How Farm Trans designs the logistics of tomorrow with smart technology

Farm Trans is constantly investing in innovation in order to continue to be the leader in the fast-changing sector of Logistics. Every step we take internally contributes to a more efficient, more sustainable and more future-proof logistics operation for Farm Trans and its customers. In this article, you will discover how Farm Trans uses smart technologies and strategic improvements to create the foundation for the logistics of tomorrow.

A stronger foundation for the future of logistics

Since January 2024, Farm Trans has been working to improve the Transport Management System (TMS). Why? There was a need for a new foundation that makes further software integration and optimisations possible. The TMS manages the entire logistics operation, with various teams collaborating on the basis of their relevant specialisations. The TMS maintains unit planning and registers customer agreements. The Business Control department also collects data from the system to compile reports.

A smooth-running TMS is essential for efficient logistics operations. The first improvement phase focused on flexibility and scalability to ensure that the system advances along with Farm Trans’ growth ambitions. One of the most significant improvements is the functional optimisation concerning the utilisation of capacity within the entire group. This optimisation reduces the likelihood of operational risks. This phase was followed by a challenging stage: adjustments to the registration of shipment and route information, such as pre- and post-transport registrations, address information and goods registration. The next step? Developing a new scheduling screen which would also include the structuring of shipments and a screen with transport routes. During this project, various evaluation times were scheduled with the software supplier and the colleagues concerned in order to ensure the best possible result.

Smarter loading and unloading: the Slot Scheduling system

In addition to optimising the TMS, Farm Trans was also able to improve efficiency in the planning of loading and unloading times. Since the beginning of 2024, Farm Trans has been working on a self-designed system: Slot Scheduling. This system arranges the scheduling of pallet loading and unloading times. The goal? To make optimal use of the capacity within the supply chain, contribute to the supply chain visibility and replace manual planning practices.

Refrigerated and frozen products are separated in the Slot Scheduling, each with its own schedule. The capacity is visible on a per hour basis according to the number of employees present. The maximum for refrigerated pallets is at about 50 per hour, while pallets with frozen products have a maximum somewhere between 75 and 100. Transporters thereby have a better insight into their loading and unloading times which enables them to better coordinate their ensuing transport routes. A number of customers and transporters also have access to Slot Scheduling so they can plan their loading and unloading for selected times themselves. In addition to the loading and unloading, the system also offers the possibility of reserving extra services, such as adding packing lists or reorganising the loads. This not only makes Slot Scheduling a great planning tool, but also a valuable support service for additional logistics processes.

If you would like to know more about our Slot Scheduling, please click here to go to the article describing this unique system!

Greater efficiency: AI Transforms Dock Scheduling

Technological innovations are yielding more and more possibilities in logistics. For this reason, Farm Trans has collaborated with the CAPE Group and Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing. In this collaboration, the implementation of AI was tested as a support for dock scheduling. The research resulted in the development of InsAIght: an AI assistant that creates more efficient dock scheduling with the use of data and algorithms.

InsAIght plans truck routes at the most suitable times based on data predictions. This reduces waiting times, increases efficiency and creates a streamlined logistics process. Thanks to the smart application of AI, not only has the scheduling improved, but we are also contributing to a more sustainable transport process.

If you would like more information about this project, please click here to go the article on the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente!

Transparent sustainability reports

The European Union has implemented a reporting obligation for certain companies under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) starting from 2024 This directive makes reporting a broad range of environmental, social and policy aspects mandatory. In 2025, Farm Trans started the annual reporting on the previous year in order to ensure it is well prepared for the future.

To optimise the reporting process, Farm Trans invests in the ESG software Salacia. This system expedites the collection, management and reporting of ESG information in accordance with the CSRD. The implementation of Salacia started in February 2025. The system records all the required quantitative and qualitative information for reporting purposes. With this investment, sustainability is not just a goal, but an integrated component of our business activities.

It was recently announced that changes will the made to the CSRD. These include postponing the reporting obligation for companies and adjusting the scope. This means that certain companies will no longer be required to report or will only have to comply with a minimum set of requirements. But, even though the CSRD requirements are changing, the ambition of Farm Trans remains the same: to take full responsibility for our impact on the environment and society. Reliable sustainability reporting is essential in stimulating progress and transparency.

With these innovations, Farm Trans is taking big steps towards creating a smarter, more efficient and more sustainable logistics chain. By optimally implementing technology and data, processes are improved, customers receive better service and the entire organisation is better prepared for the challenges of the future.