Modality

Niels, Software Engineer Delphi at Modality

Modality — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:17:22 +0000

Working at Modality

Meet Niels

Niels: from user experience to Software Engineer Delphi

Since November 1st, Niels has been part of the Modality team as a Software Engineer Delphi. After more than 25 years at Ortec, where he gained extensive experience in both software development and user experience, he chose to refocus on the core of his profession: programming.
At Modality, he designs, develops and maintains new features, translating functional requirements into technical solutions in close collaboration with colleagues. His background in user experience helps him understand user needs and turn them into practical solutions.
In this interview, Niels shares the experience he brings to Modality, explains his decision to return to his core, and we get a glimpse of his adventurous side.

A broad foundation

Niels has a background in Computational Science, which revolves around performing complex calculations as efficiently as possible. One example is physics simulations and the optimisation of route calculations - a combination of mathematics, computer science and practical application.
Following his graduation, he joined Ortec. At the start of his career, he focused on a wide range of responsibilities: from developing software used globally to customer installations, support, training, and sales support. As the organisation expanded, the tasks became increasingly specialised, and that all-round role faded into the background. He now brings that broad foundation to his work at Modality.

Niels:

"For me, it is important that we constantly aim to improve all aspects of software development. This involves coding standards, for example, but also tools and processes to boost efficiency and enhance the quality of the final software."

In his element

As a Software Engineer, Niels seems to have rediscovered his ikigai: writing code. This is what gives him the most energy and keeps him fully absorbed.
Building new features that customers will soon use in practice is precisely what gives him satisfaction. It motivates him to do a good job - and to keep refining both the code and the surrounding processes.
This drive for continuous improvement is not limited to his own work. Niels enjoys thinking about ways to improve things and likes tackling issues with colleagues.

Reaching new heights

Niels’ rock-solid foundation is not only reflected in his professional life. While we have come to know him as ‘down-to-earth’, it turns out he also enjoys ‘reaching new heights’ in his spare time.
Whenever possible, he heads to Italy or Spain with his eldest daughter to tackle via ferratas. Secured to a steel cable, they climb rock routes and reach places few others do. Interestingly, Niels only took up this adventurous hobby relatively recently (about six years ago).

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Het bericht Niels, Software Engineer Delphi at Modality verscheen eerst op Modality.

The Modality system in TMS and TOS terms

Modality — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:00:35 +0000

When discussing automation, market parties frequently reference TMS (Transport Management System) and TOS (Terminal Operating System) solutions. In many cases, the Modality system constitutes a unique combination of the two. Terminals often manage transport as well, while inland operators may sometimes require TOS functionalities. This article explains how the various features within Modality can be categorised in line with commonly used TOS and TMS terminology.

The Modality system from a TMS and TOS perspective
The processes in inland container logistics can be functionally divided into two domains:

TMS – focused on transport flows and administrative processing
TOS – focused on terminal management and operational execution

Within Modality, both domains are integrated components of a single architecture. In the paragraphs below, we will outline which functionalities are associated with each domain.

TMS functionalities within Modality
The TMS functionalities within Modality support the transport process from order entry to invoicing. The system digitises order processing, planning and administrative tasks, reduces the need for manual data entry and provides real-time visibility into the progress of transport, allowing for proactive operational control in these areas.

Order entry and data processing
Customer orders can be automatically registered via EDI and API interfaces, through OCR recognition of PDF documents or via the client portal. The submitted order data forms the foundation for subsequent planning and administrative processes.

Order data can be enriched with external information, such as real-time vessel data or status updates. As a result, the planning department has accurate and up-to-date information at its disposal. The Modality Customer Service Monitor provides a clear overview, so that high-priority orders can be better managed and any missing data can be identified.

Customer Service Monitor Modality

Transport planning
The Modality system supports planning across all modes of transport: container transport by barge, rail and truck. Among other things, the system can be used to:

Optimise planning through algorithms
Monitor transport progress in real time via our mobile apps (barge app, truck app)
Gain direct access to signed documents, including the e-CMR

Furthermore, Modality allows users to directly send pre-notifications to deepsea terminals via EDI for the delivery and/or collection of containers.

