Blog post -
When logistics fail, it can cost millions – why Transport Administration systems must be seen as critical infrastructure
In modern logistics, every second counts. When a shipping label fails to print or communication with a carrier’s system disconnects, the impact is immediate: goods are left stranded, trucks wait, and deliveries are delayed. Yet transport administration (TA) is still treated as a secondary function in many companies’ digital strategies, a costly mistake that few fully appreciate.
“Transport administration is a mission-critical function, but many still see it as just another tool. In reality, even a short outage can have the same effect as a stop in production,” said Stefan Jörkander, integration expert and CEO of Connect Companies.
A growing cloud dependency brings new risks
Most modern TA systems are cloud-based, which sounds sensible: easy access, centralized updates, and low startup costs. But, in practice, it also means greater dependency on internet connectivity and the uptime of external providers.
“When everything runs through the cloud, even a brief communication failure can stop label printing entirely. It happens more often than people think, especially in high-volume operations,” said Jörkander.
For companies handling large volumes with tight time windows, minutes can quickly turn into hours. Every delay affects productivity, delivery reliability, and ultimately customer trust. In an era where logistics is often the last true competitive edge, the operational reliability of TA systems becomes crucial.
A blind spot in digital transformation
Over the past decade, most companies have invested heavily in digitalizing ERP systems, e-commerce platforms, and production control. However, TA systems have often been left behind. The result is that many organizations are still stuck with slow, expensive, and inflexible solutions.
“It’s like building a motorway but leaving the exit road unpaved. The TA system is the final step in the delivery chain, and yet it’s the one most often neglected,” said Jörkander.
Reliability as a competitive advantage
To address these issues, Connect Companies has developed Blue TA – a new transport administration service designed for stability, speed, and predictability. Unlike traditional cloud-only models, Blue TA can be deployed both in the cloud and on-premise. This gives customers full control and minimizes their dependence on the internet for critical processes such as label printing and transport booking.
“We’ve seen how companies have grown tired of TA solutions that simply don’t stand up to real-world environments. Blue TA is built to work every single day, whether the network is down or demand is peaking,” Jörkander explained.
According to Connect Companies, organizations with high transport volumes can often recoup their investment in less than six months, primarily through reduced downtime and lower administrative costs.
Real-world results
Pilot customers such as Star Trading and Golvabia are already seeing the benefits. Both report increased stability in outbound deliveries and faster system response times. In some cases, label printing times have dropped from several seconds to under one.
“It may sound like a small difference, but for companies handling hundreds or thousands of shipments per day, it’s huge. When operations run smoothly, time is freed up, costs go down, and staff can focus on adding value rather than firefighting,” said Jörkander.
From support function to strategic asset
Transport administration may be one of the most invisible parts of logistics, but it’s also among the most important. As supply chains become increasingly integrated and demands for traceability continue to rise, the role of TA systems will only become more prominent.
“Companies that view TA as a strategic asset rather than a technical detail will have a clear advantage moving forward. It’s not about adding yet another digital solution, it’s about safeguarding the very backbone of logistics,” Jörkander concluded.
