Routing Guide
A Routing Guide in ERP is a predefined configuration that recommends the most efficient carriers, routes, and service levels for each shipment based on origin, destination, cargo type, and customer-specific rules. It acts as a decision-support tool that aligns logistics execution with strategic routing policies, contracted rates, and preferred vendor agreements, ensuring consistent, cost-effective transportation choices across the organization.
How the Routing Guide Works in Logistics?
When a new shipment is created in the ERP, the system refers to the embedded routing guide logic. Based on the job parameters, such as port pairs, cargo volume, priority level, and mode, the ERP suggests a set of preferred carriers or routes. This selection can be automated or presented to users for confirmation. Routing guides are regularly updated with rate revisions, transit time changes, or vendor performance insights, and they help standardize route planning across branches and departments.
Real-Time Logistics Optimization in ERP
Live Data Utilization
ERP leverages real-time data from carrier systems and past shipment history to enhance routing guide accuracy, making suggestions that reflect actual performance and conditions.
Process Simplifying
With automated routing recommendations, operators can bypass manual carrier comparisons, saving time while adhering to pre-approved logistics strategies.
Resource Adaptability
When real-time conditions, like port congestion or carrier delays, arise, ERP can adjust the routing guide dynamically to suggest alternate paths without disrupting schedules.
Proactive Exception Management
If a user attempts to book outside the routing guide rules, the system triggers alerts or requires approval, maintaining consistency in vendor usage and cost control.
Customer Transparency
Clients benefit from optimized delivery routes that minimize delays and align with service level expectations, boosting satisfaction and reliability.
Conclusion
Routing Guides in ERP ensure that logistics decisions are driven by data, compliance, and performance benchmarks. By embedding smart route selection into daily operations, they reduce cost variability, improve delivery predictability, and strengthen vendor partnerships, forming a foundation for scalable, real-time logistics excellence.