Rates and invoicing
The Modality system streamlines both sales invoicing and the verification of purchase invoices. Revenue lines are automatically generated for each shipment; they are based on sales rates and can easily be converted into invoices. Furthermore, invoices can be automatically generated according to customer preferences (per booking, per trip, monthly, etc.). When generating and sending invoices, recognised E-invoicing standards (ZUGFeRD, Peppol, UBL, Invoic) are supported.

When the purchase rates from the various carriers are entered into the system, the Modality system links these rates to the various planned/executed transports. This allows for a high degree of automation in the purchasing verification for outsourced transport.

TOS functionalities within Modality
The TOS functionalities within Modality support the management, registration and optimisation of terminal processes. The system helps digitise daily terminal operations, reduces unnecessary handling operations and minimises dependence on individual working methods.

Our TOS functionalities can be grouped into the following categories:

Yard and stack Management
The Modality system provides a graphical overview of the terminal, displaying container positions, stack layouts and available capacity in real time. Container movements are registered immediately, ensuring a continuously up-to-date overview of the terminal inventory.

Key features include:

Efficient planning of loading and unloading sequences
Minimising unnecessary handling operations
Optimising the use of available stack space
Real-time visibility into current container status

In addition, the system allows for the use of predefined stacking rules. Based on these rules, containers automatically receive a stack advice, taking into account factors such as destination, loading sequence and container type.

By incorporating these rules in the system, a consistent operational approach is established. As a result, the stack layout becomes less dependent on individual decisions and is better geared to planned transport movements.

The Modality system supports yard and stack management

Gate control and access
Incoming and outgoing landside movements are digitally recorded through the Gate Control module. Combined with OCR software, trucks and containers are automatically recognised and processed within the Modality system.

Key features include:

Automatic registration of ‘Gate-in’ and ‘Gate-out’ statuses
Recognition of license plates, chassis numbers and container numbers through OCR
Verification of expected truck/container combinations
Automatic opening of barriers or speed gates after successful registration

In addition to OCR solutions, self-service kiosks can be integrated with the Gate Control module. Drivers can independently register their arrival and indicate whether they are delivering or collecting a container. The system verifies the booking and automatically enriches the data based on the available order information.

Operational support via terminal applications
Loading and unloading activities are supported through specific applications for crane operators, reach stacker drivers and terminal tractor drivers. These applications are directly integrated with planning and stacking data within the system.

Key features include:

Display of loading and unloading lists for barges and trains
Insight into planned container movements
Container-level search functionality
Real-time registration of loading and unloading activities
Autonomous trip selection for terminal tractor drivers

Access to loading sequences and stacking positions enables operators to select the most efficient positions, thus minimising the number of required handling operations.

Applications support the loading and unloading activities of reach stacker drivers

Quay planning
For terminals handling multiple barges or trains simultaneously, the system facilitates the planning of berths and quay operations.

Key features include:

Insight into berth occupancy
Planning of arrival and departure times
Coordination between quay planning and stack layout
Integration with loading and unloading lists

As a result, available quay capacity is optimally used and physical handling and transport planning are fully synchronised.

Customs and additional registrations
For terminals offering additional services, the Modality system also supports:

Bonded warehouse and customs administration
Registration of container repairs
Recording of gas measurements
Registration of inspections and other checks

These registrations are part of the same system environment, allowing for operational and administrative data to be centrally managed and making them immediately available for reporting and auditing.

TOS and TMS in a single system environment
Within Modality, TOS and TMS functionalities are not separate systems; they are integrated components of a single environment.

In practice, these functionalities overlap. Many inland terminals combine terminal management with their own transport operations, using both TOS and TMS functionalities within a single environment. Conversely, inland operators can expand their TMS setup with TOS-related functionalities, such as inventory or stack management, as needed for their operations.

Because information is recorded once and flows seamlessly into planning, execution and invoicing processes, operational consistency is achieved.

Do you have any questions about the configuration of your current system or specific functionalities? Please contact your designated Modality representative.

Het bericht The Modality system in TMS and TOS terms verscheen eerst op Modality.

Rail automation in practice at Hutchison Ports Venlo

Modality — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:17:49 +0000

Efficient container transport can result in exceptional handling speeds. At Hutchison Ports Venlo, containers that have been unloaded at the deepsea terminals in Rotterdam are sometimes on the train to Venlo the very same day. The strategically situated trimodal terminal thus puts into practice the theory outlined in our previous article on rail-based container transport. Managing Director Daniel ten Ham and Operations Manager Erwin Bout discuss the unique rail connection between Venlo and the deepsea terminals in the port of Rotterdam.

