Adapt. Scale. Win.

13 May 2025
2 min read

How Alpega’s Modular TMS Helps You Respond to Today’s Supply Chain Pressures 

In an era defined by supply chain volatility and economic uncertainty, shippers are under mounting pressure to modernize their transportation operations. Yet, readiness levels vary widely across organizations. Alpega TMS offers a modular, scalable Transportation Management System designed to support shippers at every stage of their digital journey—from basic execution to end-to-end optimization. 

This blog explores how Alpega TMS aligns with Gartner’s TMS Complexity Levels (1–5) and how its modular architecture enables companies to digitize incrementally, centralize operations, and gain control—one step at a time, even amidst today’s challenging macroeconomic conditions. 

Macroeconomic Pressures Reshaping Logistics 

The global supply chain is facing unprecedented disruption, forcing logistics leaders to balance cost efficiency, resilience, and agility all at once. Several macroeconomic forces are compounding these challenges: 

  • Tariffs and Trade Wars: Evolving trade policies and retaliatory tariffs introduce uncertainty in sourcing, costing, and cross-border logistics. 
  • Inflation and Rising Costs: Fuel, labor, and equipment expenses remain volatile, requiring tighter cost controls and optimization strategies. 
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Port congestion, material shortages, and geopolitical tensions impact availability and service levels. 
  • ESG and Regulatory Pressure: Increasing expectations for transparency and emissions reduction are driving sustainability initiatives across supply chains. 
  • Talent Shortages: A shrinking logistics labor pool demands greater reliance on automation and smarter systems. 
  • Demand Volatility: Fluctuating consumer demand calls for dynamic planning and execution capabilities. 

How Alpega’s Modularity Helps You Navigate Uncertainty 

Rigid, one-size-fits-all TMS implementations no longer serve modern supply chains. Alpega’s modular approach offers the flexibility to deploy capabilities based on business priorities, evolving needs, and economic conditions. 

  1. Control Costs Without Overhauling Systems 
    Start with freight procurement, dock scheduling, and rate management to improve cost visibility and identify quick wins. 
  2. Digitize Strategically for Maximum ROI 
    Focus on high-impact modules—like transport planning or dock scheduling—that deliver value without large capital investments. 
  3. Scale with Your Business 
    Easily add modules to handle growing complexity—whether multimodal transport, rule-based transportation planningic invoice verification. 
  4. Build Resilience and Manage Risk 
    Use real-time visibility, compliance, and strategic planning tools to anticipate and respond to disruptions. 
  5. Stay Agile Amid Trade Uncertainty 
    Leverage Alpega’s tendering and international compliance modules to adjust quickly to shifting tariffs and trade policies. 
  6. Advance Sustainability Goals at Your Pace 
    Start measuring emissions with CO₂ tracking modules, ensuring compliance and enabling ESG reporting without replatforming. 

Understanding Gartner’s TMS Complexity Levels 

Gartner defines five levels of TMS complexity that reflect a shipper’s logistics maturity: 

Level 1 – Basic Execution 
Manual processes, minimal integration, typically spreadsheet-based. 

Level 2 – Core TMS 
Basic planning and visibility, often focused on domestic operations. 

Level 3 – Multimodal, Multi-leg 
More advanced planning across regions and transportation modes. 

Level 4 – Network Collaboration 
Deep integration with carriers, partners, and customers. 

Level 5 – End-to-End Optimization 
Holistic logistics management with predictive analytics and automation. 

 

How Alpega TMS Supports Every Level of Complexity

 

Level 1 – Simplifying Execution 

Modules: Transport Execution 

Value

  • Replace manual workflows 
  • Gain shipment visibility 
  • Role-based data access 
  • Create an auditable transportation process 
  • Tap into Europe’s largest Carrier Network 
Level 2 – Building a Core TMS Foundation 

Modules: Transport Planning, Rate Management, Carrier Portal 

Value

  • Automate load planning and carrier selection 
  • Centralize rate and performance data 
  • Analyze costs and service metrics 
Level 3 – Managing Modal and Regional Complexity 

Modules: Multimodal Planning, International Compliance, Cost Allocation 

Value

  • Manage road, rail, sea, and air within one platform 
  • Ensure cross-border compliance 
  • Allocate costs across units or regions 
Level 4 – Creating a Collaborative Network 

Modules: Collaboration Portal, Real-Time Visibility, Dock Scheduling 

Value

  • Collaborate with partners in real time 
  • Optimize load assignment and confirmation 
  • Improve proactive communication and responsiveness 
Level 5 – Driving End-to-End Optimization 

Modules: Predictive Analytics, Scenario Planning, Sustainability Tracking 

Value

  • Optimize transports 
  • Simulate “what-if” supply chain scenarios 
  • Monitor and reduce carbon emissions 

The Benefits of a Modular TMS Strategy 

  1. Start Small, Scale Smart 
    Deploy only the modules you need and expand at your own pace. 
  2. Realize ROI Faster 
    Achieve quick wins and avoid the risks of large, disruptive implementations. 
  3. Customize to Fit Your Business 
    Tailor the system to specific geographies, industries, or operational models. 
  4. Accelerate Digital Maturity 
    Bridge the gap between where you are and where you need to be—incrementally. 
  5. Future-Proof Your Investment 
    Built on a cloud-native architecture, Alpega TMS evolves with your business and the market. 

Conclusion: Agility Is the New Advantage 

In today’s volatile logistics environment, flexibility is more than a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Alpega TMS helps shippers adapt fast, grow smart, and stay in control, no matter their size or complexity. With modularity at its core, Alpega is a partner for the long term—supporting your transformation at every stage, in every market condition.