The SAP Transportation Management application integrates fleet and logistics management throughout the user's network, to help reduce transportation complexity. The solution offers on-premise and cloud deployment, transportation and demand planning, interactive freight tendering, and a collaboration portal.
It is VERY adept at creating solutions for single or multiple point collection or distribution scenarios. We have multiple customers with large, central DCs that utilize Appian for their regular route rationalization processes. We have had less success when analyzing "touring" fleets where only historical data was available. Without the flexibility to change/select new combinations, the solution quality is diminished.
Appian is excellent for use in both the analysis arena and ongoing operations support. The speed to solution and quality of solution is at the top of the market.
The configurability of the system gives the user the flexibility to address almost any route problem imaginable. Analysts have the ability to recreate the "world" to fit their customer's needs rather than forcing the customer into a predetermined framework.
The installation of the software is flexible and can be structured to fit any work group's format, from a centralized core to a distributed mobile analysis team.
Planning and execution area for carriers is not covered fully. It has scenarious covered, but its mainly manual and not suited for high volumes and loads
Intermodal transportation management - absent or inefficient
Trailer swap functionality is like 10 steps process, which is highly manually consuming and is not efficient for company operating >5000 trucks and trailers
Appian products have become an instrumental tool within the company, from a daily tactical standpoint building route plans, to a strategic standpoint in assisting with project analysis. Since the tool is able to interface with many different on-board computer vendors, it is something that could be used by the company long term.
It allows to integrate an e2e flow from business process to finance and people management, which in logistic business are the resources for logistic execution. Analytics are obviously allows us to analyze the metrics and make data driven decisions.
We used to use TruckStops until we switched to Appian Direct Route. I was very happy with TruckStops mainly because it was a simple system that got the job done. There were no integration issues, no errors left and right, no hassle. Appian on the other hand, while it is a nice system, it needs a lot of work. During optimization, mileage is critical and I am afraid Appian fails in this aspect with the lack of proper integration with PC Miler which is industry standard.
