"Digitize to collaborate."

Mr. Krumland, the digitalization of the supply chain is one of the most important challenges in logistics. Why is the topic still not really gaining momentum?

In fact, nobody in the industry doubts the need for digital change. However, there are major differences in the question of how and in which time frames this change can be managed. One reason for this is that the challenges in the global SCM IT transformation are constantly and dynamically evolving. At the same time, many LSPs struggle to deliver value due to lengthy onboarding times and difficulties in meeting customer requirements. These issues hinder flexibility and slow user adoption, further delaying the digitalization of the supply chain.

With the Toolbox No-Code, Logward has obviously found an answer to these problems. What is special about this solution?

For the first time No-Code combined global data model adherence with local and customer process autonomy and rapid time to value. What does this mean in concrete terms for companies? No-Code offers them the opportunity to access a globally applicable, operational data model across all regions and modes of transport, which can consider individual customer-specific requirements and ensures rapid adaptability, configurability and agility of business processes. No-Code also significantly accelerates time to value or onboarding, which in turn reduces dependencies and costs, leading to a better commercial offer.

What other specific benefits do users of no-code have?

The advantages of no-code are varied. In addition to user-friendliness and accelerated deployment thanks to shorter implementation times, no specific programming knowledge is required to master this technology. Beyond that, with this approach we no longer have any dependency on the usually scarce IT resources or any “competition” with other IT programs in the company. At the same time, thanks to the simplified structures, the solution can also be adapted more quickly to changing market dynamics, which is an advantage, especially in these turbulent times.

You have launched a corresponding project with shiftX. What is “ShipX” about?

We have been working together on this project since 2023. The aim is to optimize collaboration between players in the areas of tender management, transport management and allocation management by digitalizing processes. To this end, we have set up a cloud platform based on a homogeneous data model that allows BCOs, carriers and other stakeholders, to work together efficiently and cross-functionally across the supply chain. For example, thanks to supply chain execution using the closed-loop method —a process that continuously monitors, evaluates, and optimizes— individual process requirements can be automatically addressed at any time, from tender management to transportation execution.

What are the next steps in the project?

After going live with the Logward tender app at the end of 2024, we will continue to fine-tune the tool over the next few weeks and add various functions. We will then be able to use the app to its full extent for the 2025/26 tender. Further applications in the areas of