Hutchison Ports Venlo; an intermodal hub terminal
The rail terminal of Hutchison Ports Venlo became operational 43 years ago and was one of the first railway terminals in the Netherlands; it also was and still is one of the largest. Point-to-point connections with APMT-II, Hutchison Ports Delta II, ECT Delta, ECT Euromax and RWG ensure that about 24 trains per week transport containers from the port of Rotterdam to the hinterland and vice versa. Thanks to this connectivity, a container unloaded in Rotterdam is often ready for departure to Venlo by rail the very same day—a level of speed that few other rail operators can match.

The handling speed at the terminal in Venlo also ensures a highly efficient processing of rail container transport. While trains in the seaport often have to wait eight to twelve hours to be handled, trains at the rail terminal in Venlo are unloaded and loaded within two hours. Within this timeframe, more than 90 handlings are performed.

The addition of the barge terminal in Venlo sixteen years ago made it possible to transport containers to other locations, including Rotterdam city, Moerdijk and Antwerp. Following the recent expansion of the site from 2 to 5.5 hectares, the terminal now has space to accommodate four ships simultaneously. Approximately five to six of the company’s ships are unloaded and loaded at the terminal each week. Third-party barges call at the Venlo terminal as part of their routes as well. At present, about two-thirds of all containers are transported by rail and one-third by barge. The ambition for the future is to achieve a 50/50 balance between the two modes. With its combination of rail, barge and road transport, Hutchison Ports Venlo serves as a comprehensive intermodal hub terminal: a gateway where various modes of transport connect seamlessly.

Digitisation based on the Modality system
Since the Venlo terminal implemented the Modality system 21 years ago, it has been continuously optimising and expanding it. The system now forms the heart of the operational and administrative processes, from train planning to invoicing.

A selection of the modules used:

Pre-notification of deepsea terminals and sharing of train composition via HCN Rail: ‘Pre-notifications’ and ‘Train Composition’ messages can be shared directly with Portbase through an interface.
Wagon planning: The Modality system is used to record wagon data, wagon sets and types and configure the entire train journey.
Container planning: Containers are assigned to specific wagon positions, offering planners real-time insight into loading and capacity.
Order processing and invoicing: Transport, handling and storage are automatically processed and invoiced via Modality.
Reporting and documents: Both operational and financial reports are immediately available.

Furthermore, various functionalities are available for truck handling and access management, including:

DIY (Self-Service) Counters: Approximately 80% of the drivers report via the self-service counter.
Remote Check-in (truck pre-notification portal): (external) Drivers can digitally pre-notify their arrival before reaching the terminal, further speeding up access and reducing the physical administration.
Gate application at the barrier: Combined with the pre-notification portal, this makes truck traffic flow faster. In practice, truck dwell times are shortened by 5 to 10 minutes, at times allowing frequent visitors to make an extra trip per day.
OCR gates (in collaboration with Sentors): In effect at the rail terminal and the barge terminal, for the automatic recognition of containers and trucks.
Barrier control with CargoCard: Venlo was one of the first terminals to implement this, making access fully digital.

This combination of modules has allowed the terminal to digitise and accelerate many operational processes.

Bargeterminal Hutchison Ports Venlo

Continuous improvement: automation as an ongoing process
Under the motto ‘continuous improvement’, the teams in Venlo and Rotterdam work closely together on new projects in which technology and practical applicability reinforce each other.

A key focal point is the development of stack visualisation, which uses Modality data to provide crane operators with real-time insight regarding priorities on the stack. This allows containers to be moved more efficiently and prevents unnecessary handlings.

Another focus area is the further automation of processes at the barge terminal, which was recently expanded to 5.5 hectares and can now accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. By linking more data to operational decisions, the terminal aims to further increase throughput and reduce the number of manual actions.

Furthermore, Venlo aims to increase the use of the pre-notification portal among drivers. By combining data, practical experience and user feedback, the terminal is gradually working towards a fully automated and data-driven operation.

