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How Will The New TMS Affect You?

Click the job titles below to see how the new Transport Management System will impact the day-to-day of the role.

Transport Planning Manager
Transport Planning Manager - Impact Assessment

Role Overview

The Transport Planning Manager is responsible for:

  • Leading the planning and scheduling function (planners, schedulers, backhaul planners)
  • Ensuring delivery of efficient, cost-effective transport plans
  • Managing planning KPIs (e.g. OTIF, cost per mile, vehicle utilisation)
  • Overseeing resource allocation and capacity planning
  • Acting as a key link between planning, operations, customer service, and leadership
  • Driving continuous improvement within transport planning

This role is both:

  • Operational (managing daily planning output)
  • Leadership-focused (developing capability and driving performance)

 

Nature of Impact

Impact Level: High (Transformational Leadership Role)

The TMS will significantly change:

  • How planning is performed
  • How performance is measured
  • How the planning function is led and developed

The role will shift from:

  • Managing a manual / experience-led planning team
    → to
  • Leading a system-enabled, data-driven planning operation

 

Key Changes to the Role

Area

Current State

Future State (Post-TMS)

Impact

Planning Oversight

Limited visibility into detailed planning logic and decisions

Full visibility of system-generated plans and optimisation outputs

Greater control and accountability

Team Management

Managing planners producing manual plans

Leading planners working as system optimisers

Fundamental change in team role

Performance Management

Retrospective KPI reviews

Real-time performance dashboards and data

More proactive intervention

Decision Making

Based on experience and team input

Based on system insights and optimisation data

Shift to data-led leadership

Continuous Improvement

Ad hoc improvements based on experience

Structured, data-driven optimisation and improvement cycles

More formalised approach

Cross-Functional Working

Heavy reliance on communication between teams

Shared data visibility across departments

Improved alignment

 

Behavioural Impact

The Planning Manager will need to:

  • Move from managing outputs → leading performance through data
  • Shift from experience-led decision making → data-driven leadership
  • Lead a team through significant behavioural and role change
  • Act as a key sponsor of TMS adoption within the planning function
  • Embed a culture of:
    • Trust in system optimisation
    • Continuous improvement
    • Accountability through data

Skills & Capability Requirements

Area

Requirement

Data & Analytics

Strong ability to interpret planning KPIs and optimisation outputs

TMS Expertise

Deep understanding of planning tools, optimisation logic, and workflows

Performance Leadership

Managing team performance using real-time data

Change Leadership

Leading planners through a fundamental shift in how they work

Coaching & Development

Upskilling planners from “doers” to “optimisers”

 

Opportunity / Positive Impact

The TMS enables the Planning Manager to:

  • Lead a more efficient, modern planning function
  • Improve:
    • Vehicle utilisation
    • Cost efficiency
    • Service levels
  • Reduce reliance on manual processes and individual knowledge
  • Build a high-performing, data-driven planning team
  • Deliver measurable business benefits aligned to TMS objectives

Summary

The Transport Planning Manager role undergoes a high-impact leadership transformation, shifting from:

  • Managing manual planning → leading system-enabled optimisation
  • Experience-led leadership → data-driven performance management

This role is critical to TMS success, acting as:

  • The primary owner of planning performance
  • A key change leader for planners and schedulers
  • A driver of long-term value realisation from the TMS
Transport Operations Manager
Transport Operations Manager - Impact Assessment
Transport Driver
Transport Driver - Impact Assessment

Role Overview

The Transport Driver is responsible for:

  • Delivery and collection of goods (multi-drop and customer-facing)
  • Vehicle safety checks and compliance
  • Manual handling and unloading
  • Customer interaction and issue resolution
  • Completion of records and adherence to transport regulations

 

Nature of Impact

Impact Level: Low

The introduction of the TMS will not change the core purpose of the role, but will alter:

  • How work is planned
  • How information is communicated
  • How information is recorded

This represents a shift from largely manual and experience-led working, to a more structured, system-enabled execution.

