Review of the Year

As 2024 comes to an end, we wanted to take a look back over the last year and review some of TBA’s highlights.

The year got off to a great start with the announcement that TBA had been selected to provide the new terminal operating system (TOS) for Verbrugge International. The requirement of a mixed container and bulk cargo solution means that the project will be a joint venture between TBA’s Autostore TOS and CommTrac teams. This is the first time the two systems have been integrated in this way and also represents CommTrac’s first customer in mainland Europe.

January also saw the go-live of TBA’s first project with Linn Products. The premium hi-fi manufacturer based near Glasgow needed a new solution for its automated warehouse. While cutting edge back in the late 90s when its custom-built factory was built, Linn’s automated parts store was in need of an upgrade. While the small scale of the operation didn’t necessitate the functionality of TBA’s full WMS, our experts developed a Store Control System (SCS) to meet their needs and control their modernised conveyors and AVGs.

TBA recognises the importance of close relationships with its users and recognises that the best way to grow and develop its software is through feedback, suggestions and discussions with those who use the software every day. Our User Group Conference (UGC) is therefore a valued opportunity for our project managers, product owners and developers to meet users in person, share roadmaps and plans for the future and (crucially) hear how our software could be improved. Due to Covid and other disruptions, the last UGC was in 2019, so we were determined to ensure the return of the event for 2024 and to pull out all the stops to make it an event to be remembered. Held at the impressive Mercedes Benz World in Surrey, UK, the two-day event in April featured customer case studies, roadmap discussions, and presentations on new features and plans. Guests included representatives of ABP, Bristol Port, Forth Ports, PD Ports, Encirc, pladis, Nestle, Culina, and Saint-Gobain. It was a fantastic event, which received great feedback from attendees. The next UGC is planned for Spring 2026.

TBA's first warehouse customer back in 1989 was Nestle at their CF2 warehouse in York. As to be expected, there have been a number of upgrades over the 35-year relationship and the latest one was to create new interfaces between Autostore and their new cranes. Other WMS projects in 2024 included implementing HMRC excise duty changes for six of Culina’s warehouses; extensive design workshops with KP Snacks ahead of a full version upgrade next year; and a major upgrade for Jaguar Land Rover, ensuring a future proof solution for their paint shop site. 

Throughout the year, there are a number of key industry conferences that TBA colleagues regularly attend, but the TOC Europe event in June is always a key event. This year was no exception, and we were delighted to join colleagues from Konecranes with a joint exhibition space. The three-day event was a big success, and we valued the opportunity to speak with potential customers, partners, and existing customers. We’ll be back in Rotterdam for TOC Europe 2025!

TOC Americas was held in Panama in October and TBA was honoured to send along two speakers for the event. Wim Verdonck, Head of Container TOS, spoke about innovations in container terminal optimisation, while and Mo Dualeh, our bulk TOS EMEA Sales Manager, discussed finding the ‘data capture sweet spot’ when scoping out a bulk TOS. It was a great event that we were delighted to contribute to.

November was a big year for TBA’s CommTrac bulk TOS team. Firstly, there was a change of leadership with long-standing Managing Director, David Trueman, handing over to Chris Hicks. David stepped into the role of Commercial Director, where he will continue to apply his wealth of knowledge and experience heading up the sales and marketing functions. The month ended on a high with the team collecting their eighth IBJ Award at the ceremony in Antwerp.

A big thanks to all of our customers, partners and colleagues who have made 2024 such a success and we look forward to continuing to work with you in 2025!