Automation as part of trimodal growth
Hutchison Ports Venlo uses a large number of modules within the Modality system, which makes it a prime example of the manner in which our software is applied in practice for rail-bound container transport. In close collaboration with the terminal, various functionalities have been developed and further refined, allowing Venlo to demonstrate the full potential of a single, integrated system. As a software supplier, we are pleased to see the terminal’s development in recent years from a rail-only terminal to a major trimodal logistics hub for container transport to the hinterland; we are proud that our software solutions form a solid foundation for the terminal’s daily operations.

In our article on software for rail-bound container transport, you can read more about the underlying functionalities and applications within the Modality system. Of course, you can also contact our sales department with any questions you may have.

Het bericht Rail automation in practice at Hutchison Ports Venlo verscheen eerst op Modality.

Cas lays foundation for uniform Modality BI solution

Modality — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:23:07 +0000

Working at Modality

Meet Cas

From graduation project to permanent position

Hot off the press: our newest team member, web developer Cas! During his graduation internship at Modality, he laid the foundation for a uniform Business Intelligence solution. This standard module offers all our clients—even those without BI expertise—easy insight into their operational logistics data. This development has allowed us to make data even more accessible to our clients, ultimately earning Cas a permanent position on our team.

Turning customisation into standardisation

Our systems hold vast amounts of operational and financial data, but until now, analysing this required specific BI skills. We would often build customised KPI dashboards for clients, tailored to their individual needs and unique Modality system. Cas was tasked with changing this by rebuilding an easy-to-integrate standard web module that could be used by multiple clients, without the need for customisation. A key element of his assignment was finding a logical and scalable structure. The goal: a uniform foundation that could later be enriched with universal KPIs and graphs relevant to all our clients.

The assignment

The challenge was both technical and functional. How do you create an accessible BI environment that shows the most important KPIs without the client needing to master Power BI or a similar tool? Cas started with thorough research: which data is so valuable that it needs to be included first and which technology is best suited for a flexible, future-proof standard module? After testing five frameworks, React emerged as the best choice.
Next came the design phase. Using interactive mock-ups, Cas visualised what the unified module should look like. This phase was fully completed, resulting in a solid foundation. Some sample KPIs are already visible, but the focus of the assignment was on establishing the blueprint—not on delivering a ready-made product.

Cas:

"I appreciate the mix of an informal and formal work environment at Modality. I also like having structure in the form of an individual work schedule whilst still having room for personal input."

Impact and next steps

This basic structure allows us to quickly move on to the next step: supplementing the BI module with a set of core KPIs and graphs that are relevant to all clients. Once this set has been completed, the uniform module is ready for wide deployment. In the future, this will allow us to adapt more quickly, improve our decision-making and extract more value from data – without technical barriers.

Cas enjoys the friendly atmosphere with his colleagues and appreciates our way of working. Previously, he completed a minor in Data Science and one in Machine Learning & AI. Computer Science ultimately appeals to Cas the most because he has a wide range of interests and, in his own words, it represents a middle ground among all these. And that is why we can now literally and figuratively call Cas our youngest team member. Reason enough for us to share some more personal information about Cas.

His broad interests are also evident in his personal life. For example, he enjoys a wide range of sports, from paddle tennis to fitness and from korfball to running. He also has a broad musical taste and we cannot pin him down to just one genre (which works out well for our annual outing to "De Vrienden van Amstel" [a major annual Dutch-language music festival, ed]). Now that he's completed his studies and is working fulltime, he is also keen to save as much money as possible: Cas has never been outside Europe and would love to see more of the world.

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Rail software for terminals and rail freight agents

Modality — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:50:58 +0000

Rail transport may not be as visible as transport by barge or truck, but it is an essential link in European container logistics. Through innovative software solutions, Modality supports the processes of dedicated rail terminals, intermodal container terminals with rail connections and rail freight agents.

This article gives you a current overview of our solutions for container transport by rail. See at a glance which solutions Modality offers – from order processing to terminal optimisation – and learn how our software can make your processes more efficient.

Target groups that we support with our rail software

For container transport by rail, our software focuses on three main groups:

Multimodal terminals – terminals that combine rail with road and barge.
Rail terminals – dedicated rail terminals that handle trains from multiple rail operators.
Rail freight agents – logistics service providers that organise container transport by rail via different operators.