Key Changes to the Role

AreaCurrent StateFuture State (Post-TMS)Impact
Route PlanningDisjointed, multi system, multiple input from different colleaguesAll orders planned by Planners, all in the one TMSBetter Routes, more realistic, more achievable
Driver AllocationDrivers not considered in planning. Drivers allocated by Transport on Day 2Planners plan to real driver duties, start times and available duty times on Day 1Routes aligned to driver start times
Briefing DriversLittle time given to Briefing DriversBest in class Brief process implementedMore time to talk to drivers, making sure they have what they need, and they are OK.
TechnologyNo Company Device. Manual ProcessEach Driver has a Tablet. Arrival & departures recorded. Photos taken of POD & points of interest by driver where appropriateEarly view of routes allocated. Better visibility of driver progress for customer. Better data collected. Opportunity to add further driver apps
Route FollowingDriver may adjust routes based on experience. Driver decides on best roads to useRoute delivery order needs to be followed. Driver decides on best roads to useService to customer is protected. Driver remains key decision maker in what roads to use based on conditions
CommunicationDriver own phone-based / paper-based updatesReal-time updates via systemFaster, more transparent communication
Debriefing DriversLittle time given to Debriefing DriversBest in class Driver Debrief process with ‘Green lanes’ for ‘all OK’ runsLive review of Driver issues & challenges faced, capturing in TMS
Record KeepingManual paperwork and compliance logsDigital capture of delivery status, POD, exceptionsIncreased data accuracy 
Performance VisibilityLimited or delayed visibilityReal-time monitoring of KPIs (OTIF, compliance, efficiency)Increased transparency and accountability
FeedbackNo Feedback process in placeDriver to Planner feedback process in placeDrivers drive improvement in planning, leading to more realistic routes

Behavioural Impact

Drivers will be required to transition towards:

  • System-led working
  • Real-time reporting rather than end-of-day updates
  • Greater comfort with visibility of performance metrics

This is a cultural shift toward a more data-driven and standardised environment.

Skills & Capability Requirements

Area

Requirement

Digital Skills

Ability to confidently use tablets / in-cab devices – Simple to use

System Navigation

Understanding TMS Routes and updates (jobs, updates, status changes)

Data Accuracy

Timely and accurate input of delivery / collection information

Communication

Using digital tools to report delays/issues effectively

Opportunity / Positive Impact

The introduction of the TMS provides several opportunities to enhance the Transport Driver role:

  • Improved clarity of daily tasks and routes, reducing ambiguity and reliance on verbal instructions
  • Access to real-time job information and updates, enabling more efficient decision-making on the road
  • Increased communication and visibility between drivers and planning teams, reducing delays and misunderstandings
  • Reduced reliance on manual paperwork, improving efficiency and accuracy of records (e.g. PODs, delivery updates)
  • Potential for improved route efficiency and reduced unnecessary mileage, leading to smoother working days
  • Enhanced support through faster issue resolution, as planners and coordinators have better visibility of driver status
  • Greater transparency of expectations, helping drivers understand how their role contributes to overall performance

Overall, the TMS supports drivers in performing their role more efficiently, consistently, and with better operational support.

Summary

The HGV Driver role experiences a moderate but important operational and behavioural change with the introduction of the TMS.

