Organization Name: C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.
Industry: Transportation/Logistics
Web References: www.chrobinson.com/www.mytmc.com
Description of how social media is used for business performance:
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. is a one of the more prominent Fortune 500 companies in the world and a global service provider of multi-modal logistics and 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) and 4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics) services, fresh produce sourcing, and information technology services to 35,000 customers through a network of more than 285 offices and approximately 7,500 employees around the world.
As an industry leader in transportation and logistics services such as freight transportation, transportation management, customs brokerage, and warehousing. C.H. Robinson offers logistics solutions by truckload, less than truckload, inter-modal, ocean, and air fright transportation. As well, engage in the hospitality industry in buying, selling, and marketing fresh product. Offers its fresh product to grocery retailers, restaurants, produce wholesalers, and food service distributors through a network of independent product growers and suppliers. C.H. Robinson has annual gross revenues of approximately $12.8 billion ending in 2013 fiscal year.
With the challenges of keeping the overall demand for effective and efficient supply chain management in the growing markets. C.H. Robinson was looking implement a new approach its own supply chain activities to address the challenges to maximize customer value and achieve a sustainable competitive approach in the industry. Even though C.H. Robinson has implemented a Six Sigma concept to their business to improve its product development, outsourcing, production cycle, and logistics transit, as well as the information systems needed to coordinate all activities and guidance in its supply chain system.
“The best supply chains aren’t just fast and cost-effective. They are also agile and adaptable, and they ensure that all their companies’ interests stay aligned”
– Hau L. Lee, Professor of Information and Technology from Harvard Business Review, Oct. 2004.
Although the Six Sigma concept seems like an ideal practice for transportation company to utilize its resources and better implement its services but it’s not always enough. The use of social media has become a game changer for every businesses, is to generate leads or to respond to customer inquiry but its has become a niche market for C.H. Robinson to take advantage of the opportunity and to utilize in the transportation industry. Social media has become the new form of customer relationships and understanding. Social media can also impact the decision-making process and get more businesses by connecting with customers and prospects as well. Considering that the supply chain industry is moving at an increasingly fast pace, it has become critical aspect that C.H. Robinson to venture and maintain an active presence on the social media medium as well.
C.H. Robinson introduce TMC Connect service in late 2009 to take on the challenges and bridging the capabilities of the social media medium and its own supply chain management system. TMC has provided a rapidly growing community of transportation professionals with an unexpected, but vital source for information, ideas, and open collaboration alike. TMC is the first for C.H. Robinson in the transportation industry to offer a private social media site, a SaaS (Software as a service) specifically for supply chain clients to interact and collaborate.
TMC – Global TMS + Managed Services (Source: YouTube)
“TMC Connect is a terrific idea – to exchange ideas, share best practices and expand network contacts with transportation and supply chain professionals working in diverse industries. Tapping into the speed and global reach of the Internet through TMC Connect has great potential.”
– Wayne Tessin, Manager, North America Transportation of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
The core of TMC SaaS is the powerful industry leading TMS technology that makes it possible. C.H. Robinson TMS technology provides current and prospective clients with powerful transportation planning, execution, business intelligence, and freight payment capabilities. Integration of C.H. Robinson delivery network system to provide customers, contract carriers, and suppliers alike with a lean and concise freight solutions possible. The TMS technology provides clients with an intuitive interface with the continuous visibility, enhanced control, and the ability to instantly exchange financial and shipment information with all trading partners.
Lessons for others:
The use of social media has become a game changer for every businesses, is to generate leads or to respond to customer inquiry. Considering that the supply chain industry is moving at an increasingly fast pace, it has become critical aspect at C.H. Robinson to venture and maintain an active presence on the social media medium. C.H. Robinson develop the TMC Connect SaaS for both current and prospective clients to provide a sophisticated and innovative technology to ease constraint and challenges with supply chain management in today’s industry.
C.H. Robinson – What is Managed TMS? (Source: YouTube)
Many existing clients with C.H. Robinson had the first hand opportunity to experienced the TMC Connect SaaS and majority had experienced the same benefits as follows:
- Immediate Savings
One great difference between TMS (Transportation Management System) software and Managed TMS, is speedy delivery time. Buying software requires a significant upfront investment and forces clients to wait for a long-term ROI (Return of Investment). With Managed TMS, clients can save money on the first shipment.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction
Complying with environmental regulations can be a challenge. Whatever the needs, Managed TMS gives the clients the powerful new tools to measure, model, and manage its company carbon footprint.
- On Time Performance
Understand that transportation is part of the company’s brand. Ability to deliver on time helps build a brand image of responsiveness, dependability, and customer satisfaction. Elevating on time performance requires more than daily vigilance and persistence. It begins with the plan by C.H. Robinson Six Sigma process engineers and specialist to develop TMS service, and it continues with the day-to-day performance of clients using it.
- Global TMS
Whether the clients already have global freight operations or are starting to ship into new countries, with TMC Connect offers the logistics expertise, relationships, and knowledge you need to grow in North America, Europe, South America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. C.H. Robinson experiences in customs, currencies, languages, and carrier networks in multiple countries provides the clients with distinct international advantages.
The C.H. Robinson TMC Connect SaaS has continuously provide clients with expertise and technology that drive both immediate and sustained cost savings throughout their transportation networks. Since the launch of the TMC Connect service, TMC has exceeded clients expectations for immediate cost savings, increase productivity time, robust streamline supply chain improvements, and improve carbon footprint reduction in the process.
The ongoing challenges of the supply chain industry has inspired C.H. Robinson to seek innovation and search for new ideas that challenge the limits. Keeping in mind of the customers, contract carriers, and suppliers with strategic forward thinking approach and to not only to simply meet their expectations but a commitment to exceed them.
References:
TMC – New Social Media and Supply Chain Management Service
Social Media Connects: B2B Buying Decisions
Rethinking CRM: Social Media at a 3PL
No kidding: This exec dreams of logistical nightmares By Meribah Knight
Submitted By: Chris Gomes – SMBP Student, University of Waterloo.
To contact the author of this entry, please email at: tophergomesy@gmail.com
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