The verdict in three sentences
A vertical TMS (30-80 EUR/user/month) is enough to digitise a simple fleet, but as soon as you want to optimise routes, connect your ERP and your customers, custom software becomes profitable. Budget 60,000 to 150,000 EUR for a complete logistics platform with driver app and proof of delivery. The real ROI is not in the saved licence but in the avoided mileage (-15 to -25 %) and delivery disputes cut by two thirds.
Off-the-shelf TMS or custom platform: which to choose?
The choice depends on the complexity of your flows and your willingness to connect transport to the rest of your chain. A SaaS TMS deploys in a few weeks but locks you into its data model; custom software matches your business rules (time slots, customer constraints, multi-warehouse) but requires an upfront investment.
| Criterion | Vertical TMS (SaaS) | Custom platform |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 0 to 8,000 EUR (setup) | 60,000 to 150,000 EUR |
| Recurring cost | 30-80 EUR/user/month | Hosting 150-500 EUR/month |
| Time to launch | 3 to 8 weeks | 4 to 7 months |
| Route optimisation | Basic / optional | Engine tailored to your constraints |
| ERP + customer connection | Limited API | Custom, bidirectional |
| Driver app (POD) | Standard | Tailored to your processes |
| Code ownership | No | Yes |
For 25 users, a TMS at 55 EUR/month represents 16,500 EUR/year, nearly 50,000 EUR over three years — without ever owning the tool or being able to extend it freely.
Where the ROI hides in logistics
The gains don't come from the software but from what it enables. Three levers dominate the calculation.
| Lever | Typical 2026 impact | Effect on a 25-vehicle fleet |
|---|---|---|
| Route optimisation | -15 to -25 % mileage | 40,000 to 70,000 EUR/year fuel and wear |
| Proof of delivery (POD) | -30 % disputes | 15,000 to 30,000 EUR/year of avoided goodwill costs |
| Real-time customer tracking | -40 % support calls | 1 to 2 FTE relieved |
| Automated planning | +20 % routes/planner | 1 planner per 35 vehicles instead of 25 |
Mini case study
Thomas, logistics director of a food distribution SME in Rennes, runs 25 trucks and bills 4.2 M EUR of transport a year. His planners build routes in Excel and he suffers 8 % delivery disputes. He invests 95,000 EUR in a custom platform: optimisation engine, driver app with photo and signature, customer tracking portal. Result over 12 months: -19 % mileage (58,000 EUR saved), disputes down to 3 % (22,000 EUR of goodwill costs avoided). Annual gain: 80,000 EUR, a payback in 14 months, hosting included.
FAQ
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Isn't an off-the-shelf TMS enough to start?
If your flows are simple and standard, yes. But as soon as you have specific customer constraints (time slots, docks, multi-warehouse), configuring a TMS gets expensive and stays limited. Custom becomes profitable beyond 20-25 vehicles.
How much does the driver app alone cost?
A driver app with proof of delivery (photo, signature, scan), offline mode and synchronisation typically represents 15,000 to 30,000 EUR within a global project. It is the module with the best immediate ROI.
Can the software connect to my existing ERP?
Yes, that is the main appeal of custom. A bidirectional connection with an ERP (Sage, SAP, Odoo) costs 8,000 to 20,000 EUR depending on the richness of the exchanges (orders, stock, invoicing).
How fast can we go live?
Budget 4 to 7 months for a complete platform, with a first usable version (planning + driver app) deliverable in 8 to 10 weeks if you proceed in phases.
What maintenance budget should I plan?
Between 12 and 18 % of the development cost per year, i.e. 12,000 to 25,000 EUR for a 100,000 EUR project, including evolutions, support and hosting.
Let's scope your project. Describe your fleet, your flows and your pain points (routing, disputes, customer tracking): we'll price a custom TMS core suited to your volume. 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.
