CEO’s Note: The Real ROI of a TMS – From Surviving to Scaling

In today’s transport landscape, operational efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a growth enabler. At INControl, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with transport operators across Southern Africa, helping them digitise and automate their shipment processes. The results have been consistent and compelling: faster growth, healthier margins, and far better control over daily operations.

Implementing a Transport Management System (TMS) like INControl is not just about ticking a digital box—it’s about transforming how a transport company runs and scales.

Let’s talk about ROI: What do operators actually gain?
Faster Invoicing, Healthier Cash Flow
One of the biggest immediate wins is faster invoicing. By digitising PODs and automating dispatch-to-invoice workflows, our clients have reduced their Days Sales Outstanding by 15–20 days. This means more cash on hand for fuel, maintenance, and expansion—and far less reliance on overdrafts.

Cost Reductions That Go Straight to the Bottom Line
Automation unlocks savings across all major cost centres. Route optimisation lowers fuel costs by up to 15%. Smarter scheduling reduces driver overtime and improves fleet productivity. And removing paperwork-heavy admin can slash back-office costs by as much as 30%.

Real-Time Control and Visibility
Dispatchers and managers no longer operate in the dark. With live tracking, instant exception alerts, and automated workflows, they can respond quickly to issues and keep the business running smoothly—without constant firefighting.

Scalable, Sustainable Growth
INControl’s cloud-based platform means you can grow without adding complexity. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or opening a new branch, the system scales with you. It’s secure, configurable, and keeps your business agile as regulations and customer expectations evolve.

These aren’t just promises. We’ve seen mid-sized operators double their capacity within 12–18 months of going digital—without doubling their costs. And our outcomes align with international benchmarks, such as those from C.H. Robinson and others.

Final Thought
A good TMS doesn’t just automate tasks. It gives business owners and their teams the headspace to focus on growth, not firefighting. It turns data into action and process into performance. And most importantly, it turns potential into profit.

BEYOND The Fleet Podcast

In Episode 3 of BEYOND The Fleet, Harry from The Transport Forum shares how the Forum has grown into a respected and trusted platform in the industry.

He highlights its unique ability to bring together influential voices from both the public and private sectors — creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration around South Africa’s transport challenges.

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Be INControl -
Scale & Grow

You can’t focus on growing your business if you're still caught up in its daily operations. INControl gives you the confidence to step back—knowing your operational processes will be followed exactly as designed.

 
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RTMS: A Way of Life, Not a Checklist

In this powerful talk at the Transport Forum event on 17 April 2025, Antoinette van Graan, our Software Business Analyst at INControl, challenges the mindset around RTMS compliance.

Opening with the question, “Why do we turn on headlights at night?”, Antoinette uses this simple metaphor to drive home a vital truth: safety and compliance aren’t things we scramble to do when it’s urgent—they must be part of our daily habits.

Referencing Atomic Habits by James Clear, she highlights how small, consistent actions can lead to lasting impact in the transport industry—especially when systems are under pressure during rapid growth.

From daily digital checklists to simplified RTMS reporting, Antoinette shares how technology can support consistent, proactive compliance—before things fall through the cracks.

💡 “Compliance should be as second nature as switching on your headlights—it’s how we keep our people and businesses safe.”

Watch the full talk for practical insights and a fresh perspective on building RTMS into your company’s culture.