What does it really take to keep Europe's rail freight moving?

In this episode of Studio Ab Ovo, host Martijn Meerman speaks with Marcel Veenstra, Senior Business Consultant at Ab Ovo and one of the driving forces behind the continued evolution of Rail Cargo System (RCS). With more than 18 years at Ab Ovo, and eight years of experience at DB Cargo before that, Marcel offers a unique perspective on the intersection of rail logistics, technology, and long-term customer partnerships. 

Rather than talking about software features alone, this conversation explores how successful digital transformation starts with understanding people and processes. Marcel explains why his role is as much about asking questions as it is about implementing technology, helping railway operators rethink long-standing habits and discover more efficient ways of working.

The discussion takes listeners inside the world of modern rail freight operations. From transport orders and train composition to automated invoicing, dangerous goods management and real-time train tracking, Marcel explains how RCS supports every stage of the rail logistics process while reducing manual work and improving data quality. He also shares why replacing endless email chains with shared, real-time information remains one of his personal ambitions for the future of rail freight. 

The episode also highlights the close relationship between Ab Ovo and its customers. Built on trust, collaboration and years of shared experience, these partnerships allow new ideas to grow from practical challenges rather than technical specifications. As Marcel explains, the goal is never simply to replace an existing system; it is to help railway companies become more efficient, more competitive and better prepared for the future. 

In this episode:

•  Marcel's journey from DB Cargo to Ab Ovo 
•  Why customer relationships are at the heart of successful software 
•  How RCS supports the complete rail freight process—from order to invoice 
•  Reducing manual work through automation and real-time information 
•  The importance of challenging existing processes instead of digitizing old habits 
•  Integrating RCS with planning solutions such as RCP and APS 
•  The future of rail freight: fewer emails, better data and smarter collaboration 
•  Why railway companies should increasingly think of themselves as transport companies 

Whether you're involved in rail freight, logistics, digital transformation or enterprise software, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology and human expertise work together to keep Europe's freight network moving.

🎙️ Listen now to discover how strong customer partnerships, deep industry knowledge and continuous innovation are shaping the future of rail logistics.

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/

40 Years of Rail Freight Innovation: Ernie Dullaard on the Evolution of DB Cargo and RCS

How do you modernize an entire rail freight operation while the industry around you is transforming?

In this episode of Studio Ab Ovo, Edwin Visser sits down with Ernie Dullaard, who concludes an extraordinary career of more than forty years at DB Cargo Netherlands. Having witnessed the transformation from state-owned railways to today's international freight networks, Ernie shares a unique insider's perspective on one of Europe's longest-running digital transformation journeys.

The conversation takes listeners back to the late 1990s, when rail freight was opening up to competition and DB Cargo was searching for new ways to harmonize operations across Europe. It was during this period that Ab Ovo and DB Cargo began a partnership that would grow into more than two decades of collaboration.

Ernie reflects on the birth of RCS (Rail Cargo System), Ab Ovo's integrated rail freight management platform, and explains why the system became such a critical part of DB Cargo's daily operations. Together, they explore how RCS evolved alongside the business, adapting to organizational change, new European regulations, centralized operations, and ever-changing customer demands.

The discussion goes far beyond software. It explores how technology supports business transformation, why integrated processes outperform disconnected systems, and how digital tools can empower employees both in the office and in the field.

Among the topics discussed are:

• The evolution of European rail freight over the past four decades
• How Ab Ovo and DB Cargo built a partnership spanning more than 25 years
• Why RCS was selected as DB Cargo's operational platform
• The importance of integrating the complete order-to-cash process
• How digital planning improves operational efficiency and resource utilization
• Transforming from decentralized organizations to centralized European operations
• Keeping mission-critical software relevant while business processes continue to evolve
• The role of integrations with modern enterprise systems
• Mobile applications for real-time damage reporting and field operations
• The challenges of digital transformation, user adoption and organizational change
• Why technology succeeds only when people embrace it

Throughout the conversation, Ernie shares practical lessons from decades of experience in freight operations. His reflections show that successful digital transformation is not simply about replacing legacy software; it is about understanding operational processes, supporting people, and continuously adapting to changing business realities.

For anyone interested in rail freight, logistics, enterprise software, or digital transformation, this episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of one of Europe's longest-standing customer partnerships in mission-critical logistics software.

