The verdict in three sentences
For a 6,000 TEU depot serving 4 shipping lines in the Amsterdam port area, custom empty container depot software costs between 60,000 and 100,000 EUR in 2026, depending on EDI depth and the number of modules. The payback mostly comes from digital EIRs with photos, which cut damage disputes, and from CEDEX repair estimates that lines approve faster. Plan for 4 months, including one month of live testing at the depot gate.
What the software must cover in an Amsterdam depot
An empty depot runs on the rhythm of trucks moving between the terminals of Westpoort and inland hubs. Every movement must produce a dated, signed, illustrated EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt), then a CODECO message to the line. Damaged boxes go through inspection, a repair estimate coded under CEDEX (location, component, damage, repair), then approval by the line's technical desk.
| Module | Main function | Indicative 2026 budget |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile gate in / gate out | Digital EIR, timestamped photos, driver signature | 12,000 to 18,000 EUR |
| Inventory and yard plan | Position by block, row, tier, status by line | 9,000 to 15,000 EUR |
| Inspection and CEDEX estimates | Damage codes, labour and parts rates per line | 11,000 to 18,000 EUR |
| Shipping line EDI | CODECO, DESTIM, WESTIM, acknowledgements | 12,000 to 22,000 EUR |
| Invoicing | Storage, handling, washing, repairs per customer | 6,000 to 10,000 EUR |
| Line portal | Real-time stock, online estimate approval | 6,000 to 10,000 EUR |
The minimum core (gate, inventory, inspection) starts around 60,000 EUR. The full scope with two-way EDI and portal approaches 100,000 EUR.
Custom build or depot package: a costed comparison
International depot packages exist, but they charge per licence and per connected line, and customising line-specific tariffs often comes as paid professional services.
| Criterion | International package | Custom build by Kolonell |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 40,000 to 70,000 EUR setup | 60,000 to 100,000 EUR, source code delivered |
| Annual subscription | 20,000 to 38,000 EUR | Hosting and maintenance 7,000 to 14,000 EUR |
| Offline mode at the gate | Rarely included | Included: sync when network returns |
| CEDEX rates per line | Paid configuration | Dedicated grid per customer included |
| 5-year cost (estimate) | 140,000 to 260,000 EUR | 95,000 to 170,000 EUR |
| Timeline | 3 to 6 months depending on vendor | 4 months |
The gap is mainly in the subscription: over five years, the custom build is, as a 2026 order of magnitude, about 35 to 40 % cheaper, and the depot owns its interchange data.
4-month plan and watch points
| Month | Deliverable | Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | Scoping, gate app mock-ups, EDI specifications | Sign-off by 1 pilot line |
| Month 2 | Mobile gate, inventory, photos and PDF EIR | Test on 200 real movements |
| Month 3 | CEDEX inspection, estimates, invoicing | Comparison against 1 month of paper estimates |
| Month 4 | EDI for the 4 lines, portal, training | Full cutover and reinforced support |
Two topics need early attention: getting each line's EDI implementation guide early, since qualifiers differ, and providing rugged tablets with spare batteries for gate clerks.
Mini case study
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Pieter, manager of a 6,000 TEU depot near Amsterdam, handles about 3,200 movements per month. With paper EIRs he estimates losing 9,000 EUR per month in disputed damages that never get recharged, and repair estimates wait 6 days on average for approval. After an 80,000 EUR project, timestamped photos cut disputes by 60 %, recovering 5,400 EUR per month, and approval time drops to 2 days, freeing boxes faster for leasing. The project pays back in roughly 15 months, before rotation gains.
FAQ
Does the software work without connectivity at the gate?
Yes, the gate app stores the EIR and photos locally, then syncs when the network returns. In pilots, this mode prevents losing 100 % of movements recorded during outages.
Do we need a separate EDI translator?
No, CODECO, DESTIM and WESTIM generation is built in. The 12,000 to 22,000 EUR EDI budget covers the 4 lines, and each additional line costs about 3,000 EUR.
How many clerks and tablets should we plan for?
For 3,200 movements a month, 4 to 6 rugged tablets are enough, around 4,000 to 8,000 EUR of hardware. The software is not priced per user.
Can lines approve estimates online?
Yes, through the line portal: the technical desk sees photos, CEDEX codes and the amount, then approves or amends. Average approval time typically falls from 6 to 2 days.
Where is the data hosted?
Data is hosted in an EU cloud region with daily backups, for 400 to 900 EUR per month depending on photo volume. The depot keeps full access and can export its history at any time.
Let's scope your project. Share your TEU capacity, your shipping line customers and the EDI messages you need: we will price a scope between 60,000 and 100,000 EUR with a 4-month plan. 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.
