2024 – Better is different, different is better
When we look back on 2024, images of wars and disasters, suffering and hardship, instantly come to mind. We cannot, must not, and will not turn a blind eye to these realities. However, as a responsible company, we also have the obligation to view the developments in the world through the lens of our customers, employees and partners, to identify the challenges, and to draw meaningful conclusions. After all, 2024 unfolded with it a sense of reinvention – a departure from the old world and an arrival in a bold, unfamiliar one. Guided by the mantra, “Better is different – Different is better,” this year proved that progress is not just about improvement but about embracing the transformative power of change – to shape the future for all of us.
Departure from the Old World
2024 saw the world gradually stepping away from legacy systems, outdated norms and entrenched mindsets. These steps demanded the courage to let go, to rewrite rules, and to challenge conventions. It was not an easy departure but it was necessary, not to fix the past but imagining the future.
Arrival in a New World
2024 was the beginning of a journey into uncharted territory. In technology, AI and renewable energy surged forward, not just reshaping industries but creating new ones, offering alternatives to reliance on dwindling resources and outdated systems. Unconventional approaches thrived, proving that thinking differently was no longer risky – it was essential.
Scope 2024 – Changes, Extensions, Transformation
The changes in Scope involved incremental adjustments – tweaks to the system itself and associated processes to improve performance and address specific requirements. Of course, Scope provides functionality which is standard in many other TMS, but often more convenient and automated and therefore smarter and better. Adding new fundamental functionality to Scope in 2024, we – once again – laid the foundation for extensions in terms of applicability.
In the background we continued to work on shifting the Scope client to the cloud. It will still be a long journey, a winding road, and somehow a leap into the unknown. But we are convinced that the outcome will be a reward in itself – a future-proof, efficient tool for the forward-thinking freight forwarder.
Extensions in applicability – Highlights 2024
The Shipment Status Interface transfers and updates shipment data, including milestone status, from Scope to configured third parties involved in a shipment such as customers, shippers, consignees, or notifiers. It caters all tracking-enabled operational shipments and bookings and is triggered by changes in shipment data, including modifications in the tracking plan of the shipment.
Adjustments to U.S. customs ACAS requirements for cargo destined for or transiting through the U.S. were available in Scope prior to deadline. Mandatory new fields were available since Scope version 24.8. All transmissions are 100% aligned with the updated IATA OCI composition rules and CBP’s ACAS Implementation Guide.
The new Air Freight Booking Portal powered by CargoAi is a game-changing feature in air freight. It allows users to manage the entire air cargo booking process seamlessly within Scope. Our premium partnership with CargoAi enables to find the perfect rate effortlessly while checking the booking capacity directly with airlines. And there's more to come in 2025.
Scope now allows to handle LCL bookings and shipping instructions via EDI. The feature allows users to seamlessly transmit booking information and shipping instructions directly to SACO Shipping, ECU Line and Shipco.
With the Open Interface for Container Events users experience unparalleled flexibility and transparency. It seamlessly integrates container events from any source directly into Scope, and thus ensures a smooth and efficient process, enhancing ocean freight shipment management like never before.
ICS2 Manifest Security Filing with Trade Tech marks another milestone in ocean freight for forwarders outside the EU as well as for forwarders doing business outside the EU. Trade Tech is a platform that supports manifest security filing for numerous countries around the globe. Required documents can be submitted directly from Scope or from the Trade Tech web application – easily and safely.
From change to transformation
Shifting the Scope client to a browser-based application is indeed more of a change than a transformation. Though will be a noticeable improvement to accessibility and usability, it will not redefine the business model, user experience, or overall strategy. However, it could signal transformation and trigger a broader evolution if this shift leads to a rethinking of Scope's purpose, scalability, or business strategy. Transitioning to the cloud might also open new opportunities like subscription-based pricing, global access, or integration with other tools – fundamentally changing how Scope delivers value, enabling new workflows, collaboration and automation that were previously impossible.
The Company's Development
Despite the precarious political situation worldwide and the strained economic conditions, particularly in Germany, we were largely able to achieve our growth targets and, in some areas, even surpass them. It is with great satisfaction that we observed Scope’s evolution over the years—from a highly accepted tool to a highly sought-after solution in the world of freight forwarding.