Guest: Ernie Dullaard, DB Cargo Netherlands
Host: Edwin Visser

#StudioAbOvo #AbOvo #ErnieDullaard #DBCargo #RailFreight #Logistics #DigitalTransformation #EnterpriseSoftware #RailwayTechnology #SupplyChain #Innovation #ProcessImprovement #MissionCritical #Transportation #SoftwareDevelopment #CustomerPartnership #FreightRail #Operations #RailLogistics #DigitalInnovation

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/

The Future of Software: AI, Cybersecurity, Green Design & 30 Years of Entrepreneurship

What does it take to build a software company that not only survives for 30 years but continues to reinvent itself for the next 30?

In this special Studio Ab Ovo episode, founder and CEO Willem Jan Groenewoud reflects on the remarkable journey of Ab Ovo; from a small logistics consultancy founded in 1996 to an international software company serving rail freight operators, airports, airlines, and logistics organizations across the globe.

But this conversation is much more than a company history.

Willem Jan shares the strategic decisions that shaped Ab Ovo’s growth: investing early in technology, embracing advanced planning solutions, focusing on rail freight when few others did, and building long-term partnerships in mission-critical industries.

The discussion then turns to the future.

How will artificial intelligence reshape software development? What impact will quantum computing have on cybersecurity? Can software become more sustainable through green design? And what happens when AI evolves from a tool into an intelligent assistant that actively supports and teaches its users?

In this episode, Willem Jan introduces several bold ideas that are already influencing Ab Ovo’s direction:

•  The rise of speech-driven software interfaces 
•  AI-powered “agentic angels” that anticipate user needs 
•  The future of software design beyond traditional coding 
•  Why cybersecurity is becoming a boardroom issue 
•  The impact of quantum computing on critical infrastructure 
•  The growing energy footprint of AI and data centers 
•  Green software design as a competitive advantage 
•  The challenge of maintaining mission-critical systems in an AI world 
•  Why businesses must rethink their survival strategy in the age of AI 
•  The importance of long-term thinking 

One of the most fascinating concepts discussed is a future where users no longer switch between dozens of applications. Instead, they simply communicate their goals, and intelligent systems create the optimal workspace, connect relevant information, anticipate disruptions, and continuously learn from experience.

For Willem Jan, the future is not about replacing people with AI. It is about combining human expertise, trustworthy software, cybersecurity, sustainability, and intelligent assistance to create better decisions and stronger organizations.

This episode offers a rare combination of entrepreneurship, technology vision, industry insight, and practical experience from someone who has spent three decades building software for some of the world’s most complex operational environments.

Whether you're interested in AI, logistics, software engineering, digital transformation, cybersecurity, sustainability, or business leadership, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on where technology and business is heading next.

Guest: Willem Jan Groenewoud, Founder & CEO, Ab Ovo
Host: Martijn Meerman

#StudioAbOvo #AbOvo #ArtificialIntelligence #CyberSecurity #QuantumComputing #GreenDesign #GreenIT #SoftwareDevelopment #DigitalTransformation #RailFreight #LogisticsTechnology #MissionCriticalSystems #FutureOfSoftware #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #Leadership #AI #Entrepreneurship

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/

In this episode of Studio Ab Ovo, we talk with Assil Al-Ibrahim, Senior Business Consultant at Ab Ovo and Product Owner of RCP: Rail Capacity Planner.

RCP is Ab Ovo’s integrated planning solution for the rail market, built on top of the DELMIA Quintiq platform. It brings different types of planners together in one application: from rolling stock and employee planning to path, long-term, and short-term planning, as well as day-of-operation adjustments.

Assil explains how RCP helps planners create efficient plans while taking business rules, labor rules and operational constraints into account. Instead of relying on separate Excel sheets, disconnected applications, or individual planner experience, RCP creates one single point of truth for everyone involved.

In the conversation, we discuss how RCP supports rail companies with:

• Integrated planning across multiple resources
• Real-time feedback on business and labor rules
• Decision support when disruptions occur
• Automatic plan generation with solvers
• A single point of truth for all planners
• Flexible views and KPIs tailored to planner workflows
• Integration with existing systems, such as maintenance planning or disruption information
• Real-time impact analysis for delays, construction works and operational changes
• Modular implementation, allowing customers to start with one part of the solution
• Continuous improvement through customer feedback and “over-the-shoulder” sessions

Assil also explains how RCP evolved from custom-built rail planning applications into a feature-rich product that still allows flexibility and customization. Customers can implement the full solution or start with specific modules, such as employee planning, and expand later.

We also look at the future of RCP. Recent developments include integration with TAF TSI, the European framework for standardized data exchange between rail companies. Ab Ovo is also working on mobile functionality that allows employees, such as drivers or yard staff, to request holidays, share preferences, and potentially swap shifts, subject to labor rules and operational constraints.

This episode offers a clear look into how smart planning technology helps rail companies work more efficiently, respond faster to disruptions and give planners better tools to make reliable decisions.

