IT Partner commits to structural modernization of the Center suite
Pressure on software for terminals and logistics operations is accelerating. Mobile workflows are becoming the norm, real-time API traffic is growing rapidly, and cloud requirements are increasingly strict. At the same time, many vendors still rely on technologies that struggle to keep up, while specialized developers are becoming harder to find. For many organizations, modernization is becoming essential to maintaining operational agility.
IT Partner, a long-standing supplier of software for international container terminals, is seeing this shift unfold firsthand. The Center Suite has formed the backbone of terminal operations for customers worldwide for many years. In recent years, IT Partner modernized several modules using the Thinkwise Platform, resulting in a more modern UX and faster release cycles. But the technical foundation of the suite required a broader, more structural modernization effort.
With a renewed five-year collaboration agreement, IT Partner has now chosen to accelerate the systematic modernization of the entire suite. With Thinkwise as its strategic platform.
From Custom Software to a Product-Driven Suite
Since the 1990s, IT Partner has been developing software for terminals and cargo companies across Europe, the Caribbean, Suriname and the Middle East. While the functional strength of its products remained high, the limitations of the underlying technology became increasingly visible. The programming language was aging, specialized developers grew scarce, and maintaining custom-built components became progressively more complex.
“We had a Windows app ready to go, then Windows dropped support and we had to move to Android. Those kinds of platform shifts force you to start over again and again. We want to keep innovating without every technical change turning everything upside down.”
Dennis Brommert CEO, IT Partner
This insight led to the decision, more than a decade ago, to unite all capabilities into a single product-driven suite: Center. To sustain this model long-term, a technological foundation was needed that could evolve with the market and support frequent updates.
Why Thinkwise Is Now a Strategic Platform
Over the past years, IT Partner used Thinkwise to modernize several parts of the suite. This resulted in a web-based user experience, faster releases and improved API integrations.
“We want to focus on functionality and domain expertise, not on chasing every technological change. With Thinkwise, we realized for the first time that we could let go of the technology layer and fully focus on the logic. It changes how we develop software.”
Dennis Brommert CEO, IT Partner
What began as a technical component is now becoming the strategic platform for nearly the entire Center-Suite. Thinkwise enables IT Partner to modernize modules in a planned, predictable way. Without migration projects, data conversions, or constant struggles with outdated technology. The technology evolves in the background, while the functionality remains at the forefront.
Next Step: Modernizing the Terminal Operating System
The Terminal Operating System (TOS) is the largest and most critical core product within the Center Suite. It supports container flows, yard planning, truck gates, document control, inspections and other primary terminal processes.
“Customers should feel that their software is improving, not that they’re switching to a new platform. By converting module by module, everything stays familiar while becoming more modern. Customers are already eager for what comes next.”
Dennis Brommert CEO, IT Partner
Thanks to earlier module conversions and experience with the Thinkwise Upcycler, IT Partner now has a clear view of which logic can be reused and where acceleration is possible. This keeps the modernization of TOS manageable and predictable.
Impact for Customers: Modernization Without Migration
The modernization strategy focuses on continuous improvement without disruptive migration projects. Customers can count on:
- Incremental modernization, with modules converted one by one into the Thinkwise environment
- Retention of the existing database and data model, without conversions
- Frequent, smaller releases instead of major upgrade projects
- A more modern user experience, already positively received
- A move to web (and if desired, cloud), without requiring customers to change their processes
Looking Ahead: Continuous Development as the Standard
With the renewed collaboration, modernization is no longer a one-off project. It becomes an ongoing part of the Center strategy. Components currently running in specialized tooling will remain where functionally appropriate, while other modules will be gradually incorporated into the Thinkwise environment.
For terminals, cargo companies and warehouses, this means a platform that grows with their operations: predictable, manageable and future-proof, without the need to purchase a new system every few years.