SAP TM: Transportation Management Solution | Migration & Implementation

What is SAP Transportation Management (TM)?

SAP Transportation Management (TM) is the central solution for planning, controlling, and optimizing all transportation processes in your organization. As an integral part of SAP S/4HANA, TM enables end-to-end management of your entire supply chain – from strategic freight procurement through operational transport planning to billing and analysis.

The solution supports all common modes of transport (road, rail, air, sea) and maps even complex, multimodal logistics networks. Companies benefit from real-time data, automated processes, and seamless integration with existing ERP systems.

Central Platform

Map all transportation processes end-to-end – from planning through execution to analysis. No system breaks, no data silos.

Real-Time Transparency

Track the status of your shipments in real time. Track & Trace, milestone monitoring, and proactive exception management.

Cost Optimization

Precise planning, automated carrier selection, and efficient resource utilization enable significant savings.

Key Features at a Glance

SAP TM enables companies to centrally manage all inbound processes (freight purchasing) and outbound processes (freight sales).

Strategic Freight Management: Optimized processes from quote to contract. Automated pricing and carrier evaluation.
Order Management: Real-time response to transportation requirements. Coordination of orders across different business units.
Transportation Planning: Manual and automated planning for shipment consolidation. Route optimization in 2D or 3D.
Transportation Execution: Efficient communication with carriers. Dispatch of delivery instructions and monitoring of transport progress.
Tendering: Efficient allocation of transport orders to carriers – automated or manually controlled.
Freight Cost Management: Precise calculation of freight costs, invoice verification, and transparent cost allocation.
Track & Trace: End-to-end monitoring of all transportation processes in real time with proactive exception management.
Analysis and Reporting: Comprehensive insights into your transportation data to identify optimization potential.

SAP TM Basic vs. Advanced: Which Solution is Right for You?

SAP TM is available in two versions to meet the different requirements of companies.

SAP TM Basic

Included in S/4HANA

Core processes for transport planning and execution for simpler requirements

Dangerous goods management for safe transport of hazardous materials

Cost allocation and invoice verification for transparent freight costs

SAP Fiori user interface for intuitive operation

Ideal entry point into modern transportation management at no additional cost

Perfect for companies with standardized transportation processes

SAP TM Advanced

Requires an additional License

All Basic features plus extended capabilities for complex requirements

Automated tour and load space planning for maximum efficiency

Strategic freight management with tendering and contract management

Individual freight tariff models for complex pricing structures

Advanced analytics tools for data-driven decisions

International logistics structures with multi-leg and cross-docking

Ideal for companies with complex, international logistics requirements

Switching from LE-TRA to SAP TM: Act Now

For many SAP users, switching from SAP Logistics Execution - Transportation (LE-TRA) to SAP TM is not just an option, but a strategic necessity. The time to act is now.

Important Deadlines at a Glance

December 31, 2027: End of mainstream maintenance for SAP ECC.
December 31, 2030: SAP LE-TRA reaches End of Life. Usage under S/4HANA is only possible until the end of 2030 within the Compatibility Scope.

The transition from LE-TRA to SAP TM is more than a technical upgrade – it is a strategic decision for the future viability of your IT architecture. An early start enables a clean process redesign.

Future-Proofing

SAP TM is SAP's strategic transportation management solution with a long-term roadmap.

Process Optimization

Take the opportunity to fundamentally rethink and optimize your transportation processes.

Risk Minimization

Avoid time pressure and resource bottlenecks through early planning.

Innovation

Benefit from modern features and seamless S/4HANA integration.

Advanced Transportation Planning

Automated route, load, and tour planning. Shipment consolidation (FTL/LTL, multi-leg). Cost and service-optimized decisions.

Execution & Transparency

End-to-end shipment visibility across all modes of transport. Track & Trace with milestone monitoring. Proactive exception management.

Carrier & Freight Cost Management

Intelligent carrier selection and automated tendering. Transparent freight rates. Fully auditable freight cost calculation.

SAP TM for New Customers: The Direct Path to Optimized Logistics

Not yet using SAP or planning to introduce a new transportation management system? SAP TM offers you a powerful, scalable solution that integrates seamlessly into your existing IT landscape.

As a specialized consulting firm for supply chain solutions, we support you in selecting the right deployment option and guide you through the entire implementation process.

Deployment Options Compared

SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud

Fast implementation with standardized best-practice processes. Ideal for companies that want to become productive quickly.

SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud

The flexibility of the cloud combined with the ability for individual customization. For specific requirements.

On-Premise

Full control over your data and infrastructure. Maximum customization options for special requirements.

High Expertise

Over 20 years of experience in the design, implementation, and support of SAP SCM solutions.

Collaborative Approach

We act as your Trusted Advisor and become a true extension of your team.

Focus on Innovation

We optimally leverage SAP standard functions and invest in continuous training of our consultants.

Everything from One Source

Consulting, Development, and Application Management Services for seamless project execution.

Frequently Asked Questions about SAP TM

What are the main advantages of modern transportation management software like SAP TM?

Modern TMS like SAP TM offer numerous advantages: reduced transportation costs through optimized planning, increased transparency across the entire supply chain, improved delivery performance, and higher efficiency through automation. Native integration with SAP S/4HANA enables seamless data flow and end-to-end process control.

What integration options does SAP TM offer with ERP systems?

SAP TM is natively integrated into SAP S/4HANA and offers standardized interfaces for connecting to other ERP systems. This enables seamless data exchange – for example, automatic transfer of customer orders or posting of freight costs. External systems can be connected via open API interfaces.

How can you best prepare for the implementation of new logistics software?

Careful preparation is the key to success: detailed analysis of existing processes, definition of clear goals and KPIs, selection of the right implementation partner, and comprehensive change management. At Lupus Consulting, we guide you through all phases.

What is the difference between SAP TM Basic and SAP TM Advanced?

SAP TM Basic is included in the SAP S/4HANA license and offers solid functionality for standardized transportation processes. SAP TM Advanced requires an additional license and offers extended functionalities: automated tour and load space planning, strategic freight management, and individual freight tariff models.

Is there a direct migration path from LE-TRA to SAP TM?

There is no automated 1:1 migration path – the processes and data structures differ fundamentally. However, this is an opportunity: Instead of adopting outdated structures, you can fundamentally rethink and optimize your transportation processes.

SAP Transportation Management (TM)