Software 5 min
Behind the scenes with Marinus: a generic TMS
Generic or custom-built software? Marinus Brink explains the difference, when each choice is smart and why Filogic deliberately chose a generic TMS.
Introduction
As a transport entrepreneur you have two choices: a Transport Management System built with generic or with custom software. What exactly is the difference? When is it smart to choose one or the other? And why did we deliberately choose a generic TMS? Filogic co-founder and technical director Marinus Brink is happy to tell you during ‘Behind the scenes with Marinus’!
What is the difference between generic and custom software?
Marinus: ‘Generic software is developed for multiple companies, the costs are relatively low, implementation is fast and there is often a trial version available. Custom software, on the other hand, is specific to one company. The idea behind it is that the software fits the business process seamlessly, so that as a carrier you do not have to change your way of working. In practice this often turns out to be disappointing. In the end you always have to work a little differently to make the software functional. New software always comes with new actions, including custom software. It is also often expensive and can hold back your growth. The software does not change that quickly, so as a company you do not automatically move along with innovation. You are essentially stuck with the software that was made specifically for you and do not easily benefit from innovations in generic software. It is an advantage, however, that you decide yourself which functionalities are or are not added and that all your wishes can be incorporated.’
When is it actually smart for a carrier to choose custom software?
‘If you carry out such specific transport and deal with highly specialised rules, you might consider purchasing custom software. This may be interesting for valuables transport or medicine transport. Yet a generic TMS is also an option even then. It is quite common for carriers to wrongly think they need custom software. Is it really necessary? Then a combination of existing and new software is also possible. For example, we developed specific features especially for a number of customers, which they combine with our standard software.’
Why did Filogic choose generic software?
‘That custom work I just described, we deliberately do very little of. Because we know how important it is to move with the times and stay ahead. As a carrier, you can only do that if you work with software that continuously renews itself. That is why we chose generic software, which we keep developing further with adjustments or new features. On average we have six releases per week, ranging from small to large features. We also specifically chose generic software in combination with cloud software. This keeps our TMS flexible and accessible for every carrier: from small to large transport companies.’
How do you decide which features get built?
‘We are continuously in conversation with our customers, which is how we know exactly what is going on in the transport and logistics industry. And the more customers ask for a certain feature, the greater the chance, of course, that we will get to work on it. We also combine wishes by developing a solution for different situations in an abstract way. We also keep a close eye on market demand and always look at which functionalities already exist. Perhaps an extension of an existing feature is already sufficient. At the moment we are working on the self-billing feature for carriers who outsource orders. With this they can draw up an invoice themselves instead of the customer doing so. This reduces the chance of errors.’
What is your message to transport entrepreneurs?
‘That it is wise to always look at generic software first. If during the selection process you find that you can work with eighty to ninety percent? Then do the maths for yourself on what it costs to solve the remaining percentage. Often, automating that ten percent with custom software costs so much money that the value of the ninety percent you cover is far more important.’
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