{"id":21956,"date":"2023-10-25T17:11:05","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T15:11:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.ptvlogistics.com\/?p=21956"},"modified":"2023-12-15T15:08:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T14:08:38","slug":"what-is-a-transport-control-tower","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ptvlogistics.com\/en\/transport-logistics\/what-is-a-transport-control-tower\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a transport control tower?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today\u2019s logistics landscape requires companies to be able to swiftly act on information and take corrective action to prevent further disruption.\u00a0<\/span>That\u2019s where transport control tower software<\/a> comes in. When integrated into your supply chain management systems and processes, it can help you to better plan, track, and manage your logistics flows and make more informed decisions when challenges arise. <\/span>In this article, we\u2019re going to explain exactly what a transport control tower (TCT) is, the benefits it can bring, and the factors to consider when deploying one within your organization.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Transport control tower: a definition<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

A transport control tower is a centralized way to collect, manage and analyze data that can then be used to make more strategic operational decisions in the future. They are typically used by shippers, <\/span>carriers<\/span> and <\/span>logistics<\/span> service providers to track, <\/span>monitor,<\/span> and manage transport movements across the supply chain. Whilst people and processes are important to TCTs\u2019 success, technology plays an increasingly key role in helping to turn data into actionable insights.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What are the key functions of a transport control tower?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]One of the main functions of a TCT is to provide better freight visibility. This is done by gathering data from different sources across the transport supply chain (including carriers, warehouses and forwarders) and incorporating external data, such as live traffic conditions. The use of GPS and internet of things (IoT) technology means information can be collected and shared instantly with stakeholders via dashboards and API connectivity in a <\/span>real-time visibility platform<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

TCTs also facilitate the collection and management of digital documentation, including barcode scanning and electronic proof of delivery (ePOD), through mobile driver apps.<\/a> This can be accessed by all stakeholders at any time, providing a single source of truth for everyone to work from. Real-time communication and collaboration are also supported by TCTs through functions such as customisable notifications and alerts and live chats between different stakeholders. This enables everyone involved, including the customer, to stay on top of changes to scheduled deliveries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”22143″ img_size=”500×400″ onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”22002″ img_size=”500×500″ el_id=”tranport control tower”][vc_column_text]Most TCTs will connect to warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), transportation managements systems (TMS) and <\/span>route planning and optimisation software<\/span><\/a>. The data and insights that are generated from the TCT can feed into these systems, helping to continuously improve operational efficiency.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, smart TCTs can also incorporate advanced analytics. This is what takes it beyond simply an operations monitoring tool to one that can add real value to a business. After analysing all the data shared via the software, advanced AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms can provide insight into any changes or disruptions, assess their impact and <\/span>help create improved responses<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

How to get control? It’s more than just a control tower!<\/h2>\n

This playbook clarifies how a control tower helps you regain control over your transport operation.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Playbook!” style=”outline-custom” outline_custom_color=”#ff4249″ outline_custom_hover_background=”#ff4249″ outline_custom_hover_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” size=”lg” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ptvlogistics.com%2Fen%2Fproducts%2Fptv-axylog%2Fwp%2Fplaybook%3Futm_source%3Dwebsite%26utm_medium%3Dblog%26utm_campaign%3Dgroup_playbook-axylog_2023%26utm_content%3Dwhat-is-a-transport-control-tower|target:_blank”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”22491″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.ptvlogistics.com\/en\/products\/ptv-axylog\/wp\/playbook?utm_source=website&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=group_playbook-axylog_2023&utm_content=what-is-a-transport-control-tower”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_separator][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The benefits of a transport control tower<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several payoffs for incorporating a TCT into your operations, including:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes”][vc_column_inner]