Logisoft has been delivering a unified digital logistics platform since 2010, tailored for RoRo and finished vehicle logistics. Could you share the original vision behind developing such a specialized platform and how that vision has evolved with market demands?

Tarek Saab: When I started Logisoft in 2010, it began with a very specific project that opened the door into this industry for me. Around that time, I also noticed a bigger pattern across logistics: things were highly fragmented. Many actors were still relying on spreadsheets, emails, phone calls, and even paper. That created delays, mistakes, and a lack of visibility.

The vision from the start was clear, digitize processes, connect the different parties, and make information flow seamlessly. Over time, that vision has grown. It’s no longer just about digitizing or cutting out manual work, it’s about building a truly collaborative platform. Shipping lines, forwarders, agents, and terminals can all be part of the same ecosystem, each with their own role, permissions, and visibility.

So the mission hasn’t really changed, we still want to make RoRo and FVL logistics more efficient and transparent. But the way we deliver it has matured as the industry itself has evolved.

Your TMS offers end-to-end management, with features like real-time tracking, voyage management, automated quoting and invoicing. How does your TMS differentiate itself when managing complex vehicle flows from origin to destination?

Tarek Saab: The TMS we’ve built is very specific to vehicle logistics. Everything is managed at the VIN level, which means you’re not just tracking generic cargo, you’re following each vehicle through its entire journey.

Voyage management is linked directly to those vehicles, so you always know which unit is on which leg. Quoting and invoicing are automated but always based on the real business rules of automotive logistics, not some generic template.

And the real difference is that it’s not a standalone tool. The TMS is part of a wider platform, so shipping lines, forwarders, and destination agents can all be working within the same environment, each with their role, permissions, and part of the data. That collaboration is what sets it apart.

The Terminal Operating System brings visibility, inventory management, and vessel planning under one roof. Can you elaborate on how real-time data synchronization in TOS reduces bottlenecks and enhances terminal efficiency?

Tarek Saab: The TOS connects directly with the booking system, so when a forwarder or NVOCC makes a booking, the vehicle is already visible to the terminal. When it arrives at the gate, the VIN is scanned and confirmed instantly.

We also use handheld devices inside the yard and on the vessel. If a vehicle isn’t supposed to be loaded, the device will flag it immediately. If it’s cleared, it goes through. That real-time interaction prevents mistakes on the ground.

And it works both ways. As soon as something is loaded, the shipping line sees it. If customs or an OEM changes something, the terminal sees it too. That bi-directional synchronization means everyone is aligned, and it eliminates the back-and-forth that normally causes delays.

Data is only as good as its insights. How do your reporting and analytics tools empower clients to make proactive operational decisions and uncover performance gaps?

Tarek Saab: What we focus on is giving clients visibility that helps them act. The reporting tools show them where things stand, whether it’s bookings, loading progress, or inventory status, and that allows them to respond before problems escalate.

Each role sees what matters to them. A terminal operator doesn’t need the same view as a shipping line or an OEM. By tailoring the reporting and analytics, we help each party make faster, more confident decisions, and spot where improvements are needed.

For automotive logistics, VIN-level traceability is critical. How does Logisoft manage inventory visibility and ensure traceability across yards, terminals, and carriers?

Tarek Saab: VIN traceability is built into everything we do. From the moment a vehicle arrives, it’s scanned and logged. Every movement, into a yard, onto a vessel, off at a terminal, into storage, is recorded in real time.

The handheld app makes this practical. Crews and yard staff scan vehicles at every stage, and the data flows straight into the system. That means no gaps, no duplicates, no blind spots. Our clients always know exactly where every unit is.

Logisoft’s integration with Grimaldi involves a bi-directional, status-aware API that handles validation logic, ETAs/ETDs, and avoids data conflicts. Similarly, the platform integrates with OEMs like Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz and with the IRP customs system in Belgium. Can you dive into how these integrations are architected?

Tarek Saab: The key with integrations is that they’re not just technical, they’re built with the business rules of our partners. For example, with Grimaldi, if someone tries to change a booking too late, the system will block it before it goes through. That prevents invalid data and avoids conflicts.

We manage API versioning carefully, so when partners update their systems, we can adapt without breaking existing flows. Fault tolerance is also essential, we’ve built in retries, validation logic, and audit trails to make sure data is reliable and consistent.

And we give clients transparency. The integration dashboard lets them see the status of each transaction, so if something fails, they know immediately and can act. It’s about control and trust.

With shifting trends—like real-time visibility, open interfaces, and regulatory frameworks like the EU Data Act—how is Logisoft futureproofing its architecture to remain agile and interoperable?

Tarek Saab: We’ve always designed Logisoft to be modular and API-driven. That means we can add or adjust integrations without disrupting the whole platform. Open interfaces are central, so new partners can connect easily, and existing clients aren’t locked into closed systems.

As for regulations, like the EU Data Act, we’ve taken the approach that clients should always control their own data. We make sure it can be shared, exported, and integrated as needed. If a client ever needs specific datasets for compliance or even wants to move to another system, we can provide that data and support them through the process. That way, they stay compliant, and most importantly, they stay in charge.

For freight forwarders, terminal operators, or OEM logistics leaders aiming to embark on digital transformation journeys, what advice would you offer based on Logisoft’s experiences and learnings?

Tarek Saab: My advice is: don’t try to transform everything in one go. Start small, with clear goals, solve the biggest pain points first, and then build step by step. That’s how you keep momentum and get people on board.

Adoption is key. Even the best system won’t deliver if people don’t use it. Keep the tools simple, involve your teams early, and give them the training and support to succeed.

And always use data not just to look back, but to anticipate. Transformation is a journey, not a single project. If you build gradually, with people and data at the center, the benefits last.

Your vision of creating a collaborative environment for RoRo and FVL logistics is truly inspiring. As we conclude, what do you see as the next big step in further enhancing this ecosystem to ensure even deeper integration and more seamless collaboration across the entire logistics chain?”

Tarek Saab: What makes Logisoft unique is that it’s not just a piece of software, it’s an ecosystem. I like to think of it like a puzzle, each party has its role and its piece, whether that’s a shipping line, a forwarder, an NVOCC, a liner agent, or a destination agent. Everyone has the right permissions and access to the data they need, and when you put those pieces together, you see the whole picture.

It’s both vertical and horizontal, it goes deep like a TMS and broad like a TOS. That combination is rare. My vision has always been to build a collaborative environment for RoRo and FVL logistics, where all parties can play their part and benefit from working together.