Transco Group Introduces New TMS from Translogica

The Transco Group has implemented a new transport management system (TMS) from the provider Translogica, based in Kempten and Innsbruck. Transco views the investment in the new logistics system as a digitalization boost for the company. The new software is expected to simplify and standardize processes.

(Singen) Transco also anticipates an increase in transparency and efficiency. For customers, the investment in the new logistics system is expected to lead to noticeable improvements in quality. The switch to the new logistics software was preceded by a decision and preparation phase of nearly one and a half years, during which Transco was supported by the digitalization consultancy Bamero from Constance.

With the TMS, Transco is replacing an outdated system that was no longer able to meet the increasing demands in logistics and the size of the company. Data security concerns also played a role in the decision for the new software. Transco chose a hybrid model for the system setup, where applications and components work cross-border, e.g., between cloud and on-premises environments. “If the transport management system falters or fails completely, a logistics company can no longer operate,” explains Heiko Stihl, Global Head of Projects & Innovations at Transco. “With our distributed approach, we achieve an optimum of performance, flexibility, and data security for our customers and for us.”

Go Live in Multiple Stages

The TMS has been in use since early May 2024 at Transco’s operational headquarters in Singen, in the branches of Gottmadingen and Reichenau, as well as in the customs departments at the German-Swiss border and at the subsidiary Almundus in Weil am Rhein. The remaining branches and subsidiaries will follow suit as quickly as possible.

At the start, Transco is using the logistics modules for order processing, including dispatching, billing, and customer service. The document management system Dotiga integrated into Translogica’s TMS will replace the previous document system at Transco as soon as all branches have transitioned to the new system. The creation of an interface to the customs software Dakosy is also planned for 2024. In the future, Transco intends to use the TMS for fleet management and has already ordered modules for vehicle data tracking, monitoring service intervals, and workshop management.

For the rollout, Transco relies on an agile project structure and task division. 66 people are involved in the implementation within the company. Some have been established as power users and key users. The power users also support the rollout in the branches as knowledge carriers.

More Transparency in Data Means More Efficiency

Transco associates high expectations with the introduction of the new TMS. “With Translogica, we can position ourselves very well. The transition represents a real digitalization boost for Transco,” emphasizes Heiko Stihl. “Our processes will become leaner, we can further automate some work steps, and we will create more transparency to better evaluate our data than before. This overall improves our efficiency.” Additionally, the large user base ensures that the logistics software will be further developed and that changing requirements will be taken into account in future software releases.

Automated Quotes Even for Complex Customer Rates

Just a few weeks after the software transition, concrete improvements are already evident in collaboration with customers. “We can now also store complex customer-specific rates in the software and generate automated quotes from them,” says Mike Bührer, Global Head of Sales & Marketing at Transco. “In logistics, time is crucial. This also applies to the time from the customer inquiry to the finished quote.” According to Bührer, a significant time saving for customers will result from the new online portal, where orders can be easily recorded and shipments tracked.

In operational operations, initial improvements are also evident in the first month. Marko Mustapic, Head of Branch at Transco in Singen, reports relief in dispatching: “Our employees are immediately informed about which vehicle has available capacities. This improves utilization and contributes to the avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions.”

New Software as a Starting Point for a Continuous Optimization Process

Transco is also using the new TMS as an opportunity to initiate a continuous optimization process. For this purpose, Transco and Translogica will work together on the permanent further development of the software system. The goal is to exploit the optimization potential of the software system. To avoid bloating of IT applications, software adjustments should only be made in unavoidable cases. “The software prescribes ideal processes,” judges innovation manager Heiko Stihl. “Therefore, we adapt our processes to the software and not vice versa.”

Photo: © Transco