Interview with VerkehrsRundschau
Review of the autumn trade fair: With new impulses into the next year
Efficient processes through data-based services
Michael Portmann, Managing Director of RETECO Datentechnik GmbH, talks in an interview about the advantages of NeoCargo for an established TMS provider.
With the help of NeoCargo, time-consuming processes are to become a thing of the past. With our networking platform, we will digitalise medium-sized freight forwarders. We are developing our software in close cooperation with partner companies. Recently, Reteco has also become one of them.
With the Transport Management System (TMS) CARGOBASE® of RETECO Datentechnik GmbH, transports of all kinds can be successfully organised and economically optimised. The Lübeck-based company has been developing software solutions for planning, controlling and evaluating complex logistics and business processes for around 40 years. A few weeks ago, Reteco also joined NeoCargo as a partner company. Both have one goal in common: to digitalise medium-sized businesses.
For NeoCargo, working with a TMS provider is crucial because the software is used by numerous freight forwarders and we can thus digitise and simplify numerous company processes. But, what is the advantage for an established TMS provider? That's what we asked RETECO Managing Director Michael Portmann.
Mr Portmann, how long have you and your company been working with NeoCargo and how did you become aware of the start-up?
Michael Portmann: We concluded the cooperation agreement with NeoCargo on 25 October 2022. The cooperation was initiated by a common customer.
What motivated you to work with NeoCargo?
Portmann: NeoCargo presents a modern platform that brings together the most diverse partners. For us, this circumstance means a significant reduction in interface developments.
Why?
Portmann: Our TMS solution serves the interface to NeoCargo. Partners with different systems also only have to operate the one interface. This means that the most diverse systems are networked.
You have been one of NeoCargo's partner companies for a few weeks now. How are the first steps of the cooperation going?
Portmann: Before we start developing the standard interfaces, we will have discussions about requirements and goals with the development team. The advantage is that NeoCargo works according to the principle of agile software development. Through these feedback loops, which take place every fortnight, we can introduce new functions more quickly. However, this requires close coordination. One of the big plus points is that the colleagues at NeoCargo are always available to us as contact persons. The cooperation and contact are very good and professional.
What advantages do you expect from a cooperation?
Portmann: With the help of NeoCargo, we reduce the effort of connecting our partners and customers. This makes lengthy agreements and developments regarding a common interface obsolete.
Which processes are to be optimised with the partnership?
Portmann: The primary goals are to commission transports quickly and uniformly and to provide uniform feedback on the current status of a transport. We will then coordinate further improvements closely with our contact persons, with our customers and with NeoCargo.
Your company has been in the industry for around 40 decades. Now, digitalisation in logistics has been picking up speed for some time. Nevertheless, progress is rather slow in some places: What do you think needs to change in the transport and logistics industry in the future?
Portmann: The market offers more and more data-based service offerings. These services make processes very efficient. Business models must and will change fundamentally. Many logistics companies and transporters still have a lot of potential here.