The role evolves from:

  • Manual, paper-based and verbally coordinated work → digitally enabled, system-supported execution
  • Reactive communication → real-time updates and visibility

 

While the core responsibilities of driving and delivery remain unchanged, drivers will be encouraged to adapt to:

  • Increased use of technology and digital devices
  • Greater visibility of performance and activity
  • More structured, system-driven ways of working

 

With effective training and support, the TMS will:

  • Improve efficiency and communication
  • Enhance the overall driver experience
  • Strengthen alignment between drivers and the wider transport operation
Transport Coordinators / Controllers
Transport Coordinators / Controllers - Impact Assessment
 
Planning Team Leader
TMS Role Impact Assessment – Planning Team Leader
  1. Role Overview

The Planning Team Leader is responsible for:

  • Day-to-day supervision of planners and schedulers
  • Ensuring the delivery of accurate, efficient daily plans
  • Managing workload allocation and supporting team priorities
  • Acting as a first point of escalation for planning issues
  • Supporting performance management through KPIs and outputs
  • Acting as a key link between planners, management, and operations

This role combines:

  • Hands-on operational involvement
  • Frontline leadership and coaching
  1. Nature of Impact

Impact Level: High

The introduction of the TMS will significantly alter:

  • How planning is performed
  • How team performance is managed
  • The level of real-time visibility into planner activity

The role will shift from:

  • Supervising a manual / experience-led planning team
    → to
  • Leading a team operating within a system-driven, optimised planning environment
  1. Key Changes to the Role

Area

Current State

Future State (Post-TMS)

Impact

Team Supervision

Monitoring planners based on outputs and experience

Monitoring planner activity and outputs via real-time system visibility

Increased oversight

Planning Oversight

Limited visibility into planning logic

Ability to see and challenge system-generated plans

Greater control

Issue Resolution

Reactive escalation handling

Earlier identification via system alerts and visibility

More proactive management

Work Allocation

Manual coordination of workload

More structured, system-supported workflows

Improved consistency

Performance Monitoring

Retrospective review of planner output

Real-time KPIs and performance dashboards

Increased accountability

Support to Planners

Providing guidance based on experience

Coaching planners to use and optimise system outputs

Shift in leadership approach

 

  1. Behavioural Impact

The Planning Team Leader will need to:

  • Transition from supervising activity → actively managing performance through data
  • Support planners in moving from:
    • Manual planning → system-enabled optimisation
  • Become a key enabler of adoption, reinforcing new ways of working
  • Move from firefighting issues → proactively managing planning performance
  • Develop confidence in challenging both planners and system outputs

This role becomes critical in embedding behaviour change at the frontline.

  1. Skills & Capability Requirements

Area

Requirement

TMS Knowledge

Strong operational understanding of planning tools and workflows

Performance Management

Ability to monitor and act on real-time KPIs

Coaching Skills

Supporting planners in adapting to new system-led processes

Analytical Thinking

Interpreting system outputs and identifying issues

Decision Support

Guiding planners on when to follow or adjust system plans

 

  1. Risks & Resistance Points
  • Resistance to shifting from “experienced coordinator” → “data-led supervisor”
  • Difficulty supporting planners if own confidence in TMS is low
  • Risk of inconsistent messaging or behaviours across the team
  • Potential pressure increase due to performance transparency
  • Risk of reverting to manual workarounds if system trust is low
  1. Mitigation Actions
  • Provide enhanced training for Team Leaders (beyond standard user level)
  • Focus on coaching and people leadership during change
  • Involve Team Leaders in:
    • UAT
    • process design workshops
    • early adoption activities
  • Provide clear performance dashboards and management routines
  • Establish regular check-ins with Planning Manager to align approach
  • Position the role as critical to success of the TMS, not just operational
  1. Opportunity / Positive Impact

The TMS enables the Planning Team Leader to:

  • Gain clear visibility of team performance and planning quality
  • Improve consistency and efficiency of planning outputs
  • Spend less time on manual coordination and firefighting
  • Focus more on:
    • coaching
    • performance improvement
    • team development
  • Play a key role in building a high-performing planning function

Summary

The Planning Team Leader role experiences a high-impact operational and leadership shift, moving from:

  • Supervising manual planning → leading system-enabled optimisation
  • Reacting to issues → proactively managing performance through data

This role is crucial in bridging the gap between:

  • Strategic leadership (Planning Manager)
  • Operational delivery (Planners & Schedulers)

They will be a key driver of adoption, consistency, and performance in the new TMS environment.

