Thomas Logistics Automates End-to-End Order Processing
Our AI-powered solution provided Thomas Logistics with a central platform to connect siloed systems, eliminate manual data entry, and create a single source of truth for their entire order lifecycle, dramatically increasing speed and accuracy.
Background
Thomas Logistics is a premier, full-service logistics and warehousing provider based in Australia. For years, they have relied on a robust but legacy on-premise Warehouse Management System (WMS) called Paperless. As a critical link in their clients' supply chains, Thomas Logistics is committed to operational excellence and timely delivery.
The Challenge: Disconnected Systems and Manual Workflows
As Thomas Logistics grew, its operational processes struggled to keep pace. The core challenge stemmed from a disconnected technology ecosystem. Critical data was siloed across multiple systems that couldn't communicate.
Intensive Manual Data Entry
Staff spent countless hours manually transcribing order information from client CSVs into the Paperless WMS, and then again into MYOB and Shipstation. This repetitive work was slow, costly, and highly susceptible to human error.
Lack of Real-Time Visibility
Process Inefficiency and Errors
Intensive Manual Data Entry
Staff spent countless hours manually transcribing order information from client CSVs into the Paperless WMS, and then again into MYOB and Shipstation. This repetitive work was slow, costly, and highly susceptible to human error.
Lack of Real-Time Visibility
Without a central hub, it was impossible to get a quick, accurate snapshot of an order's status. Answering client queries required checking multiple systems, leading to delays and frustration.
Process Inefficiency and Errors
The manual workflow meant a single data entry mistake could cascade through the entire process, causing shipping errors, incorrect invoices, and delays in fulfillment that required hours of administrative work to correct.
The Solution: Building the TL Hub, a Central Nervous System
We partnered with Thomas Logistics to develop a custom AI-powered platform, TL Hub, to serve as the central nervous system for their entire operation. The solution was designed to automate the flow of information and provide a modern, user-friendly CRM interface for their team.
The platform fundamentally reimagined their workflows:
- 1Automated Order Ingestion and Mapping: An AI agent was developed to handle incoming client orders. Using a simple template-saving feature, the agent can now ingest any client's unique CSV format, automatically map the fields, and standardize the data for processing without manual intervention.
- 2Seamless System Integration: We built a series of robust API connections and file-based automations that allow TL Hub to communicate bidirectionally with their key systems. The platform automatically pushes new orders into the Paperless WMS and Shipstation and syncs financial data with MYOB.
- 3Centralized Order and Status Management: The TL Hub CRM provides a single, unified view of every order from ingestion to final delivery. When the Paperless WMS confirms an order is "Pick Confirmed," TL Hub automatically updates the order's status and triggers the next step in the workflow.
- 4Webhook-Driven Shipping Updates: By integrating with Shipstation's webhooks, TL Hub receives real-time notifications when an order is shipped. It captures tracking numbers and shipment details automatically, closing the loop on the fulfillment cycle.
"Our teams were drowning in spreadsheets and data entry. We knew we couldn't scale the business or provide the level of service our clients expect by simply hiring more people to do the same manual tasks. We needed to work smarter, not harder. The impact has been night and day. TL Hub doesn't just save us time; it has given us confidence in our data and our processes. We've shifted our team's focus from low-value data entry to high-value client service and strategic planning. It's the foundation for our future growth."
The Outcome: A 95% Reduction in Manual Processing and Near-Perfect Accuracy
95% Reduction in Manual Processing
The automation of order processing reduced the time spent on manual data entry by over 95%. Tasks that once took hours are now completed in minutes, freeing the operations team from repetitive administrative work.
Enhanced Data Accuracy
By eliminating manual transcription, TL Hub has improved data accuracy to over 99%. This has significantly reduced costly shipping errors and invoice discrepancies, improving both profitability and client satisfaction.
Complete Operational Visibility
The finance and operations teams now have a real-time, consolidated view of the entire business pipeline. This allows them to make faster, data-driven decisions and respond to client inquiries instantly.
Foundation for Scalable Growth
With TL Hub handling the manual workload, Thomas Logistics can now scale its business and take on new clients without proportionally increasing its administrative headcount. The system can process 100 or 10,000 invoices with the same efficiency.