Article • 16.06.2026
ZODIAK Migration
The journey from "Classic" to "GE”
All aboard! That was the call when switching from ZODIAK Classic customs software to ZODIAK GE. DAKOSY surpassed that goal: not only did it retain all existing customers, but in fact has also significantly increased their customer base since then by by attracting additional new business.
ZODIAK GE: Functional Overview
✅Unified user interface for all customs procedures in Germany and Switzerland
✅Flexible integration options (AI, XML, Excel/CSV upload)
✅Highly automated, workflow-based processes
✅24/7 Help Desk support
✅Expert customs consulting and advisory services
DAKOSY made the strategic decision as early as mid-2020 to discontinue long-term development of the ZODIAK Classic customs software and instead offer the new ZODIAK GE as the sole solution. Even then, it was clear that the company would not “require” their customers to make the switch. Rather, DAKOSY framed the migration as a journey focused on ensuring everyone stayed on board.
“Everyone” — that amounted to over 1,000 customers at the start of the migration. “We reached out to each of them individually, one by one, and agreed with each customer on a realistic timeline for switching to ZODIAK GE,” reports Evelyn Eggers, DAKOSY’s authorized officer and migration project manager. Two criteria were central to this process: the migration would involve no additional fees, and the switch would occur at their own pace over several years. For DAKOSY, this entailed significant investments in operations, as well as ongoing ATLAS certifications for two separate software packages. During the entire transition period of just over five years, both solutions were fully certified for all customs procedures.
Subdivided into 18 steps
The DAKOSY team was in constant dialogue with ZODIAK customers regarding the best time for their transition. The analysis took into account the requirements of each user as well as their current configuration of ZODIAK GE. The development of ZODIAK GE was divided into 18 phases and rolled out in stages. Each migration was based on the customs procedures being used by the customer. The process began with standard import procedures, followed by export procedures, and concluded with the integration of the Customs Warehouse module.
The type of usage also determined the appropriate timing. While ZODIAK Classic could be used either as a license or as Software as a Service (SaaS), ZODIAK GE is now available only as SaaS. SaaS customers were able to switch seamlessly to ZODIAK GE. The transition for license customers was scheduled for a later timeframe to ensure they received optimal support in moving to the new SaaS solution. “We provided intensive support, particularly to large freight forwarders with legacy systems and interfaces. In weekly meetings, processes and specific programming were coordinated down to the last detail,” says Eggers.
GE brings enormous growth
Understandably, this was a source of considerable jitters for everyone involved, as there was a risk that software users might not remain loyal to the product. In the end, Andrea Juska, DAKOSY’s Head of Freight Forwarding and Customs Applications, had the satisfying feeling that everyone had once again consciously chosen DAKOSY and that no one had dropped out. “In addition, we were able to convince many new customers of the benefits of the new customs software,” says Juska happily. Since 2000, the number of companies using ZODIAK GE to manage their customs processes has risen significantly, from 1,050 to 1,750.
Persuasive functionality
Flexible upload systems for transferring data into customs software have been particularly well-received by the market. The options range from simply uploading Excel/CSV files using the Drag&Map feature, to interfaces for integrating customs processes into in-house systems, as well as a set of AI-based tools.
CargoSoft reference for TMS integration
For DAKOSY, the ability to integrate the GE customs software into a customer’s own transport management system (TMS) is a given. This works equally well for third-party systems as well as for DAKOSY GE and CargoSoft. The latter is a sophisticated, internationally deployable TMS from DAKOSY's subsidiary CargoSoft in Bremen. Its managing director, Friedrich Schierenberg, confirms: “The migration affected 250 customers who use ZODIAK integrated into their CargoSoft TMS software. This is a solid foundation for the further expansion of our joint logistics and customs solutions.”
“We provided intensive support, particularly to large freight forwarders with legacy systems and interfaces. In weekly meetings, processes and specific programming were coordinated down to the last detail."
More than just customs software
Added to this is a key feature which sets it apart in the air and ocean freight sectors. “We don’t just think from the perspective of customs software; we integrate the process-related functionalities from our cargo community systems at both seaports and airports,” explains Juska, citing an example: “This allows customs processes to be triggered automatically as soon as the container arrives at the port—even outside of business hours and on weekends.”
Uniform interface for Germany and Switzerland
Another major advantage is the standardized user interface for all customs procedures in both Germany and Switzerland. Whereas duplicate data entry would otherwise be required in two separate national customs systems, data can be easily transferred and validated in ZODIAK GE using the copy function.
NCTS: Speed replaces endless repetition
Simplification is also the focus of the new ZODIAK-GE SEM function for the EU’s NCTS transit procedure. It allows various NCTS processes to be automatically combined into a single export declaration and sent directly to the ATLAS customs system. “This service simplifies customs clearance for freight forwarders and customs agents handling consolidated shipments, as shipment data can be imported from upstream systems and consolidated,” explains DAKOSY project manager Stefan Rost.
The SEM function clearly demonstrates that migration is not merely a technological change, but rather the further development of customs and logistics processes. Overall, DAKOSY has demonstrated that even a wide-scope technological change can be implemented in a way that keeps the customer as the focus and produces long-term success. The combination of hands-on support, flexible integration options, and new features has helped retain existing customers while also enabling further growth.
“We don’t just think from the perspective of customs software; we integrate the process-related functionalities from our cargo community systems at both seaports and airports.”