Germany
The number of new customers reached 42, falling short of the annual target of 48 and slightly below the 2023 result of 46 new customers. However, the number of users exceeded expectations, reaching 832 compared to 686 in the previous year. Thanks to the exceptional dedication of our implementation team, the Go-Live activities were carried out seamlessly. Further highlights include the successful renewal of the ISO-27001 certification in October and the launch of our new data center in Düsseldorf, which went live successfully in December.
Where there is much light, there is also shadow. In September 2024, the globally operating freight forwarder DSV prevailed over a competing investor in a bidding process for DB Schenker – despite the resistance of countless DB Schenker employees. This deal also carries consequences for Riege. With DSV already announcing it will not honor existing contracts, the decades-long collaboration between DB Schenker and Riege Software will come to an abrupt end. This marks the conclusion of ProCars as well, as DB Schenker was the last customer to rely on this freight forwarding software – a solution that, over 46 years ago, ushered in a new era in transport management. Thank you, DB Schenker. Thank you, ProCarS. And thank you, Johannes Riege, for creating it.
Belgium and the Netherlands
Scope experienced an extraordinary surge in demand, prompting a temporary intake pause for new customers to ensure that both existing and new clients could continue to receive the highest level of professionalism. The numbers speak for themselves: nearly 30 new customers and approximately 125 users joined in 2024, bringing the total number of companies using Scope in the Benelux to over 200, with close to 3,000 users.
In addition to managing numerous implementations, the transition from NCTS4 to the newly developed NCTS5/DVA Customs module was successfully completed on schedule by the end of October. This significant milestone was met with great satisfaction from customers, reflecting Riege's commitment to meeting critical deadlines and exceeding expectations.
The hiring of new employees with expertise in the freight forwarding industry further bolstered capabilities, contributing to the successful opening of a second Dutch office in Rotterdam. This expansion marks a key step in strengthening Riege's presence in the region and enhancing the company's ability to serve the growing customer base. With these achievements, Scope is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the Benelux, delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service.
Switzerland
Jeanne Graf was promoted to Managing Director following the departure of Jordi Barreiros. She and her team can celebrate the addition of 7 new customers with 67 users, as well as the growth of existing customers who opened new branches. With 39 customers and 500 users currently, she, her team, and her predecessors have succeeded in nearly tripling the revenue for Riege Switzerland over the past 10 years. Meanwhile, development work on PASSAR within Scope Customs continued and will carry on into 2025, focusing on PASSAR Ausfuhr (Export) and the implementation of new features for PASSAR Durchfuhr (Transit).
Mexico
2024 can be recorded as an incredible year. Riege Ibero-America participated in the most prominent exhibitions, including Security Cargo Network in Panama, Intermodal in Brazil, and the Logistics World Summit in Mexico City. As a result, and alongside other acquisition efforts, the Mexican branch successfully expanded its client base with 21 new customers. On the innovation front, the team continued to work tirelessly on new features to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.
USA
The US Scope team could celebrate a year of collaboration, and milestone achievements. Two standout events – the SCN IT Conference in New Orleans and the SCN Member Conference in Panama – provided valuable opportunities to connect and strategize. 6 new customers have been welcomed into the Scope family. A special highlight was the onboarding of Talatrans – a prominent US-MX freight forwarder – in collaboration with the Riege Ibero-America team. This achievement underscores the power of cross-border teamwork and shared goals.
Nordic
The official opening of Riege Nordic on January 1, 2025, begins under an auspicious star and, more importantly, on a solid foundation. With 22 customers – 8 of whom were gained in 2024 alone – the branch is launching with ideal conditions, a result to professional care for existing customers and consistent networking as the key to acquiring new ones.
Therefore, the decision to establish the Nordic branch was less about geographic expansion and more about the desire to be closer to customers in Scandinavia, Finland, and the Baltic states. While much can be accomplished remotely in the digital age, physical – and above all, human – proximity remains irreplaceable. For Riege, people are at the heart of everything, and not everything can be done digitally – especially in the far north.
