Kühne+Nagel
Cargo Management Tracking (CMT)
Enterprise Cargo Management at Global Scale
Kühne+Nagel is one of the world's leading logistics companies, operating across more than 1,300 locations in over 100 countries with more than 82,000 employees worldwide. Managing cargo of this scale demands robust, reliable, and intelligent technology.
The Cargo Management Tracking platform (CMT) was initiated in 2012 by a previous company of ThreeB IT's CEO Thimo Buchheister, and has been continuously developed and maintained by ThreeB IT ever since. It is a comprehensive, enterprise-grade web platform for tracking and managing cargo shipments across Kühne+Nagel's global logistics network.
82,000+ employees · 1,300+ locations · 100+ countries
Complex Logistics Workflows at Enterprise Scale
Global Scalability
The platform must handle high-volume cargo data across hundreds of Kühne+Nagel locations simultaneously, with zero tolerance for downtime during critical shipping operations.
System Integration
Seamless integration with Kühne+Nagel's existing enterprise systems was required, including their internal booking and detection infrastructure, while maintaining data consistency across regions.
Real-Time Tracking
Logistics coordinators and clients needed live visibility into cargo status across the full shipment lifecycle — from booking through to delivery confirmation.
EDI & Document Processing
Automated handling of EDIFACT-based EDI messages and the processing of thousands of cargo documents per day through various file formats and transfer protocols.
Kühne+Nagel needed a technology partner who could not only deliver a robust initial solution, but who would remain a trusted partner for years of continuous improvement — adapting to evolving business needs, integrating new services, and modernizing the platform as technology advanced.
A Multi-Tiered Microservices Platform Built for Longevity
ThreeB IT designed and built CMT as a comprehensive multi-tiered platform, combining REST APIs, Azure Functions, a full web interface, and deep integrations with both Kühne+Nagel's internal systems and third-party services.
Core API Architecture
CMT is structured around three dedicated REST APIs, each handling a distinct area of the logistics workflow, supported by a set of Azure Functions for automated background processing.
- Automation API — orchestrates automated workflows and file processing pipelines
- Booking API — manages cargo bookings, amendments, and status transitions
- Detection API — identifies and classifies incoming cargo data and documents
- Azure Functions — Analysis, Import, Mapping, and Upload Trigger functions for file automation
- Full web interface with real-time dashboards and Power BI integration
Deep System Integrations
CMT integrates with multiple external systems and communication channels to deliver a fully automated, end-to-end logistics management experience.
- EDIFACT EDI message handling for standards-compliant electronic data interchange
- Automated file transfer via FTP and SFTP protocols
- Email notifications via SendGrid and SMS alerts via Twilio
- Real-time analytics and reporting dashboards with embedded Power BI
- Live status updates and real-time push notifications via Azure SignalR Service
Azure Cloud Infrastructure
App Service
Azure Functions
Service Bus
Redis Cache
Key Vault
Application Insights
SignalR Service
SQL Server
Built on a Modern, Proven Tech Stack
14+ Years of Continuous Impact
CMT has been a mission-critical part of Kühne+Nagel's logistics operations for over a decade. The platform continues to evolve, supporting new business requirements while maintaining the highest levels of reliability and performance.
Long-Term Operational Stability
14+ years of continuous, uninterrupted operation powering Kühne+Nagel's cargo management worldwide.
Real-Time Global Tracking
Live cargo visibility across Kühne+Nagel's global network, enabling proactive management of shipments at every stage.
Automated Document Processing
Thousands of cargo documents and EDI messages processed automatically per day, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors.
Reduced Manual Processing Time
Automated workflows significantly reduced the time staff spend on repetitive data processing tasks, freeing them for higher-value activities.
Seamless System Integration
Deep, reliable integration with Kühne+Nagel's existing enterprise infrastructure, ensuring consistent data flow across all connected systems.
LET'S BUILD YOUR ENTERPRISE LOGISTICS SOLUTION
We have the experience and technical depth to build and maintain mission-critical enterprise platforms. Let's talk about your requirements.