Permanent quest for cost advantage over competitors

Austrian logistics software provider inet-logistics is benefiting from increased demand for optimisation measures achieved by means of IT.

Logistik 01.2009) The crisis in the world’s financial markets has had the knock-on effect that many companies are now taking a much longer and harder look at their investment policy. For Oswald Werle, CEO at inet-logistics, this has its positive side, because this particular logistics provider has specialised in the synthesis of information technology and the perfection of supply chain execution (SCE). Added to which, companies that have defied the reproaches of finance ministers in neighbouring countries to benefit from the tax advantages that flow from being based in Switzerland are increasingly seeking out options for managing their business processes and goods flows by using the data superhighway of the Worldwide Web.

Tougher operating conditions with regard to the transport environment, freight costs and loading equipment are creating a steady demand, particularly in those areas that promise maximum increase in efficiency for relatively moderate outlay. IT-supported measures that directly result in a reduction of operating costs can make a valuable contribution here. ”There is no way that we can totally mitigate these problems,” said Werle. ”On the other hand, well-chosen IT measures can certainly result in savings of up to 20 percent.”

Smart solution

Swiss users can now benefit from a module for customs clearance developed by a business partner in Linz. There are different modules for different countries, but they can all be applied to a standard software interface. Programs used so far have tended to be country specific. ”There are only a few that can claim to be truly global,” says Werle.

The logistics-server assumes control of central functions for companies that wish to put their transport logistics on a new footing. Oswald Werle explains: ”We are seeing a shift in perception within the market as to what constitutes an entire supply chain and consequently a growing demand for powerful software solutions that combine fields of competence. One further factor driving this new focus on transport logistics is the whole subject of compliance which is becoming increasingly important in the context of global transport processes.”

Single-source supplier

The way ahead for the next few years is clear. Vital core components of the program, information about quantities, transport partners and the ability to oversee the supply chain are expected to come from a single source, and supplementary elements from business partners will be required to bolt on seamlessly. ”No customer wants to be bothered with separate solutions for separate problems.” In partnership with intralogistics providers, there could be interest at some future stage in a warehouse management system.