Inside Scope 2024 – A Celebration of Community, Innovation, and Connection
For the third year in a row, Inside Scope has proven itself to be much more than an event – it’s a gathering of minds, a showcase of innovation, and a celebration of the growing Riege Software community. This year, the successful networking event raised the bar even higher, taking place at the modern b’mine Hotel near Frankfurt Airport, blending cutting-edge expertise with deeply engaging topics, and last but not least socializing during dinner and drinks from the legendary Riege Cocktails Consol collection.
The event kicked off with a wide range of insights and inspiration, featuring distinguished speakers from IATA, DCSA, Lufthansa Cargo, and DB Schenker. Through captivating discussions, attendees explored pivotal themes like the use of digital standards in multimodal transport, the logistics industry’s capacity to meet the demands of booming eCommerce, and the real-world application of IATA’s ONE Record data standard.
Workshops offered deep dives for experienced users, covering advanced financial management with Scope and practical guidance on customs processes in Germany. These hands-on sessions added tremendous value, empowering participants to refine their expertise. In addition, Inside Scope 2024 delivered equally compelling moments with riveting panel discussions, but the experience didn’t stop there.
For the first time, Inside Scope also gained fresh momentum from strategic partners who brought new dimensions to the event. Specialists from logistics.cloud shared their expertise on interfaces, INVENTRY contributed insights into IT infrastructure, and Global Logistics Network amplified the networking opportunities.
Of course, no Riege Software event would be complete without exciting product news, and this year did not disappoint. Attendees were thrilled to learn about a host of new features coming to Scope, including the highly anticipated Task Manager, designed to simplify the daily operations of freight forwarders.
The event culminated with an electrifying keynote from Christian Riege, CTO and Managing Director of Riege Software, who unveiled major plans for 2025: the opening of a new office in Sweden. This announcement marked yet another milestone for the company, reflecting its commitment to growing alongside its community.
The verdict is clear: Inside Scope isn’t just an event – it’s evolving into a must-attend experience for the freight forwarding industry, setting the stage for innovation, connection, and shared success for an ever-sprouting community.
Strengthening Global Networks and Partnerships
In the fast-evolving world of logistics, success hinges on strong partnerships, reliable networks, and the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies. This year, we have made significant strides in expanding and deepening our global networks, collaborating with industry leaders and innovators to deliver unparalleled value to our customers across the world.
Expanding Our Networks
We are proud to service and support key logistics networks, including GLN and Five Stars, which are instrumental in connecting businesses globally. In 2024, we’ve expanded our capabilities further by adding the GSLN network to our portfolio, reinforcing our commitment to providing robust and reliable logistics solutions worldwide. Our teams now support customers across a wide range of countries, including the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, and Lithuania, ensuring that businesses in these regions benefit from our extensive network reach.
A New Milestone with SCN
Our participation in the SCN network has been another milestone in our international expansion. For the first time in 2024, we attended the SCN conference, joining forces with a global group from the USA, Mexico, and Germany. This collaboration highlights our ongoing commitment to fostering international relationships and exchanging insights with forward-thinking professionals from all corners of the globe. Through SCN, we support clients in Mexico, the USA, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the UK, and Lithuania, reinforcing our global presence and expanding our logistics capabilities.
Upgrading by Premium Partnerships
Our partnerships are more than just business relationships – they are the foundation of our ability to drive innovation in logistics. In 2024, we strengthened our collaborations with several cutting-edge companies, each offering transformative solutions for the logistics industry.
- logistics.cloud: As a trusted partner for interface integration, logistics.cloud continues to help streamline our systems and ensure smooth data exchange between different logistics platforms. Their cloud-based solutions are key to improving efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
- DigiCust: Partnering with DigiCust has allowed us to integrate AI-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR) solutions into our customs operations. These solutions are revolutionizing the way we handle customs clearance, improving accuracy, speed, and compliance across borders.
- CargoAi: CargoAi has become our trusted integration partner for rate querying and booking. Their advanced platform enables us to provide our clients with instant access to up-to-date pricing and booking options, simplifying the booking process and helping businesses stay competitive in a dynamic market.