We do not provide systems for rail operators that operate their own trains and manage their own personnel scheduling. Instead, we focus entirely on the parties responsible for the transport, planning and administrative handling of container transport.

Our core functionalities for rail-based container transport
The Modality system supports activities throughout the entire logistics process: from order entry to planning and invoicing. The system includes the following core functionalities that apply to every customer group:

Order processing
Recording of wagon data
Recording of wagon types
Recording of wagon sets
Recording of train trips
Assigning booked containers to train trips
Detailed planning of containers on the wagons
Invoicing for transport, handling and storage
Operational and financial documentation and reporting

This foundation is at the heart of our rail software and can be expanded with advanced modules tailored to fit specific customer needs if desired.

Rail software for terminals and rail freight agents

Additional functionalities per customer group

Multimodal terminals

Multimodal terminals with a rail connection combine rail transport with road transport and, in some cases, maritime transport. For these hubs, coordination between modes of transport is key. Among other things, our software supports:

Planning of containers on rail trips and, if applicable, integration with barge and truck planning.
EDI interfaces for direct communication with seaports and terminals.
Synchronisation of arrival and departure times across modes of transport.

Rail terminals
Dedicated rail terminals that handle trains from multiple rail operators benefit from advanced operational optimisation. Our software provides:

Tools to optimise loading, unloading and storage processes.
“Optimiser” functions for crane operators: guidance on loading/unloading sequences and assigned stack positions.
OCR applications at rail and truck gates for fast, error-free registration.
EDI pre-notification portals for drivers, allowing for mostly automated gate handling.
EDI interfaces with visiting rail operators for the fastest possible access to the loading and unloading data of trains.
Registration of the “Zapfenstellung” (pin positions) of incoming wagons, enabling maximum loading efficiency.

Rail freight agents

Rail freight agents organise container transport by rail through various operators. Flexibility and quick adaptability are crucial for them. Our software provides:

Integration of current train schedules into the system.
Easy implementation of changes when adjusting the train connections used within the European rail network.
Clear, consolidated order and capacity planning across multiple operators.
Ability to work with TEU commitments on trains.

Connections and interfaces

Our rail software is designed to connect seamlessly with the systems of terminals, rail operators and other logistics partners. Thanks to a wide range of EDI, API and equipment interfaces, the exchange of data takes place fully automated, minimising the risk of errors and speeding up processes.

Examples of commonly used interfaces:

Deepsea ports and seaport terminals

Rotterdam Portbase HCN Train / Train Composition
Rotterdam RSC
Antwerp DP World/PSA

Rail operators

Kombiverkehr
Hupac
Deutsche Bahn
Rurtalbahn
BoxXpress

Terminal equipment & operational systems

Interfaces with container cranes for automatic positioning.
OCR gate systems at entrances to both incoming and outgoing trains
EDI pre-notification portals for visiting trucks.

These interfaces deliver real-time status updates, faster planning and smoother operational processes. Whether it’s the automatic reading of discharge lists, predicting arrival times or automatically transmitting loading and unloading statuses: our interfaces make it possible.

Would you like to learn more about our software solutions for container transport by rail? Our page on rail transport features an overview of all system features. Of course, you can also contact our sales department with any questions you may have.

Het bericht Rail software for terminals and rail freight agents verscheen eerst op Modality.

Modality’s Einstein: software engineer Albert in the spotlight

Modality — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:41:17 +0000

Working at Modality

Meet Albert

Modality's Einstein: software engineer Albert in the spotlight

He has been part of our team for over 20 years and was already working on algorithms when nobody had heard of them yet. However, software engineer Albert prefers to stay out of the spotlight until after work. Fortunately for us, he has finally agreed to an interview -learn more about Albert below!

