large shippers like an $11 billion company managing freight across numerous warehouses. This approach has enabled AscendTMS to cater to both ends of the customer spectrum, providing a platform that is robust enough for large enterprises while remaining accessible and valuable to smaller operators.
The partnership with Comdata, a leading carrier payment company, further underscores AscendTMS's commitment to its customer-centric strategy. By integrating Comdata's services, AscendTMS has enhanced its offering, adding value for users and strengthening its position in the market. A key advantage is the system's ability to improve operational efficiency. By automating and consolidating key logistics processes, AscendTMS reduces the time and effort required for manual data entry and coordination. This streamlined approach enables businesses to focus more on strategic planning and less on the day-to-day management of transportation activities.
In terms of cost savings, AscendTMS plays a crucial role. By reducing manual work and optimizing routes, it allows companies to minimize unnecessary expenditures. The system's ability to find the most efficient routes not only saves on fuel costs but also reduces wear and tear on vehicles, contributing to long-term savings. Furthermore, by automating various processes, AscendTMS reduces the likelihood of human error, which can often lead to costly mistakes. Real-time visibility is another significant benefit offered by AscendTMS. The platform provides up-to-the-minute tracking and monitoring of shipments, offering businesses a clear and current view of their logistics operations. This real-time data is invaluable for making informed decisions, responding quickly to any issues that may arise, and maintaining a transparent communication line with customers and stakeholders.
Scalability is a critical feature of AscendTMS, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. As companies grow and their logistics needs become more complex, AscendTMS can adapt and scale to meet these evolving requirements. This flexibility ensures that businesses won't outgrow the system and can continue to rely on it as a key component of their logistics and transportation strategy.
While AscendTMS offers numerous advantages, users may encounter certain challenges or limitations. Addressing these effectively is key to leveraging the system's full potential. One potential challenge is the learning curve associated with any new software. Users might find initial difficulties in navigating the features of AscendTMS, especially if they are transitioning from a more manual system. To mitigate this, AscendTMS offers comprehensive training and support. AscendTMS offers a scaled learning with Q&A every week, with each day focused on a specific module of the software. The beauty of AscendTMS is the modularity and the ease of adding modules throughout the user experience. Users are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to become proficient in using the system.
Another consideration is the integration with existing systems. Some businesses may find challenges in integrating AscendTMS with their current software ecosystems. To overcome this, AscendTMS provides compatibility with various third-party applications and systems, including accounting software like QuickBooks. If integration issues arise, seeking support from AscendTMS’s technical team or considering customization options can be effective solutions. For businesses with highly specialized or unique logistics needs, AscendTMS might not cover every specific requirement. In such cases, the platform’s ability to customize and adapt can be explored. Additionally, the AscendTMS team is often open to feedback and may consider developing new features that align with user needs over time.
AscendTMS, crafted with the insight and expertise of Tim Higham and his team at InMotion Global, represents a significant evolution in the field of transportation management. Balancing user-friendliness with a comprehensive suite of features, AscendTMS has effectively addressed the diverse needs of the logistics and transportation sectors. Its success is not just in its technical capabilities, but also in how it embodies the vision of its founder – to merge technological innovation with practical industry know-how. By offering a free, scalable, and robust platform, AscendTMS has carved out a unique space in the market, appealing to a wide range of users from small operators to large enterprises. With a severely fragmented trucking industry, AscendTMS has taken that into consideration and is growing its customer base day over day. Its approach to customer acquisition, commitment to addressing user needs, and foresight in anticipating industry trends highlight AscendTMS as a forward-thinking solution in the dynamic world of logistics and transportation management.