- TradeTech: Our partnership with TradeTech marks a significant milestone in ocean freight. The ICS2 Manifest Security Filing service provided by TradeTech is now available to forwarders outside the EU, enabling them to comply with the latest manifest security requirements. This solution streamlines the filing process, allowing to submit required documents easily and securely, either through the Scope platform or directly via the TradeTech web application.
Exchange of ideas, discussions and collaborations highlighted one of our core beliefs: continuity and community are the cornerstones of long-term success. The feedback we received confirmed that investing in relationships and staying true to our values pays off, both for our clients and our business.
The Future of Logistics
As we move forward into the future of logistics, our focus will remain on strengthening our networks, fostering deeper partnerships, and leveraging innovative technologies to continue delivering exceptional service to our global clients. With our extensive network reach, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we are poised to navigate the evolving logistics landscape and help businesses thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Female Force
Women in leadership positions are part of Riege's DNA – since day one. As a co-founder of the company and from 1994 til 2024 one of the managing directors within the Riege family board, Gabriele Riege pulled the decisive strings – often in the background – and thus accompanied and shaped the company's development over many years. Even after her departure from the management board in March 2024 going along with her well-deserved retirement she still dedicates herself to the company's wealth if necessary or needed.
Anna Riege joined the company in 2019, initially as an Executive Assistant to the Management Board, but from the outset with a clear goal: to take ownership of HR topics. In 2020, she launched the Organization & Culture division as part of the transition to an agile corporate structure, a department that was renamed People & Culture in 2023. One of Anna’s declared goals has been to make Riege more inclusive and female-oriented – an ambitious endeavor in industries still predominantly male-dominated, such as logistics and IT. Since August of this year, Anna has been supported by Katharina Fait, a qualified HR developer and systemic organizational consultant who brings a holistic approach to organizational development processes.
Maike Burghardt joined Riege in 2015 as a software developer. After a brief detour in 2020 as a Product Owner for Customs during a parental leave cover, she took on the role of Product Owner Core in 2021. Since 2023, Maike has been serving as the Head of Platform Engineering. In this newly created position, her main responsibility is to coordinate between the Core, Operations, and UI/UX teams. The goal is to further develop and stabilize the technological foundation that supports Scope's migration to the cloud, ensuring that it is accessible and effective for the product teams.
Simone Bannach plays a pivotal role since February 2023, contributing her expertise and experience from international companies in her position as Vice President Sales & Marketing. Simone is responsible for coordinating activities across Sales & Marketing, improving cross-team and cross-branch processes, and translating corporate strategy into actionable marketing and sales objectives. Additionally, she oversees reporting to the management team, driving the company’s development through alignment and strategic focus.
In June 2024, Jeanne Graf was promoted to managing Director of Switzerland. Jeanne began her journey at Riege in 2019 as part of the Customer Support team. From February 2022 to May 2024, she served as Product Manager for the Swiss logistics market, leveraging her extensive experience as a certified freight forwarding specialist to deepen and strengthen customer relationships. This expertise now serves her well in her new leadership role, allowing her to drive customer satisfaction and operational excellence in equal measure.
Through the leadership of individuals like Anna, Simone, Maike and Jeanne, Riege continues to evolve, championing innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in an ever-changing industry. In fact, numerous women have co-formed the company in various teams and positions in administration, development, support and finance, many of them for ages. Naming them all would require a blog post of its own, yet this in no way diminishes the appreciation they deserve. Without them, Riege would not be what it is today: a company where women are recognized not for fulfilling quotas, but for their competence, acceptance, and determination. And the journey continues.
A Year of Changes and Chances
2024 was a year of profound changes – unfortunately not always for the better. But it has also encouraged viewing certain things from a different perspective, rethinking ideas, and realigning actions. It taught us that progress often requires stepping into discomfort, leaving behind what we know to discover that being different isn’t a deviation – it’s an advantage. It’s the spark that drives invention and innovation if we dare to question norms and disrupt patterns, recognizing that the unknown isn’t something to fear but to explore. Every departure is also an arrival, and every ending holds the promise of a new beginning. Chances are there, let's take them – together we can.