Econometrics within Modality

Albert is our very own Einstein. While studying econometrics, he learned to approach business problems through a mathematical lens. During his time at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Albert had to choose a specialisation: finance, marketing or logistics. His decision should come as no surprise. In his opinion, there is too much ‘hot air’ in finances and marketing (a claim that the author of this piece emphatically disputes!). What draws Albert to logistics is the fact that it involves a physical process, unlike, let’s say, pension funds. That makes a mathematical approach to the process concrete and less abstract. For his graduation project, Albert focused on a taxi company, investigating the possibilities for developing a program that uses algorithms to calculate the optimal routing for transporting disabled passengers. Following his graduation, Albert ended up working at a one-man company that developed software for distribution centres supplying supermarkets. Albert became a full-time programmer here. When the growth of this company started to stagnate, someone alerted him to a vacancy at a company that specialises in software development for the logistics sector. Although this company consisted of a small team, it had a stable and large customer portfolio and Albert had tons of experience with the development language it used. You can probably guess the name of this specific company ?. And that is how on the 10th of May 2004 Albert became employee number six.

Albert:

"What I appreciate about Modality is that it is a stable employer. Whether times were turbulent or not, there has always been enough work and we have grown steadily by about one employee per year."

Practice-based programming

Fortunately, Albert is still content after all these years. In his experience, Modality is a stable employer that has experienced steady growth over the years. Albert appreciates the direct lines of communication and the fact that everyone knows about each other’s expertise and what to expect from one another. Over the years, the facilities have improved and the company offices have become more modern. At times, Albert can secretly get nostalgic about those early days though when the team was still very small and close-knit and everyone worked together in the same space. He also loved the company office at the Waalhaven, where the beautiful view of the ships out on the water kept him and his colleagues connected to daily practice.

In this interview, we look to both the past and the future. One thing that Albert would still like to do is work on optimisations and apply his mathematical perspective to this; how many movements a crane has to perform to move a container and in what order. Having worked on software solutions for inland container terminals and carriers for so long, he has become increasingly attuned to the requirements of users. Of course, nothing makes his day more than seeing someone use a product in practice that he has co-developed.

Out of your head, towards physical, on stage

Due to the analytical nature of his job, Albert often finds himself ‘stuck in his head’. For about ten years now, he has found a way to get out of his head though; performing on stage. Albert is member of a Rotterdam-based theatre group and has participated in several performances. We were also able to admire him on the screen, when his theatre group (temporarily) switched to making video productions during the pandemic. Although Albert found this form of acting interesting, his true passion lies in performing on stage. Shooting movie scenes involves a lot of waiting and performing multiple takes for a single shot. On stage, everything must be done right the first time. There is constant interaction with other actors, which also involves a lot of improvisation. One day, Albert hopes to play the lead role or perform his own monologue. In the meantime, he is having a ball with our own puppet theatre ?.

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Inland terminals receive truck pre-notifications via HCN Road

Modality — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:42:00 +0000

Since last year, truck operators that want to load or unload containers at the inland terminals of ITG Rotterdam, CTVrede Amsterdam and CTVrede Hoogtij have been able to submit their pre-notifications through the Portbase service HCN Road. Not only does this allow the terminals to better streamline visiting truck traffic, but it offers numerous advantages to the truck operator as well. In this article, we outline the benefits for both parties.

Benefits of using HCN Road for inland terminals
Until recently, only deepsea terminals were able to receive pre-notifications via HCN Road. However, the inland terminals of ITG Rotterdam and CTVrede, which service many third-party drivers, needed greater insight into the visits of road hauliers. If the terminal knows in advance which road hauliers to expect and when, it can prepare the correct containers and reduce the number of handlings. This also helps to prevent unnecessary delays at the gate, for example due to incorrect reference numbers or because a container has not yet been released. Since road hauliers specify a time slot or window when registering, it also becomes easier to anticipate peak traffic moments.

Benefits of using HCN Road for truck operators
Many road hauliers are already familiar with the submission of pre-notifications via HCN Road for the collection and delivery of containers at deepsea terminals. When the inland operator submits a ‘pre-notification’, updates are automatically sent whenever the status of the pre-notified container changes. As a result, road hauliers can be confident that a container has actually been released when they come to collect it. Upon submitting the definitive pre-notification, the truck operator specifies a time for their visit and subsequently receives the TAR (Truck Appointment Registration) number. This TAR number serves as the appointment confirmation and is valid for the entire day. Use of the TAR code is mandatory at CTVrede, which also uses EAN validation at the gate. The EAN number is a unique number that is associated with the road hauliers; if transport is outsourced to another road hauliers, the final road hauliers with the correct associated EAN number must be specified in the pre-notification. This control method is also already used at ECT.

