The verdict in three sentences
An empty container depot handling more than 10,000 moves a month can no longer run its inventory on paper without losing money on every repair and every unbilled storage day. Custom depot management software costs between 15 and 35 million FCFA (about 23,000 to 53,000 EUR) in Cotonou in 2026, depending on how many shipping lines are connected via EDI CODECO and how automated the gate is. The return comes from three measurable sources: truck turnaround cut in half, complete storage and repair billing, and EIR disputes settled with time-stamped photos.
What paper really costs a Cotonou depot
Around the Port Autonome de Cotonou, empty container depots work for several shipping lines at once. Every gate-in and gate-out produces an EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt), a condition survey, and sometimes a repair estimate the line must approve. On paper, these documents get lost, are retyped into Excel 24 to 48 hours late, and the line receives its movement report too late to plan repositioning.
| Item | Paper + Excel | Depot software (2026 order of magnitude) |
|---|---|---|
| Truck time at the gate | 25 to 40 min | 10 to 18 min |
| Movement report delay to the line | 24 to 48 h | Real time (EDI CODECO) |
| Inventory errors (box not found) | 2 to 4% of stock | Under 0.5% |
| Unbilled storage days | 3 to 6% | Under 1% |
| Repair estimate approval time | 3 to 7 days | 24 to 72 h |
| Disputes over container condition | Frequent, no proof | Time-stamped photos on the EIR |
At 12,000 moves a month, even 3% of forgotten storage days adds up to several million FCFA a year. That is often the first argument that convinces a depot manager.
Modules and their price in FCFA
Depot software is not a generic ERP. It must speak the shipping lines' language: ISO container type codes (22G1, 45G1, 22R1), CEDEX damage codes, EDIFACT CODECO messages for moves and COPARN for release bookings.
| Module | Function | Indicative 2026 price |
|---|---|---|
| Gate (gate-in / gate-out) | Tablet, number capture, check digit validation, digital EIR | 3 to 6 million FCFA |
| EIR with photos | Condition survey, 6 to 12 photos, driver signature | 1.5 to 3 million FCFA |
| Inventory and yard map | Position by block, row, tier, instant search | 2.5 to 5 million FCFA |
| Maintenance and repair (M&R) | CEDEX estimates, line approval, work tracking | 2.5 to 6 million FCFA |
| Shipping line billing | Storage, handling, repairs, accounting export | 2 to 5 million FCFA |
| EDI CODECO / COPARN | Automated exchanges with 3 to 8 lines | 2 to 7 million FCFA |
| Line and forwarder portal | Stock lookup, release bookings | 1.5 to 3 million FCFA |
A first operational version (gate, EIR, inventory, billing) lands around 15 million FCFA for a 4 to 5 month project. The full version with multi-line EDI, repair module and portal reaches 30 to 35 million FCFA. Then budget 2 to 4% per month for hosting and maintenance, i.e. 300,000 to 900,000 FCFA monthly.
Integrations and success factors
Three points separate a project that runs from one that gets abandoned. First, the gate must work offline: network outages are common in port areas, and the tablet app syncs as soon as the connection returns. Second, each shipping line has its own CODECO variants: plan a test phase with each, lasting 2 to 4 weeks. Third, existing stock is loaded through a full physical count, ideally over a weekend, with teams equipped with tablets.
Common integrations in Cotonou: export to accounting software (Sage or Odoo), SMS to the forwarder when the box is ready, and release fee payment by Mobile Money (MTN MoMo, Moov Money) for small forwarders.
Mini case study
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Mr. Houngbédji runs a 4-hectare depot near the port of Cotonou: 12,000 moves a month, 5 shipping line clients, monthly billing of about 180 million FCFA. His internal audit shows 4% of storage days unbilled, i.e. 7.2 million FCFA per month in lost revenue.
He invests 26 million FCFA in software covering the gate, photo EIR, inventory, billing and EDI CODECO for 3 lines. Six months after go-live, unbilled days drop to 0.8%, i.e. 1.44 million FCFA. The monthly gain reaches 5.76 million FCFA, plus fewer repair disputes. The investment pays back in under 5 months of operation, including 600,000 FCFA monthly maintenance.
FAQ
How long does it take to deploy depot software in Cotonou?
A first version with gate, EIR and inventory goes live in 4 to 5 months. Adding EDI with each shipping line takes 2 to 4 extra weeks of testing per carrier.
Is special hardware needed at the gate?
Rugged tablets (250,000 to 450,000 FCFA each) are enough in most cases. Automatic number reading with OCR cameras is an option, at 4 to 8 million FCFA per lane.
Can the software run during an internet outage?
Yes, if the gate app is built offline-first. EIRs are stored locally and synced within a minute when the network returns.
Why not license a European depot system?
Foreign solutions often cost 1,500 to 4,000 EUR a month, i.e. 1 to 2.6 million FCFA, without Mobile Money support or local assistance. Over 5 years, custom software is often cheaper and you own it.
How does the shipping line access the data?
Through CODECO messages sent automatically on every move, and through a web portal where it checks stock, views EIR photos and approves repair estimates.
Let's scope your project. Send us your monthly moves, shipping line clients and current tools: we will price a scope between 15 and 35 million FCFA with a 4 to 6 month schedule. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
