MT Transport Digitizes Container Transport with cTRANS from catkin

The container trucking company MT Transport GmbH relies on the KV network from catkin and has digitalized order processing down to the driver’s cabin with the help of cTRANS, the cloud-based and intermodal transport-optimized logistics software. With reduced workload, the quality of service delivery has significantly increased.

(Neu-Ulm/Dortmund) For logistics companies, digitalization is more than just a trend. Connected automated processes help maintain market shares and generate growth in increasingly volatile markets. Operating from its headquarters in Neu-Ulm, MT Transport GmbH successfully functions as a trucking company for intermodal transport. More than 65 tractor units and 110 container chassis are in operation daily to handle customer orders just-in-time. To reduce the associated organizational and communication effort while simultaneously unlocking the potentials of digitalization, MT decided to replace its outdated on-premise application and integrate the cloud logistics software cTRANS into daily transport processing. “With cTRANS, we integrate our customers into an already widely connected ecosystem. Manual tasks, which are almost always associated with a multitude of phone calls and emails, are replaced by automated or digitized processes,” summarizes Christian Krüger, CEO of the provider catkin GmbH, the specifics. “Through networking, users can collaborate directly with many already involved companies. New participants can be easily integrated digitally. There is almost no implementation effort involved.”

<caption id="attachment_11389" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MT Transport GmbH relies on cTRANS for digitalization

Get Started and Dive Right In

cTRANS allows for easy organization of orders as well as the associated internal and external information flows. The SaaS solution acts as an extension of the catkin portal, a centrally stored instance where all relevant data of the involved actors such as employees or customers is available. “In the logistics industry, the known paper-based processes and Excel spreadsheets have always existed. With cTRANS, we have finally consistently digitalized our transport processes from booking to invoicing and thus see significant improvements in order processing,” reports Michael Kleen, Managing Director of MT Transport GmbH.

Avoid Planning Errors and Reduce Downtime

Getting started and using the software is incredibly simple: After activation and registration, the software application is immediately available. The dispatcher’s work is supported by an order monitor, which clearly displays all current transport orders. At the same time, he can view the availability of all resources at the personnel and vehicle level. Assignment is easily done via “Drag&Drop”. Planning errors are avoided, and downtime is reduced. The work of mobile personnel is also simplified and becomes significantly more effective: Orders are sent directly to the navigation devices of the vehicles, so drivers are involved in order processing. Time reports for the order are generated fully automatically. Alternatively, the driver app from catkin is available. Here, too, orders are constantly updated, all feedback is provided via the app, and waybills can be electronically signed and printed if necessary. Invoice verification also occurs in real-time alongside the order. The entire commercial process, both customer-side and towards subcontractors, is integrated into cTRANS.

<caption id="attachment_11390" align="alignnone" width="1024"] cTRANS users create a network of logistics service providers, freight forwarders, and shippers!

Services at a New Level

“With cTRANS, we have not only improved the efficiency of our own processes, but the reliability and transparency of our transport services have also significantly increased,” summarizes Michael Kleen. The automatically acquired tracking information from the telematics systems of the trucks is made available to customers upon request. This way, they always have an overview of the processing status of their orders, and the number of usual inquiries in daily practice decreases. The next step on the agenda is the digitalization of waybills. Another effect is the expanded service offerings: MT Transport GmbH now offers customers the direct booking of complete intermodal routes from a single source – by rail or truck, as pre- and post-haulage between the seaports and the hinterland.

Transport Management 4.0

“By combining both products, the catkin portal and the logistics software cTRANS, MT Transport GmbH has a suitable tool and open ecosystem for connected order organization at its disposal,” emphasizes Christian Krüger. “The automatic order import saves time, significantly reduces errors, and maintains transparency regarding the processing status. All of this is immensely important in intermodal transport, where highly complex, division of labor processes need to be managed. Anyone looking to gain further market shares today cannot avoid digitalizing these processes as comprehensively as possible.” Despite the high level of maturity, stagnation is not an option.

Since the beginning of 2021, two additional applications have been available. Through the “Rail Booking” module, dispatchers can now also create rail transports directly in cTRANS and send them to railway companies. Thanks to the newly created interfaces, this service can now be planned and commissioned directly from cTRANS in parallel with trucking bookings. This simplifies work and saves time. Also new is the “Loading Points/Customer Portal” module, which was developed together with MT. Customers can now create orders themselves and track them. Additionally, call-off orders that were previously not scheduled can be actively activated, and loading times and locations can be adjusted. As part of the continuous improvement process, MT Transport GmbH is examining further options.

Photos: © Catkin
www.catkin.eu
https://www.catkin.eu/ctrans/
https://mt-transporte.de