Incidentally, use of the TAR code is not yet mandatory at ITG Rotterdam. Since the start of this year, CTVrede has made the use of this code mandatory for all terminal visits.

Since the start of this year, CTVrede has made the use of this code mandatory for all terminal visits.

Intensive test process with Portbase and terminal
Inland terminals with limited insight into visiting truck traffic stand to benefit from HCN Road in various ways. However, both the terminal and the software supplier must be certified by Portbase before they can use the service. This involves a combination of terminal and software supplier. Each new terminal that wants to start using HCN Road must complete the test process with Portbase again and conclude various test scenarios. The same applies to Modality, which needs to go through the entire procedure for each new participant. This is a lengthy process, but once the system goes live it ensures a much more efficient registration and handling process for truck traffic – after all, any possible scenario has been extensively tested beforehand.

Would you like to learn more about submitting pre-notifications via HCN Road? We will gladly provide you with more details and guide you through the process!

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Modality becomes part of the ICT Group

Modality — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 09:56:47 +0000

We would like to inform you that Modality will become part of the ICT Group. Under the wings of the ICT Group, Modality aims to further expand and strengthen its market-leading position.

Please refer to this message for further information.

Het bericht Modality becomes part of the ICT Group verscheen eerst op Modality.

Web applications for supporting customer service, transport execution and terminal operation

Modality — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:56 +0000

Over the past decade, the demand for our web applications – and, with that, their development – has increased significantly. For example, container terminals have started using web applications to enhance terminal operations; web applications that support the transport process or customer service activities are in high demand as well. As a result, our web department is continuously working on developing new applications and optimising and standardising existing ones. In this article, we will highlight our newly developed web apps and the improvements that have been made to existing applications.

Web applications for customer service, transport and terminal operations
Regarding our web applications, we make a distinction between apps that support transport, ones that support terminal operations and commercial web applications. Web applications that support terminal operations are mostly used in outside terminal operations. Good examples in this respect are our crane and reach stacker applications. In terms of web applications that support the transport process, we have our barge app and truck app. Regarding commercial web applications, we offer our Client Portal, which enables customers to easily share data with their clients. Behind the scenes, our web department is continuously developing new web applications and further standardising and optimising existing ones. Among other things, this recently led to the introduction of our graphical terminal overview as a web app. We also developed a truck order web portal for obtaining status information for transports outsourced to external carriers and our Modality project administration will soon be upgraded as well.

Graphical terminal overview
The graphical terminal overview offers a clear visual overview of the current container inventory registered within the Modality system. This gives users immediate insight into stack positions and current container inventory. The graphical terminal overview or graphical stack overview has been available for some time already as an integrated module within our office applications. For a year now, the graphical overview has also been fully available as a web-based app, allowing operational departments to use this module on a mobile device. Alongside the introduction of the web version, various improvements were implemented as well. For example, users can now zoom in on the different stacks and views are available which allow for the data values within the displayed containers to be adjusted; for instance, users can choose to display container numbers or container types. Both office staff and operational departments work in the same module with regard to the graphical overview. When the graphical terminal overview is launched from the office system, the user is linked to the web application. In addition to the current terminal overview, in which we build the entire terminal layout based on specifications from our customers, a module is now also available which allows users to independently design and build a graphical terminal overview from scratch. Customers can draw each element (stack, building, water, rail, road, bollard, etc.) themselves. This feature particularly benefits container terminals where the stack layout regularly changes.

The graphical terminal overview offers a clear visual overview of the current container inventory and stack positions

Truck order web portal & truck app
The truck order web portal was developed to provide insight into the progress of outsourced transport. Company drivers use the truck app to retrieve trip instructions, confirm various status moments and upload signed documents. The truck app directly communicates all data with the Modality office application, offering planners real-time insight into the progress of the transport. However, this real-time data is unavailable when transport is outsourced to a third-party carrier. The truck order web portal ensures that third-party drivers can easily log in and confirm status moments. From the truck planning, a truck order is generated that features a QR code. After scanning this QR code, the driver is directed to the web portal. In addition to confirming the various status moments of the transport via the web portal, the driver can also use it to upload documents.

