The verdict in three sentences
In an empty container depot, every minute lost at the gate costs truck queues, and every forgotten storage day is lost revenue billable to the shipping line. Depot software handling the electronic EIR with photos, the yard plan, line repair estimates and EDI CODECO messages brings gate time down from 15 to 20 minutes to 5 to 7 minutes and makes billing reliable. At Kolonell, this project falls under complex applications: 7M to 15M FCFA (10,670 to 22,870 EUR), delivered in 4 to 6 months.
The essential modules
The manager of a 6,000 TEU depot near the Port of Durban currently juggles paper slips, one Excel file per line and repair estimates by email. The software structures the whole container cycle.
| Module | Function | Expected gain |
|---|---|---|
| Gate and EIR | Tablet entry, 6 to 8 photos, CEDEX damage codes, driver signature | Gate time from 15 min to 5 to 7 min |
| Yard plan | Block, row, tier position by line and type (20, 40, 40 HC, reefer) | Find a container in under 2 min |
| Repairs | Estimates on the line's tariff, before and after photos, online approval | Approval from 5 days to 48 h |
| Storage | Free days per contract, automatic calculation, monthly invoices | No more unbilled days |
| EDI | CODECO gate-in and gate-out messages, stock reports by line | Daily reconciliation with lines |
| Release bookings | Check booking numbers and authorised quantities | Fewer release errors |
| Dashboard | Occupancy, turnover, revenue by line | Commercial steering |
The EDI CODECO module is often required by global lines to track their boxes in real time. The format follows EDIFACT standards; each line has its own specifics, hence a connector cost per line.
Budget in 2026
| Work package | Range (FCFA) | Approx. EUR | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping, gate process, yard plan | 800,000 to 1,500,000 | 1,220 to 2,290 | 3 to 4 weeks of process mapping |
| Tablet EIR app with photos | 1,800,000 to 3,500,000 | 2,740 to 5,340 | Offline mode for unstable networks |
| Yard plan and moves | 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 | 2,290 to 4,570 | Stacking, reefers, damaged boxes |
| Repairs and line tariffs | 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 | 1,830 to 3,810 | Estimates, approval, history |
| Storage and services billing | 900,000 to 2,000,000 | 1,370 to 3,050 | Free days, lifts, washing, reefer PTI |
| EDI CODECO (per line beyond the first) | 400,000 to 900,000 | 610 to 1,370 | Testing with each line |
| Training, stock migration, go-live | 400,000 to 1,600,000 | 610 to 2,440 | Physical yard inventory |
| Total project | 7,000,000 to 15,000,000 | 10,670 to 22,870 | 4 to 6 months |
On top of this come hosting and maintenance: the Premium plan at 120,000 FCFA (about 180 EUR) a month suits a critical tool used 24/7. Rugged tablets are extra, roughly ZAR 9,000 to 16,000 each as a 2026 order of magnitude.
A 4 to 6 month schedule
| Month | Deliverable |
|---|---|
| M1 | Scoping, EIR mock-ups, billing rules per line |
| M2 | Gate app tested on one lane, yard plan |
| M3 | Repairs, billing, first CODECO connector |
| M4 | Physical inventory, stock migration, go-live |
| M5 and M6 | Remaining line connectors, dashboard, adjustments |
Go-live ideally happens over a low-activity weekend, with parallel paper entry for 1 to 2 weeks to secure the switchover.
Mini case study
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Sipho, manager of a 6,000 TEU depot in Durban serving 5 shipping lines, finds that 3 to 5% of storage days are never billed for lack of tracking. With monthly storage revenue of about 27,000 EUR, that represents 810 to 1,350 EUR a month, or 9,700 to 16,200 EUR a year. He also saves 2 hours of admin work a day on EIR entry and invoice preparation. For a project at 11,000,000 FCFA (about 16,770 EUR) and Premium maintenance of about 2,200 EUR a year, recovering unbilled days alone pays back the investment in 12 to 21 months. Illustrative scenario, to validate against the depot's real data.
FAQ
Does the software work if the network drops at the gate?
Yes, the tablet app records EIRs offline and syncs as soon as the network returns. That is essential in a port area where 10 to 30 minute outages are common.
Do we need an EDI connector for each line?
CODECO is a shared format, but each line has its own codes and tests: allow 400,000 to 900,000 FCFA (610 to 1,370 EUR) per line beyond the first. Small clients can receive a daily Excel export.
How many photos per EIR?
Usually 6 to 8: four sides, roof, floor, doors and number. They serve as evidence in damage disputes, avoiding rebilling of 75 to 450 EUR per case.
Can it handle reefers?
Yes, with PTI (pre-trip inspection) tracking, plug-in records and electricity billing. That module adds about 10 to 15% to the budget.
Why not buy existing depot software?
International solutions often cost 1,500 to 4,000 EUR a month and adapt poorly to local billing practices. Custom software makes sense from 3,000 to 4,000 TEU.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your TEU capacity, your shipping lines and your billing rules: we scope the depot software between 10,670 and 22,870 EUR, delivered in 4 to 6 months. 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.
