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Ahlers is taking the next step in its digital journey. With a new Transport Management System (TMS) at the core, we are building a data-driven logistics ecosystem that enhances visibility and control across global supply chains, even in the complex markets like Central Asia. In this interview, <\/em>Dimitri Aerts<\/em><\/a>, Corporate IT Director, shares the vision behind this transformation and what it means for our customers.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n For us, digitalization is a strategic shift to stay competitive and deliver more value to our customers. We\u2019re transforming Ahlers into a truly digital freight forwarder.<\/strong> Our team is building an integrated ecosystem that connects order management, transport, warehousing, finance, and data analytics into one platform. Think of it as a control layer that orchestrates the entire supply chain in real time. That allows us to operate seamlessly across borders and offer customers a consistent, data-driven experience no matter how complex the region is.<\/p>\n Because that\u2019s where things get complicated. Here in Western Europe, tracking the cargo, for example, is relatively easy, everything is digitized to some degree. In Central Asia or even Eastern Europe that\u2019s not always the case. You still have manual processes and sometimes limited digital infrastructure. At the same time, those countries are developing fast. Uzbekistan, for example, is really pushing digitalization. So you have this interesting situation where the region is complex today, but could leap forward quite quickly.<\/strong>As (digital) infrastructure improves, we\u2019ll be able to scale quickly and offer customers a much smoother and more transparent service in a region that is becoming increasingly strategic and more competitive.<\/p>\n First of all, true end-to-end visibility. No more fragmented tracking links or country-by-country updates. We will have<\/strong> one interface and a single data stream across the entire route, even in traditionally low-visibility regions<\/strong>. While we already offer track & trace, the lack of a unified system led to fragmentation. The new solution is a game changer in that regard.<\/p>\n Second, greater proactivity. If a disruption occurs, let\u2019s say a delay at the Caspian Sea, we detect it immediately and act before it impacts the supply chain. Advanced<\/strong> geolocation data<\/strong> from multiple sourcesenables faster decisions. This will also allow our customers to proactively reschedule delivery times sooner allowing to optimize their supply chains, whether to warn their customers, or to improve their inbound materials planning. \u00a0At the same time, access to a network of around 250,000 carriers <\/strong>improves procurement and benchmarking, helping us respond quickly to market changes and deliver more competitive solutions.<\/p>\n Third, centralized data. Having everything in one place enables more advanced reporting and smarter decision-making when it comes to cost optimization, risk profiling, and benchmarking. Today, we already have around one million data points<\/strong> in our digital ecosystem, which provides a strong foundation for building predictive analytics. On top of that, we will be able to enrich our system with relevant public data<\/strong>, e.g. crime statistics from various countries and organizations like TAPA<\/a> to strengthen transport security and optimize routing.<\/p>\n Finally, sustainability insights. Higher data quality will allow us to calculate<\/strong> CO<\/strong>2<\/strong> emissions<\/strong> with more precision<\/strong>, helping customers make more sustainable choices.<\/p>\n By not relying on a single technology, by using a hybrid approach. If trucks are equipped with GPS, we integrate that data. But we also enable tracking via smartphone apps or digital sensors, which allows us to cover regions where hardware isn\u2019t always available. That combination helps us close the visibility gap in markets like Central Asia.<\/strong> Not every forwarder can do that today.<\/p>\n 2025 was about building the foundation. 2026 is about integrating the customers and scaling adoption. From 2027 onwards it will get more interesting. That\u2019s when we\u2019ll really start leveraging the data with advanced analytics, predictive insights, better control tower capabilities.<\/p>\n With unified data and real-time visibility, control towers become more powerful and much easier to implement. Our teams will be able to monitor global operations in real time, with AI supporting them in detecting anomalies instantly<\/strong> and enabling more proactive decision-making. At the same time, AI will act as a digital assistant<\/strong> for our teams by making them more effective. It helps to analyse large datasets, detect patterns, and suggest actions. A good first example is LEXI<\/a>, our internal AI-based contract management system that tremendously decreased amount of time spent on such tasks. For customers, that means faster responses and better insights.<\/p>\n For us, success means becoming the digital benchmark for freight forwarding in complex regions. A partner that combines deep regional expertise with an strong and accessible digital layer. This means logistics in complex regions will feel predictable and we\u2019ll de-complex our customers supply chains. And if our customers can make faster decisions and anticipate issues earlier without needing to worry about what\u2019s happening behind the scenes, then we\u2019ve done our job.<\/p>\n\n
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