Blog post -
Digitalization turned into a consultancy frenzy – now companies just want solutions that work
Digitalization was meant to simplify everyday business. But for many companies, the opposite has happened. New systems, integrations, and dependencies have made logistics flows more fragile and expensive. In the pursuit of efficiency, many have instead created complexity, and lost sight of what really matters: keeping operations running smoothly every single day.
“Many organizations have become trapped in a digitalization mindset that consumes more resources than it frees up. There’s too much technology and too little business value,” said Björn-Ola Kronander, system integration expert and Chairman of the Board at Connect Companies.
When simplicity becomes a competitive advantage
In theory, digitalization should lead to better control, higher efficiency, and fewer errors. In practice, it’s often the opposite. Each new application or integration requires consultants, updates, and support contracts, creating an ever-growing IT structure that costs more to maintain than it saves.
“There’s a culture in the industry where complexity is sometimes mistaken for competence. The more systems and settings involved, the ‘smarter’ the solution appears. But it’s the other way around, the best solution is usually the one you barely notice,” said Kronander.
He notes that more companies are now beginning to question the digital frameworks they’ve built over the past decade. Instead of adding yet another layer of technology, they’re looking for ways to strip away the unnecessary and focus on stability, simplicity, and control.
Transport administration – the forgotten bottleneck
A clear example of this is transport administration (TA). Despite being essential for getting goods out the door on time, TA systems have long been neglected. Many have become chaotic, burdened by layers of integrations, customizations, and external dependencies.
“When you need to bring in consultants just to add a new carrier or update a label template, things have gone too far. Technology should adapt to the business, not the other way around,” Kronander said.
He points out that many companies are still paying high license and transaction fees for systems that require manual handling and where downtime can have major financial consequences.
Blue TA – digitalization that works
Against this backdrop, Connect Companies has developed Blue TA, a transport administration service that challenges traditional systems by being exactly what many businesses are asking for: simple, fast, and cost-efficient. The solution runs equally well in the cloud or on-premises and is built on the Blue Integrator platform, ensuring a stable data flow between ERP systems, TA, and carriers.
“Blue TA isn’t a reaction against digitalization, it’s a reminder of what digitalization was supposed to be: technology that works quietly in the background, not something that creates additional headaches,” said Kronander.
For companies with high transport volumes, the effects can be substantial. Faster response times, fewer errors, and reduced dependency on consultants, freeing up both time and resources, while providing more control across the entire supply chain.
From tech obsession to business value
Kronander sees a growing maturity in how companies approach technology. After years of constant upgrades and pilot projects, many now want solutions that are robust, understandable, and deliver clear business benefits.
“Digitalization must never become an end in itself. Success isn’t defined by the level of technology, but by how well it supports the business. When it comes to transport administration, it ultimately comes down to one thing, making sure goods arrive on time, every time,” Kronander concluded.
Björn-Ola Kronander
