The features and capabilities of the 7bridges Audit product
Coverage
Audit covers the following shipment types:
- Mode: Parcel, road, rail, ocean, barge, air, intermodal
- Services: Express parcel, full and less than container freight
- Temperature control: Across modes and services defined above
- Geography: No limitation
- Industries: No limitation
Scope
Audit is for logistics charges and so works for all charges on provider invoices that are connected to a shipment reference. General invoice charges without a shipment tracking reference cannot be audited at this time.
Types of data we are able to process
The 7bridges software is able to process a wide variety of data sources:
- Contracts/rate cards - Excel, PDF, text documents
- Invoices/shipping reports - Excel, PDF, JPEG/PNG, EDI, API, file transfer
- Tracking event data - API, file transfer (in general, 7bridges obtain this using shipment identifiers from the invoice/shipping report data)
How the software receives data
The 7bridges software is able to receive data in a number of ways:
- Email - Each customer and carrier has dedicated email endpoints for delivery of data
- sFTP/EDI - File or EDI transfer
- API - Pull data from APIs where available
Automate Accounts Payable (AP) processes
The 7bridges Audit product simplifies and automates AP processes relating to transportation cost by checking all invoices and charges against contracts before billing and then issuing invoices to pay for all carriers in one location.
Pre payment audit checks
Pre-pay checks are made to ensure all charges are verified before payment is processed. This preemptive approach helps avoid overpayments and enhances cash flow management.
One source for all transport invoices
The 7bridges software centralises all transportation invoices, providing a single, comprehensive location for easy access and management. By capturing and storing all invoices in one place, users can efficiently track, review, and analyse their transportation costs.
Multiple export methods
Multiple methods for extracting invoice data are available:
- Batch data export - allows for the efficient export of invoice and shipment data in formats like CSV and PDF, facilitating easy integration with other financial systems and simplifying data management.
- API export - Allows for export of approved invoices to an endpoint of your choosing so you can take this format and load it into your AP systems for payment processing
Invoice payment (out of scope)
At this point, 7bridges does not support payment of invoices on a customer's behalf. On Prepay Audit, 7bridges will show when an invoice is 'ready to pay' and the customer then arranges payment directly.
Detailed visibility & reporting
Audit from 7bridges is a part of the Optimise product, which provides granular visibility on your shipments by offering detailed insights into every aspect of your transportation processes. From individual shipments to specific packages and charges, the 7bridges software enables you to track and analyse each component with precision. This level of visibility helps you identify any discrepancies, optimise logistics operations, and gain valuable insights into cost drivers and areas for improvement. With comprehensive reports and data integration capabilities, you can make informed decisions to streamline your transportation management and enhance overall efficiency.
Contract & charge management
Contract breach checks
These detect and alert users to any breaches in logistics provider contracts, including overcharges and service level discrepancies. This ensures that all terms are adhered to and helps enforce contract conditions effectively.
Contract leakage checks
These identify areas where financial leakages occur due to non-compliance or misinterpretation of contract terms as well as finding where shipments are charged off rate card and potentially liable to rack rates. By highlighting these issues, the platform aids in tightening contract terms in subsequent negotiations and adjustments.
User friendly interface
The 7bridges software has a user friendly interface, including the following features:
Dashboard and reporting tools
An intuitive, easy-to-navigate dashboard that provides quick access to important metrics, reports, and tools. This user-friendly interface ensures that all stakeholders can efficiently manage and monitor logistics operations.
Powerful search
Simultaneously search across shipments, shipment details, invoices, orders and shipping locations to find any information you need about your transportation footprint.
Logistic provider friendly
We understand customers value their provider relationships and we want preserve that. We have built a number of features to ensure a seamless experience for providers so they can also benefit from a more streamlined and efficient process.
No fixed rate card management interface
The 7bridges software has purpose-built technology to allow almost any type of rate card logic. This means your provider can use the rate card templates they have as long as they are consistent and they subscribe to the change management process indicated during provider onboarding.
Many ways to receive data
7bridges allows providers to send data in a variety of different ways (described above) to allow lightweight impact on their IT systems and process.
Well defined process playbooks
We have robust and detailed playbooks to define exactly how the Audit process works with our technology, keeping the provider informed and trained so they can ensure fast payment of their invoices.