Intris

Contribute case: Intris

Intris, a software supplier founded twenty years ago, has grown into an all-around logistics software and service provider. Intris offers innovative, user-friendly, and transparent technological solutions for all stages of the logistics chain. Additionally, they provide consulting and related services such as integration and recovery. Intris is a market leader in Belgium and a respected player in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Driven by a belief in partnership, Intris proactively develops logistics applications. TRIS, their flagship business application, offers reporting capabilities and covers a wide range of logistics functions. It was developed based on the close relationships Intris maintains with its customers.

To better meet the evolving needs of the logistics sector, Intris wanted to upgrade its application. As an Oracle partner, Contribute was the ideal choice to assist Intris with this transformation.

Concept and solution

Many logistics service providers use the TRIS application, leading to numerous demands and requirements. To significantly boost usability, Intris aimed to create a modern look and feel with an intuitive interface. The app needed to support multiple languages, and users should no longer have to open multiple screens to navigate the application.

To eliminate the need for users to invest in the appropriate IT infrastructure, TRIS was launched in the cloud. This means users are no longer dependent on a specific operating system, and the application is accessible anytime, anywhere.

To address the evolving needs of the logistics market, TRIS was reoriented to focus more on processes. This made the application easily customizable and ensured seamless integration with third-party systems, such as accounting software and CRM systems.

Furthermore, Intris sought a standardized platform to accelerate the development of applications and specialized logistics features.

To equip Intris employees with the necessary knowledge as quickly as possible, Contribute organized customized training and continued knowledge transfer through on-the-job coaching. We also introduced the Scrum methodology and provided testing and support for the implemented software architecture.

Results and future

Currently, 2,500 TRIS users, including global logistics managers and customs coordinators, work more efficiently through an attractive, multilingual, and process-oriented web-based user interface (UI). Whereas previously up to seven different screens were active, the app now uses just one window. The use of Oracle ALTA UI has drastically improved customer satisfaction and made it easier to expand into new international markets.

The introduction of the Oracle Application Development Framework and Oracle ALTA UI allows Intris’ development team to reuse modules and code. This results in an 80% time savings when developing specialized functionalities.

In addition to the significant improvements in UI and time savings, TRIS has been transformed into a cloud application. The integrated Oracle cloud solution offers users greater flexibility by making the TRIS application accessible on any operating system, worldwide, 24/7. Strong performance, optimal availability, and unlimited scalability of computing power are essential advantages for a business-focused logistics application.

The cost model also evolved positively due to this cloud transition. Users no longer need to invest in designated IT infrastructure, and significant savings are made on licensing costs. The integrated model for Oracle software licenses generates a return on investment after two years, with cumulative savings reaching 150% after four years and 240% after five years.

Functionally, TRIS now operates at a whole new level. Oracle SOA Suite simplifies integration with more than 100 external systems, including CRM systems, transport and financial software, customs management systems, and other technologies. Moreover, measures for future integrations with smart devices, sensors, and other Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies have already been implemented.

Finally, TRIS reporting has been updated. Using integrated Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher, users now receive both predefined and ad-hoc reports in a variety of formats, providing real-time and strategic insights. Additionally, interfaces can be designed and customized to align with prioritized business needs.