Container Management Software: Softengine Web’s Solution

In today’s global trade environment, companies face mounting challenges as vessel schedule reliability hovers around 54.91% and late arrivals average 5.32 days, impacting production and delivery plans (1). Meanwhile, average container transit times climbed to 68 days in Q4 2024, extending cash‑to‑cash cycles and tying up working capital (2). Softengine Web Container Management software addresses these hurdles by offering end‑to‑end visibility and control, from precise inbound shipment tracking and multi‑PO consolidation to SAP‑synchronized ETAs, simple receiving modes, fill visualization, in‑transit reconciliation, GS1‑compliant labeling, Incoterm‑based ownership logic, and custom status workflows. The result is optimized freight utilization, minimized delays, and greater accuracy in material planning.

For more insight into what makes Softengine’s Container Management software revolutionary for the industry, keep reading today’s blog and check out a demo video of how to create your first container with the solution!

Key Challenges in Container Management

Global shipping remains unpredictable, with only 54.91% of sailings departing as scheduled, forcing many firms to buffer inventory and incur higher storage costs (1). Extended transit times—up to 68 days in late 2024—strain working capital and slow production lines, while manual processes for receiving and reconciliation introduce errors that ripple through inventory and financial systems (2). Add the complexity of varied Incoterms, GS1‑compliance, and multi‑origin shipments, and it’s clear why many organizations struggle to maintain cost‑effective, reliable inbound operations.

Comprehensive Features of Softengine Container Management

Track and Receive Inbound Shipments with Precision

Softengine captures real‑time status updates—whether by ocean carrier, trucking partner or rail operator—so you know exactly where each container sits in the supply chain. This “in transit” visibility means shipments can be monitored continuously, reducing exceptions and expediting issue resolution.

Multi-PO Container Building

By grouping several purchase orders into a single container, organizations cut down on paperwork and handling fees while maximizing box or pallet space. Consolidation also reduces customs clearance delays and voids duplicate charges—a practice shown to save procurement teams significant costs and warehouse footprint. Consolidated shipments further prevent port and customs bottlenecks, offering smoother cross‑border movement.

ETA Synchronization

Precise estimated time of arrival (ETA) feeds into SAP Business One’s material requirements planning (MRP) and available‑to‑promise (ATP) checks. Syncing ETAs from your transport management system (TMS) directly into SAP, improves order fulfillment accuracy.

Simple Receiving Mode

For transfers shipped directly from port of origin, Softengine enables receipt posting without the need for a goods receipt purchase order (GRPO). This accelerates processing of in‑transit inventory, goods moving between locations, so your warehouse teams can record arrivals and clear shipments faster.

Fill Visualization

Understand container utilization before it sails. Softengine Web Container Management’s dashboard displays fullness by weight, volume and pallet count, helping you balance loads to avoid cost‑incurring weight overages or poor cube utilization.

In-Transit Reconciliation

Match expected freight contents with carrier confirmations prior to posting into inventory. Early discrepancy detection—while cargo is still “in transit”—reduces write‑offs and administrative burdens once goods reach the warehouse.

Batch/Serial Labeling

Automatically generate GS1‑128 labels, GTINs or custom formats at receipt. These barcodes not only expedite scanning and put‑away but also support full traceability for recall readiness and compliance audits.

Incoterm Logic

Define transfer of ownership, port versus warehouse, and enforce statuses accordingly. With 60% of global trade containerized and most carriage contracts on a warehouse‑to‑warehouse basis, Incoterm clarity prevents disputes over risk and cost responsibilities (3).

Custom Status Workflow

Tailor statuses—In Transit, Unloading, Delivered, Returned—to match your operational stages, so stakeholders enjoy full transparency. In an era shaped by supply chain shocks from port blockages to rerouted vessels, real‑time status updates keep everyone aligned and responsive.

Multi-Cart Ordering

Hold multiple inbound builds in progressl; then switch between “carts” as priorities shift. This flexibility ensures that urgent orders can be consolidated quickly without disrupting longer‑term shipment plans.

Visual Fill & Costing

Estimate container costs based on weight or volume metrics, avoiding overage surcharges. Real‑time cost previews empower procurement to negotiate better rates and plan more profitable shipments.

Business Benefits of Softengine Container Management

Implementing these capabilities translates into concrete gains:

• Cost Savings: PO consolidation and optimized fill reduce per‑unit freight charges and demurrage fees.
• Operational Efficiency: Automated receiving and in‑transit reconciliation cut manual tasks and accelerate put‑away cycles.
• Inventory Accuracy: ETA synchronization ensures MRP and ATP reflect true inbound dates, slashing stockouts and emergency air‑freight costs.
• Compliance & Traceability: GS1‑compliant labeling streamlines audits and product recalls, supporting regulatory requirements.
• Enhanced Visibility: Custom workflows and status tracking keep teams and trading partners informed, reducing escalations.

Integration with SAP Business One for End-to-End Visibility

Softengine’s solution works seamlessly with SAP Business One

• MRP & ATP Alignment: ETAs feed into MRP-run and ATP checks, aligning procurement and production schedules.
• Master Data Consistency: Container and batch details sync automatically, eliminating redundant data entry.
• Event-Driven Alerts: Configurable notifications trigger when statuses change, ensuring exceptions are handled promptly.

Conclusion

As global shipping volatility persists and supply chain compliance becomes ever more critical, Softengine’s Container Management software offers the visibility, control and automation needed to optimize inbound freight operations. From PO consolidation and fill visualization to SAP‑synchronized ETAs and GS1 labeling, every feature works together to drive down costs, cut delays and improve the accuracy of planning processes. By adopting these capabilities, businesses can transform container handling from a recurring pain point into a strategic advantage.

Check out a Walkthrough of Softengine Container Management on our YouTube!

Softengine is Here to Help!

Partnering with Softengine, a Gold Partner for SAP and Acumatica, for your ERP implementation not only streamlines the data migration process but also ensures a seamless transition to your new ERP platform. Our team’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to customer success make us the ideal partner for organizations seeking to unlock the full potential of their ERP investment and scaling in the digital economy. Contact us to learn more about how our clients utilize ERP to enhance and scale their organizations, and see our solutions in action for yourself!

FAQs: Container Management Software with Softengine

What is Softengine Container Management?

It’s a solution that centralizes inbound shipment tracking, container consolidation, SAP ETA synchronization, simple receiving, fill visualization, in‑transit reconciliation, GS1‑compliant labeling, Incoterm logic and custom workflows.

How does multi‑PO container building save costs?

By grouping purchase orders into single shipments, companies reduce handling fees, customs charges and warehouse space allocation.

Can ETA synchronization improve my MRP accuracy?

Yes. Feeding carrier ETAs into SAP’s MRP and ATP engines ensures material planning reflects real‑world arrival dates.

What labeling standards are supported?

Softengine auto‑generates GS1‑128 barcodes, GTINs and custom label formats at receipt for full compliance and traceability.

How does Incoterm logic reduce shipment disputes?

By enforcing the transfer-of‑ownership point—port or warehouse—Incoterm logic clarifies risk and cost responsibilities for buyers and sellers.

What visibility does fill visualization provide?

It shows container utilization by weight, volume and pallet count, helping avoid overage fees and optimize cube usage.

Sources:

1. MacroMicro
2. DC Velocity
3. Incoterms® Rules