From overloaded administration to streamlined processes with e-Lips TMS

In the world of sea container logistics, everything revolves around speed, reliability, and efficiency. Every day, transport companies must switch between terminals, customers, drivers, and administrative processes. For BTC Logistiek, this became increasingly challenging as the company grew.

Willem van Mourik, owner of BTC Logistiek, noticed that the administration, in particular, could no longer keep up with the pace of operations.

“We simply became too big not to automate.”

BTC Logistiek handles the entire process surrounding container transport: transport by truck, barge, and rail, supplemented by warehousing, lashing, and securing. A broad range of services requires tight processes and complete control. It was precisely there that the need arose for a powerful and future-proof Transport Management System.

The choice for automation with e-Lips TMS

In search of more structure, speed, and reliability, BTC Logistiek turned to e-Lips TMS from Erniesoft.

“If you choose Erniesoft, you stay at the forefront of sea container logistics.”

The switch to e-Lips TMS meant a fundamental change in the way of working. Where previously many manual checks and separate systems were required, processes are now centrally controlled and largely automated.

After the implementation, BTC Logistiek gained more control over operations, reduced manual work, and achieved significantly higher customer satisfaction.

Automation in daily practice

BTC Logistiek primarily wanted to achieve gains in administration. Rates, invoices, and customer communication needed to be faster, error-free, and require no extra manual steps.

“For us, the biggest gain lies in less manual work. Rate setting and invoicing, in particular, have become much more efficient.”

With e-Lips TMS, these processes are handled automatically. The system supports the planners and administration, allowing them to focus on control, exceptions, and customer relationships instead of repetitive work.

Automatic CMR Retrieval

Processing CMR documents is essential in container transport. Previously, planners had to manually check which trips had not yet received a CMR and follow up with customers by phone or email.

With e-Lips TMS, this process is fully automated.

As soon as a CMR is missing, the system detects this and automatically sends an email to the customer requesting them to provide the document. This ensures that the administration remains complete without any extra effort from employees.

Automatic Pricing and Invoicing

BTC Logistiek works with fixed contract rates. Thanks to the contracts module in e-Lips TMS, rates are automatically linked to every trip.

“Invoicing is now automated, and that saves a huge amount of time.”

Upon completion of a trip, the correct rates are applied, the invoice is automatically prepared, and sent directly to the customer. This speeds up the invoicing process, ensures faster payments, and prevents errors.

Fully automated customer updates

Clear communication is crucial in logistics. BTC Logistiek makes extensive use of the automatic communication capabilities within e-Lips TMS.

“Our customers have become accustomed to the automatic notifications and can no longer do without them.”

Container numbers and seal numbers are automatically emailed as soon as they are known. Order confirmations are sent immediately upon entry of an order. Customers are continuously informed of the status of their shipments, which leads to fewer questions and higher customer satisfaction.

Automatic waiting time warnings

When a driver arrives at the location and the waiting time increases, e-Lips TMS intervenes automatically. The system immediately sends a warning to the customer via email.

Whereas this previously had to be monitored manually, it now runs fully automatically. The customer can take immediate action, preventing unnecessary costs and disputes afterwards.

Seamless connections with external systems

BTC Logistiek works with multiple systems alongside e-Lips TMS. Thanks to smart integrations, everything comes together in one central environment:

• Quickstart– direct connection with accounting

• Trimble – on-board computer integration for real-time tracking

• API connections – direct data exchange with terminals and external parties

These connections ensure an efficient flow of information without duplicate entry.

The concrete benefits for BTC Logistiek

Since the implementation of e-Lips TMS, BTC Logistiek has experienced:

• More time for planners and administration through extensive automation

• Faster and error-free invoicing

• Clear, consistent, and automatic customer communication

• Cost savings through more efficient processes

“The automation saves us a lot of time, but above all, it ensures satisfied customers.”

Collaboration with Erniesoft

In addition to the system itself, BTC Logistiek is very satisfied with the collaboration with Erniesoft.

“The support is very good. The contact is pleasant, and when there is a question, they respond quickly and help think about solutions.”

Leading the way in sea container logistics

According to Willem van Mourik, Erniesoft is a clear frontrunner within the logistics software market:

"Recently, we were once again helped very well by Erniesoft!

We started using Erniesoft in January 2023 and look back on this with great satisfaction. For us, Erniesoft has proven to be the best choice when it comes to a TMS system within sea container logistics. The software aligns well with our way of working and helps us daily to maintain overview and efficiency.

What we particularly appreciate is that Erniesoft really listens to feedback. Over the past few years, several improvements and upgrades have been implemented based on our input.

Recently, we also started using the new WMS (Warehouse Management System), whereby both road transport and warehouse operations are processed in a collaborative system.

Additionally, we experience the customer service as fast, accessible, and solution-oriented.

Erniesoft continues to look ahead and move with developments in (sea container) logistics. For us, the collaboration feels personal and reliable — exactly what you are looking for a software partner.