 

Transport Compliance Manager
Transport Compliance Manager - Impact Assessment
 
Transport Administrator (Backhaul & General Admin)
Transport Administrator (Backhaul & General Admin) - Impact Assessment
 
Transport Planners & Schedulers (Backhaul, Collections, Scheduling)
Transport Planners & Schedulers (Backhaul, Collections, Scheduling) - Impact Assessment
 
Customer Service Advisor
Customer Service Advisor - Impact Assessment
 
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Manager - Impact Assessment
 
Warehouse Operative
Warehouse Operative - Impact Assessment

Role Overview

The Warehouse Operative is responsible for: 

  • Receiving, storing, picking, and loading stock 
  • Supporting inbound and outbound warehouse activities 
  • Maintaining accurate stock handling processes 
  • Adhering to Health & Safety, quality, and customer requirements 
  • Working collaboratively with transport, goods-in, and warehouse management teams 

The role is primarily focused on the physical movement and handling of goods within the warehouse operation.

Nature of Impact

Impact Level: Low 

The introduction of the TMS will have limited direct impact on the Warehouse Operative role, as the core responsibilities of receiving, picking, loading, and handling stock will remain unchanged. 

Most impacts will be indirect, resulting from improved coordination and visibility between Transport, Planning, Customer Service, and Warehouse functions. 

The role will continue to operate within existing warehouse processes, with only minor changes to communication channels and transport-related workflows.

Key Changes to the Role

Area 

Current State 

Future State (Post-TMS) 

Impact 

Communication with Transport 

Updates provided through supervisors and transport teams 

More accurate and timely transport information available 

Low 

Load Preparation 

Based on planned transport schedules 

Improved visibility of transport schedules and priorities 

Low 

Operational Coordination 

Manual updates between departments 

Enhanced transport status visibility 

Low 

Exceptions & Delays 

Information may be delayed or communicated manually 

Earlier notification of transport changes 

Low 

Daily Tasks 

Picking, loading, and warehouse duties 

No significant change to core tasks 

Minimal 

 

Behavioural Impact

Warehouse Operatives are unlikely to experience any significant behavioural changes as a result of the TMS. 

However, there may be a requirement to: 

  • Respond to transport updates more quickly where priorities change 
  • Work within more structured transport schedules 
  • Support improved communication between warehouse and transport functions 

These changes are expected to be minor and should not fundamentally alter how the role operates.

Skills & Capability Requirements

Area 

Requirement 

Awareness 

Understanding of how the TMS supports the wider operation 

Communication 

Awareness of updated transport priorities and schedules 

Adaptability 

Ability to respond to operational changes communicated by supervisors 

Collaboration 

Continued close working with transport and planning teams 

No specialist TMS system training is anticipated for most Warehouse Operatives.

Opportunity / Positive Impact

The introduction of the TMS provides several indirect benefits to Warehouse Operatives: 

  • Improved coordination between Warehouse and Transport teams 
  • Greater visibility of transport schedules and load priorities 
  • Reduced confusion around late changes and transport-related issues 
  • More accurate and timely communication regarding outbound activities 
  • Improved operational flow through better planning and scheduling 
  • Enhanced customer service through more reliable delivery performance 
  • Reduced need for manual queries between departments regarding transport status 

Overall, the TMS supports a more organised and efficient operation, helping Warehouse Operatives work within a more predictable and coordinated environment. 

Summary 

The Warehouse Operative role experiences a low level of impact from the introduction of the TMS. 

The role largely remains: 

  • Operationally unchanged 
  • Focused on core warehouse activities 
  • Unaffected by the main system functionality 

The primary changes relate to improved coordination, communication, and visibility between warehouse and transport functions. 

With appropriate communication and awareness activities, Warehouse Operatives should experience minimal disruption while benefiting from improved operational efficiency across the wider Boughey Logistics network.