Since 1971, ODW Logistics, Inc. has been a full-service 3PL provider of supply chain solutions for mid-sized and large companies. With more than 1,000 employees, ODW offers 3PL all modes transportation management, warehouse distribution and fulfillment service, including over 5M square feet of strategically located space throughout the US, an asset based fleet, supply chain network design, and shipment optimization engineering and execution.
Challenge: Support Non-Asset Business Growth with Transportation Software
ODW began primarily as an asset-based logistics solution provider, but has grown its non-asset side of the business in recent years. However, the company’s transportation management system (TMS) was not able to support its goals to acquire new business and offer differentiated services.
ODW’s legacy 3PL transportation software was built in the 1990s for a truckload (TL) business, and although ODW tried to make the system work in a LTL and brokerage environment, it was not a sustainable solution.
In addition to requiring a 3PL TMS system applicable to the non-asset sides of the business, ODW sought a solution to leverage its in-house database and development expertise.
“We wanted a TMS to take advantage of our knowledge and experience from an IT perspective and to keep our business at the cutting edge,” explained Bill Grannis, director of information technology at ODW Logistics. “And to be honest, we didn’t know if a TMS system provider like that existed in the market.”
ODW’s success was built on its competitive advantage that set it apart from the commoditized world of 3PLs: customized services delivered quickly and in a flexible way that allowed customers to adjust to changing market demands. It was essential that a new transportation management software support and strengthen these differentiators.
“The TMS system had to allow us to deliver our unique services, like creating custom integrations with our carriers. We wanted a solution with a strong rating engine, optimization and open APIs,” said Grannis. “If it forced us to do something the same as everyone else, then we’d be just like every other 3PL. We didn’t want that.”
Solution: 3Gtms’ Adaptability Stands Out
ODW examined several well-known TMS solutions and chose the 3Gtms 3G-TM, a Tier 1 transportation management system with rich functionality, flexibility and modern technology to drive efficiency and automation throughout the entire order-to-settlement lifecycle.
“When we did a detailed comparison of the 3Gtms & MercuryGate solutions, the adaptability of the 3Gtms software really stood out. It was clear we were buying a platform that could expand and grow with our business and allow us the flexibility to be responsive to our customers,” explained Grannis.
Unlike other offerings that were built decades ago, 3Gtms technology addresses today’s market needs and complexities. Built on one scalable platform that leverages the same data throughout the application, 3Gtms’ 3PL transportation management software helps ODW expand and grow its non-asset line of business. 3Gtms’ deep industry and software knowledge also impressed ODW.
“The 3Gtms team’s knowledge is tremendous and makes us confident that they understand our needs, and know how to address them quickly with the best approach,” said Grannis.
While some TMS vendors had a lower cost-per transaction in the short term, 3Gtms was a better long-term investment because of ODW’s ability to customize processes itself and react quickly to market changes. “We’ll be able to drive costs lower because we can further customize processes and clinch it down to exactly what a customer wants,” explained Grannis.
Results: Better Communication and Lower Transactional Cost
With a transportation management solution to support their non-asset line of business, ODW has strengthened its competitive advantage and its reputation for fast, nimble service.
“We can make changes on the fly with 3Gtms and do it substantially better than with other systems. If we can differentiate and customize our services, that will help us succeed,” said Grannis.
He continued, “I’ve been involved in implementing and managing TMS systems for 30 years. This isn’t an easy business, and we can’t afford a TMS that doesn’t meet our exact needs. I haven’t come across a system with as rich of an architecture as 3Gtms. This and their cloud-based integration Hub allows our business-to-business communication to be much more efficient and lowers our transactional costs. From their technology to their service, 3Gtms makes sure its customers succeed.”
ODW has been methodical about transitioning its customers to the 3Gtms TMS system. “The people at 3Gtms have so much industry and software knowledge. That really allows us to work closely with them and look at our business processes to figure out how the software can help,” said Grannis.
“When I’m talking about a detailed problem, they understand it from start to finish. That makes me confident they’re committed to our success and ready to help us overcome any challenge.”
As ODW looks to the future, 3Gtms is committed to continuous enhancements of its transportation management solution to reflect the ongoing changes for 3PLs and logistics service providers. Grannis noted,
“We liked 3Gtms’ vision and are leveraging its systems in unique ways that aren’t available anywhere else.”