If you work in rail, logistics, planning, operations, or digital transformation, this conversation gives valuable insight into the power of integrated planning.

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/

From Cybersecurity to Community Impact: How Jaap Looijen Gives Old Laptops a New Purpose

At Ab Ovo, technology is about more than software and systems. It is also about people. In this edition of Studio Ab Ovo, we spoke with Jaap Looijen, Senior Consultant IT Management. During the day, Jaap helps protect Ab Ovo’s networks, systems, and customer data. In his spare time, he sells retired laptops to fund projects that support children who need it most.

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/

What does sustainable IT really mean? And how much impact does software have on global carbon emissions?

In this episode of Studio Ab Ovo, Martijn Meerman talks with Edwin Visser, Platform Development Manager at Ab Ovo, about the hidden environmental impact of IT infrastructure, software development, cloud computing, and AI.

The conversation goes far beyond the obvious image of energy-hungry data centers. Edwin explains how carbon emissions are already created during the manufacturing and transport of hardware, why the location of data centers matters, and how programming languages themselves can dramatically influence energy consumption.

One of the most surprising insights? The same software can require up to 70 times more energy depending on the coding language used.

Together they explore:

• Why the IT sector already produces emissions comparable to the aviation industry
• The concept of “embodied carbon” in hardware
• How operational efficiency can reduce emissions by a factor of ten
• Why efficient software architecture matters more than ever
• How Ab Ovo’s Eco Logic Platform generates optimized C code for greener software
• The hidden energy waste of “zombie workloads”
• Why simply turning systems off can have a massive impact
• How measuring energy use on a function level helps optimize applications
• The relationship between AI growth and rising energy demand

Edwin also shares practical examples from real customer environments, including how one configuration change reduced CPU usage by 90% for a single process running 86,000 times per day.

This episode offers an eye-opening look into the future of sustainable software engineering and shows how architecture, design and code can play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions worldwide.

If you work in IT, software development, cloud infrastructure, sustainability, or digital transformation, this conversation will change the way you think about technology.

🎧 Listen now and discover how greener software starts with smarter choices.

#SustainableIT #GreenIT #SoftwareDevelopment #AI #DataCenters #CloudComputing #CarbonReduction #AbOvo #EcoLogicPlatform #TechInnovation #DigitalTransformation #SoftwareArchitecture #EnergyEfficiency

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/

In this episode, we sit down with Dieter Veldhuis at Studio Ab Ovo to explore a bold vision shaping the future of IT: Speech-to-Software. What if you could simply talk, and instantly generate software-ready processes, documentation, and even system designs?

Dieter shares how Ab Ovo is navigating today’s fast-moving AI landscape while staying focused on a long-term strategy. At the heart of that vision is a platform built from hundreds (eventually thousands) of components, all working together to turn human input, speech, or text, into fully structured software outputs.

We dive into one of the most exciting innovations already emerging from this vision: the BPMN Wizard. This tool automatically converts conversations into visual business process maps in real time, eliminating the need for lengthy documentation and reducing miscommunication between stakeholders. Instead of writing reports after meetings, teams can now validate processes together and instantly.

Key topics include:

•  Why traditional documentation slows down software development 
•  How visual process mapping improves alignment across teams 
•  The shift from asynchronous documentation to real-time collaboration 
•  Generating not just process flows, but also data models and UI designs from speech 
•  How the BPMN Wizard is evolving into a standalone, multipurpose product 
•  Use cases beyond IT, from process optimization to auditing and enterprise standardization 
•  The human side of adoption: change management, trust, and learning new ways of working 

Dieter also reflects on how intuitive these tools are becoming, so simple that even kids naturally interact with technology through speech rather than buttons. This signals a broader shift in how we’ll all build and interact with software in the near future.

Whether you're in IT, business transformation, or simply curious about where AI is taking us, this conversation offers a compelling look at what’s next.

🎧 Tune in to discover how talking might soon replace typing in the world of software creation.

Our mission is to improve the operational processes, to support the sustainability targets, and enhance the profitability of our customers with more efficient resource usage and streamlined processes.

We do this because we care.

We thrive in complexity. We embrace innovative, business-minded thinking and cherish devotion and passion. The perfect combination of talented colleagues, strong industry ties & eagerness to create eco-friendly solutions.

Always Hands-On

We take a no-nonsense, down-to-earth approach to tackling challenges by rolling up our sleeves. We go the extra mile to deliver high quality results that provide the most value to our customers.

Always Together

We believe in better together – with our customers and with our teams. By bringing people, processes, and data together we create mutual benefits that have an impact on our customers and society. 

www.ab-ovo.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ab-ovo/