Optimisation of project administration
Our project administration is currently also undergoing further optimisation. Customers frequently use the project administration to communicate system wishes and issues and to prioritise previously reported development points. An update has been planned for the first quarter of this year; changes include an improved chat function and increased user-friendliness. Once we have implemented this update, we will contact several customers to work together on the further optimisation of our project administration.

Would you like to learn more about the web applications mentioned in this article, or are you interested in exploring our other web-based automation solutions? Our sales department will gladly explain the available options to you!

Het bericht Web applications for supporting customer service, transport execution and terminal operation verscheen eerst op Modality.

Codebreaker; the 25-year evolution of support star Ronnie

Modality — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:41:10 +0000

Working at Modality

Meet Ronnie

Codebreaker; the 25-year evolution of support star Ronnie

This time, we interview one of Modality’s veterans. Support star Ronnie has been with us for over 25 years, making him a proverbial fixed feature. A fixed feature that has moved with us many times though. Ronnie has worked at all our different locations and has witnessed first-hand how our organisation has grown both literally and figuratively with every relocation.

Back to the Future

It is a beautiful September day in 1998 when Ronnie, then still Ronnietje, walks into the Dokkantoor office building at Rotterdam’s Heijplaat. He puts his Walkman in his bag (the journey by public transport took at least an hour and fifteen minutes) and carefully observes his surroundings. On one side of the room, a man with unruly curls is bent over a Packard Bell, nervously tapping the floor with his right foot. On the other side, a man in a suit with a Motorola clamped between his ear and shoulder is changing the paper of the fax machine. Both welcome Ronnie and after a brief interview, he becomes the company’s third employee. Ronnie continues his IT studies whilst also programming and performing various support activities for Jan and Aad.

Over the years, Ronnie has witnessed many changes. In the early days, all orders still came in by fax and a different colour of paper was used for each financial year. Installations (including individual PCs) were performed on-site at the customer and support for solving system problems was also provided on-site. Logging in required a dial-up connection with that typical sound that was oh so familiar to anyone who was no longer in diapers in ’98. The demand for systems grew and the team soon expanded. They relocated from the Dokkantoor office complex to the Waalhaven; not only did Ronnie and his colleagues no longer needed to share their toilets with other companies, but they also enjoyed a beautiful view. A few years later, the team outgrew this location as well and they relocated to Oslo street in Barendrecht. At this point, the customer base had grown to such an extent that a separate support department was established.

Ronnie:

"Having a customer tell you that they are happy with a solution is always rewarding, especially when it truly aids their operations."

The Source Code

Since then, Ronnie’s responsibilities have included handling questions and requests for the support department, carrying out installations, testing interfaces, preparing quotes, etc. Due to his programming background, Ronnie is able to check the code and also directly engage with customers on technical matters. He tackles smaller programming issues himself each day and interacts with customers after a new installation. The varied nature of his job, the contact with customers and the pleasant atmosphere are the main reasons why Ronnie has stayed with us for more than 25 years. Then, there are the parties and outings, of which he has fond memories. Some examples he mentions are the anniversary party that involved playing football at the De Kuip football stadium, the party aboard the SS Rotterdam and the trip to Barcelona.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Not only does Ronnie love parties and good food; this prankster is also always up for a joke. For instance, he recently swapped a boiled egg from Esmee's lunch for a raw one and ambushed Albert and Evert with sticky tape at the doorway as they arrived. Fortunately, most of Ronnie's ideas remain just that; ideas. In his own words, he wants to maintain a good atmosphere and not take things too far.

In his spare time, Ronnie can frequently be found on the sidelines of a football field cheering on his son. He also enjoys chasing goals whilst playing indoor football. Besides his son, he and his beautiful Costa Rican wife have a daughter who is studying Chemical Technology. Although Ronnie likes adventurous and active holidays, the most important thing to him is the well-being and health of his family. He requires little more to be happy.

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Het bericht Codebreaker; the 25-year evolution of support star Ronnie verscheen eerst op Modality.

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A broad foundation

Niels:

"For me, it is important that we constantly aim to improve all aspects of software development. This involves coding standards, for example, but also tools and processes to boost efficiency and enhance the quality of the final software."

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Albert:

"What I appreciate about Modality is that it is a stable employer. Whether times were turbulent or not, there has always been enough work and we have grown steadily by about one employee per year."

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