“Putting people centre stage”
In conversation with Jeanne Graf, managing director of Riege Software Switzerland. The approach of Riege Software, a logistics IT firm founded in Germany in 1985, is encapsulated in the motto “digital logistics with a human heart.” In June Jeanne Graf took over as manager of its subsidiary near Zurich airport, established in 2008. In Switzerland the firm serves clients in the fields of customs clearance, logistics and shipping, with more than 500 active users.
Congratulations, Ms Graf, on your recent promotion! How did you get here?
In November 2019, shortly before the outbreak of Covid-19, I joined the customer support team at Riege Switzerland. From 2022 onwards I was then the company’s product manager Switzerland. After it became clear that Jordi Barreiros would leave his role of managing director in future, the question arose of a new management team for the Swiss branch.
The choice fell on me relatively quickly, and the idea was supported by the Riege family, thanks also to our smooth cooperation over the years. This fortified me in my final decision.
From which experiences in your previous positions in the forwarding industry have you benefited particularly for your roles with a logistics IT services provider?
It was certainly decisive for Riege that I’d worked in the forwarding industry for more than twelve years and that I always felt very comfortable there. I understand Riege’s customers because I already speak their language and know their business needs.
At the time I experienced my move less as a departure and more as diving deeper into the shipping world. What made it easier for me to join Riege was the fact that I’d already been in contact with our customers and knew most of them personally.
What drew you to Riege?
I’m from an age group that grew up with computers, so I have a natural affinity to start off with. When I was a freight forwarder I already worked with Riege’s products and was impressed by the company’s expertise and its infrastructure. I also like to learn.
What does Riege offer its customers?
The focal point is our TMS ‘Scope’, which maps air and ocean freight shipments, cross-trades and truck shipments. In addition, it has a customs authority module that allows you to exchange messages directly with customs, and a section for quotes. These elements, in my opinion, are what elevates ‘Scope’ to the top level, thanks to which our customers can handle their entire business requirements.
What makes ‘Scope’ better than other TMS in the market?
First of all, ‘Scope’ is a pretty friendly kind of software. I mean more than just ‘user-friendly.’ The TMS can be integrated effortlessly into existing systems and ensures communication along the entire supply chain.
We know that good networking is the basis for smooth logistics processes. By digitalising many processes and seamlessly integrating them, ‘Scope’ creates a digital standard that enables our customers to achieve their business goals.
What differentiates the Swiss market from the German or Dutch ones, where Riege also distributes ‘Scope’?
Customs clearance in Switzerland is rather special – especially with the e-dec procedure and Passar, which successfully went live in the transit sector in March, after 18 months. We are part of the Passar working group and have therefore followed developments closely from the beginning.
In other fields, too, the needs of Swiss freight forwarders are different from those in other countries. In order to better cover these requirements we hired our own programmer here in Switzerland. This way we can focus better on serving our many customers’ specific requirements.
Andreas Haug conducted this interview.