An enterprise-scalable Transportation Management System, CFMS seamlessly integrates extensive business process automation and workflow management functionality with comprehensive CRM, accounting features, Internet-based reporting, EDI capabilities, and advanced information access tools.

CYDEX Launches Another Business Solution

In a change of pace from developing aerospace applications to creating software for the transportation industry, CYDEX announces the launch of a vertical market solution specifically for freight forwarders and freight consolidators. Our Container Freight Management System (CFMS) is an encompassing information system tool for handling all aspects of containerized freight in a single, full-featured Transportation Management System. From order entry through receiving, load planning, shipping, and charge accounting, business processes are automated and operations management is simplified — making your freight handling efficient and your operations, well… “a tight ship”.

CFMS handles any form of Containerization

From small, boxed shipments to truckload and intermodal containers, CFMS provides the functions to accept orders, schedule receiving and pick-up appointments, track order status, and dynamically plan shipment scheduling and loading. Whether you ship boxed items or pallet-loaded cases, CFMS can handle your specific shipping modality… parcel, truckload, or intermodal.

CFMS has item-level granularity — tracking every single item throughout the freight consolidation and forwarding process. Real-time status is accessible for every item in every order and in every shipment. Order status and shipping confirmations are available by fax, e-mail, electronically, or in any combination. Whether your shipments are cross-docked, delivered, or picked-up by consignee, CFMS can provide real-time fulfillment tracking as well.

Basic TMS Operations

Manual order entry is extremely efficient and incorporates input automation functions to improve operator performance. Screens can be customized to match specific needs; and, the customer relationship is enhanced because CFMS provides operators with comprehensive capabilities to quickly preview other new orders (by customer identity, or, indexed by purchase order reference or consignee information). Operators can also immediately provide estimated charges; and, instantly track or modify existing shipments.

Pick-up and receiving processes include sophisticated scheduling and appointment sub-systems for both customer delivery and order pick-up servicing; as well as optional capabilities for: handheld wireless terminals (allowing received and shipped orders to be updated in real-time); dock-side destination and routing labeling; and, seamless integration with warehouse management systems.

Operations management and container efficiency is improved through a sophisticated and highly interactive load planning screen. Real-time container status displays and reports with selectable levels of detail depict all elements effecting efficient loading and shipping operations; while multi-user capabilities allow several operators to execute load planning functions simultaneously. Load plan reports and automated generation of delivery manifests provide an accurate reflection of the items and orders that you’re managing and the containers that you’ll ship.

Automated shipping functions handle split orders, partial shipments, and notifications by FAX and e-mail to customers, shippers, consignees, and delivery companies. Real-time, business-to-business data interchange can update your shipper, customer, and delivery company systems too.

EDI order processing is flexible — using XML and other methodologies — and, can be tailored to meet special requirements for individual shippers.

TMS Functionality and More

Standard features abound to present and organize necessary information. Intuitive, windowed screens, allow operators to quickly access frequently-used information or quickly enter new information. Customer, shipper, consignee, pick-up and delivery location information is managed in a hierarchical approach — using context-sensitive pull-down lists to make selections, choose previously linked relationships, and enter new orders.

From account maintenance screens, users can drill down to view detailed order status and accounting information; as well as to query account history for truly insightful customer resource management.

For intermodal and truckload freight, CFMS manages container or trailer information in comprehensive detail — with thorough reporting for load planning, scheduling, operations management, and instant decision making.

Whenever possible, CFMS uses automated processes to execute time-consuming tasks. Shipping confirmations, shipment updates, high-volume reports, and other processes operate as ‘background’ tasks to keep user workstations available for interactive use.

Through Virtual Private Network technology, you’ll be able to connect multiple offices and remote personnel. You can make full use of the Internet to service existing customers, shippers, and consignees. On-line order entry, tracking, and status information can be processed through your web site; and, as information interchange standards evolve, CFMS can be adapted to utilize these protocols to further automate your information system and business processes.

You can achieve true B2B computing since business-to-business connectivity is already integrated into CFMS — reducing bottlenecks and enhancing transactional accuracy.

In addition to traditional TMS functionality, CFMS integrates state-of-the-art Customer Resource Management features and a capable Accounts Receivable system.
 

Integrated Accounts Receivable

CFMS' tightly-integrated accounting functions include cash receipts, credit memos, miscellaneous charges, statements, financial reporting, and a configurable interface into a General Ledger or financial management system.

Billing can be structured to specific requirements by customer, shipper, consignee, or order type; and, CFMS provides extensive control of freight charges, surcharges, tariffs, and miscellaneous items — as well as customized control of the organization, layout, and detail of every invoice.

Financial management reports can be previewed directly and include billing edits, receivables and sales journals, collection and aging reports, as well as sophisticated revenue analysis projections.
 

Instant access to TMS and CRM Information

Information is central to every business; so, CFMS provides built-in features for effective Customer Resource Management — with the analytics to empower your business strategies.

CFMS' data warehouse architecture will allow you to collaboratively share information with customer service personnel for instant decision making throughout your enterprise. Historical and transactional information are combined during customer interactions so that customers can get immediate status information and service representatives can gain insights from past inquiries and current activity records.

As status information changes, it is immediately updated throughout the system… providing an ability to make quick decisions based upon up “to the minute” information. CFMS gives you instant access to all current and historical customer and shipper records, orders, container and shipment information, scheduling, and accounting records. Ad hoc reporting and querying of the entire information system will reveal the pertinent information that you need to manage your customer relationship.

You’ll also be able to automate customer interface activities to schedule follow-up calls, review accounts, and proactively service your customers. With CFMS, you’ll know more about your customers… you’ll have the tools to monitor performance… and, you’ll have the information at hand to support an impressive customer management policy.

With powerful on-line analytical processing (OLAP) capabilities, you’ll be able to access, analyze, and present information about your enterprise to optimize revenue and service offerings in a “forward-looking” view employing predictive indicators.

CFMS is a Proven Solution

Since its initial deployment in 1998, CFMS has demonstrated its reliability; and, the effectiveness of its feature-rich workflow tools and comprehensive business process automation functionality.

Architecture defines functionality… so, CFMS was built upon a solid foundation utilizing state-of-the-art database technologies that are stable and adaptable. CFMS also implements data warehousing concepts from the ground up… information is efficiently and reliably maintained in a powerful, open-architecture, Database Management System; whose functionality is virtually unlimited because the modular architecture in CFMS allows new processes to be easily, seamlessly integrated into an existing installation. Finally (drawing upon CYDEX’s heritage of developing world class solutions), CFMS utilizes demonstrably best-of-breed methodologies… delivering modular flexibility and an extensible design so that CFMS can grow and change as your business does.

CFMS is Shipping Now

CFMS will help you gain a competitive advantage by improving customer satisfaction through greater efficiency, effective business process automation, and by providing you with a reliable platform to process the critical information you need to comprehensively manage the performance of your business.

CFMS is shipping now — and, can be customized to integrate with and improve your TMS operations. CFMS is easy to deploy, easy to use, and extremely reliable. If you handle freight, you need help handling everything else — and CFMS does just that!

Learn more about CFMS

Learn more about CYDEX