How collaboration makes logistics better together

At the Open Logistics Foundation, ideas, projects, and solutions are developed through dialogue. Every member is encouraged to contribute suggestions for joint development. Every perspective is important, and every voice is heard.

95%

95% of our member companies prioritise actively shaping the direction of projects.

88%

88% appreciate the transparency and openness of the collaboration

86%

86% emphasise the continuous opportunity to acquire new skills.

Ideas emerge through collaboration
In open processes, clear structures – and with people like you

Collaboration within the Open Logistics Foundation is based on a clear system of rules and coordination, enabling us to strike a balance between cooperation and competition. Our actions are characterised by transparency and openness.

All members have the same rights and responsibilities and can contribute ideas for joint development. The challenges in logistics are significant, which is why it is essential that many companies to take responsibility.

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From idea to market

A structured Open Ideation Process lays the groundwork for long-term innovations that can sustainably transform the logistics industry.

Exchange of topics and ideas

During workshops, our members collaborate to develop topics related to the digitalisation of logistics that they wish to explore. This multi-stage process involves open idea generation and brainstorming. The Open Logistics Foundation Head Office promotes, moderates, and supports the discussion, grouping, and prioritisation of ideas and proposals.

Participating in Working Groups and projects

Working Groups or projects are established if several members agree to drive a topic forward with their own resources. The Open Logistics Foundation Head Office provides administrative, technical, and legal support to these Working Groups and projects.

Transformation into the companies

The software developed in these projects is freely available in the Open Logistics Repository of the Open Logistics Foundation. Members can integrate the software into their own IT systems either independently or with the help of suitable service providers. Non-members can also utilise the software; however, this final step falls outside the scope of the Open Logistics Foundation.

“How” in 90 seconds

“The companies are all really focused on creating results”

In the video, Carina Tüllmann, COO of the Open Logistics Foundation, explains how collaboration within the Open Logistics Foundation works – and the added value it offers its members.

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For innovators

Support from the very beginning

Companies that become members of the Open Logistics Foundation join a vibrant network and benefit from the Foundation’s many services.

Management & organisation

We provide a fair and neutral ground for collaboration among competitors in compliance with relevant competition laws. Specifically, we serve as the project office for each Working Group, facilitating productive cross-company collaboration through structured processes and tools, such as GitLab.

Technical support

We empower each member to identify and contribute topics that are strategically relevant to them within the ideation process. We also provide access to market analysis and research on the latest trends, standards, and technologies. Automated security and quality checks of open source code, as well as licence portfolio management, are parts of our services.

Inspiration

We organise various events and networking activities for our members, providing them with opportunities to openly discuss the challenges of digitalisation, generate new ideas, and explore potential solutions.

Robert Recknagel

Head of Operations & GoToMarket, Blue Yonder

»With over 40 years experience in Customs processes and Logistics, I want to help leverage the latest technologies to reduce the burden of border delays in our sector. I am convinced that we can make borders invisible, and importantly that we can achieve this using open source processes, software, and protocols.«

Dieter Sellner

Head of Digital Businesses, Schenker AG

»Together we enable de-facto standards for the future of logistics. The more people and companies cooperate and use the results, the more meaningful our open source developments are.«

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For adopters

Getting started made easy

All companies can access software from the Open Logistics Repository of the Open Logistics Foundation. It can be downloaded free of charge and used for commercial purposes. However, companies must integrate the software into their existing IT systems independently and customise it to meet their specific requirements. IT companies that are members of the Open Logistics Foundation and have worked on these projects could be valuable partners.

To the Repository

Meet inspiring people

Collaboration thrives when diverse minds come together. Whether you are an experienced professional, an innovative entrepreneur, or an emerging talent, our network provides the ideal environment for exchanging ideas, developing groundbreaking solutions, and shaping the future of logistics and IT.

We bring together:

Experts in logistics and IT.

Driving industry advancements with deep knowledge.

Creative communicators.

Transforming complex ideas into clear messages.

Young talent from logistics and IT

Meeting real-world challenges with fresh perspectives.

Corporate leaders

Shaping strategic visions and driving innovation.

Experienced developers

Building the digital backbone of tomorrow.

Innovative entrepreneurs

Disrupting the status quo with bold ideas.

Open source allrounders

Advocating for transparency and collaboration.

Legal experts

Ensuring compliance and security in a fast-moving world.

Check out our members

Work is easy in our community

Standardised language

Our working language is English. All Working Group and project meetings are conducted in English, as are all presentations and documents.

Digital meetings

Participants of Working Groups and projects meet for online meetings weekly or fortnightly, depending on the project phase.

Personal exchange

Members meet in person twice a year – at the Open Source Innovation Days networking event and the Open Ideation Workshop.

Why you should join us

Let’s jump right in

Your contribution makes a difference

Would you like to develop open source software for your digitalisation projects alongside other companies within the Open Logistics Foundation? We can help you get started.

Talk to us