Pioneers of Digitalization
Interview with Andrea Nietz, CEO of Aprixon Information Services GmbH
Aprixon GmbH, a leading company in the field of software development for rail freight transport, has made a name for itself over the past two decades through technological innovations and customized solutions. With a deep understanding of the industry and a clear focus on digitalization and sustainability, the company successfully supports its customers through the challenges of modern logistics.
The roots of the company go back to the 1980s when the predecessor company GRECO-Gesellschaft zur Realisierung von Computerprojekten mbH was founded. With a strong focus on IT consulting, hardware trading, and software development, the Hamburg-based company was closely associated with the logistics industry. "In the 1990s, our focus then increasingly shifted to the rail sector. Michael Heißenberg, who founded Aprixon in 2002, successfully expanded the rail product portfolio," said CEO Andrea Nietz, who has been in this role since 2020. In this year, Aprixon then initiated a significant technology change to keep up with the latest developments and to always offer its customers state-of-the-art solutions.
Successful Transformation
"We decided to initiate a major technology shift, which required not only research and development but also the establishment of new, specialized teams," reports Nietz. This strategic decision, supported by the new possibilities of remote work during the Corona pandemic, enabled Aprixon to increase its staff from 27 to 52 and to recruit talent nationwide.
A crucial factor for the company's success is the deep and broad expertise that has been built up over recent decades. "Our oldest client uses a system dating back to 1986. We continuously develop these systems to meet changing requirements," explains Andrea Nietz. This longevity and continuous development of software solutions are central components of the company's philosophy.
Technological Excellence with a Human Focus
Aprixon operates its own data center at its Hamburg location and offers customers the option to operate the software on their premises or to have it hosted by Aprixon. "We are one of the market-leading companies in producing bespoke software for rail freight transport and serve a wide range of customers, from freight wagon and locomotive lessors to railway transport companies, rail forwarders, workshops, to large corporations in the oil, gas, chemical, and steel industries," explains Andrea Nietz.
Another success factor is the close connection between technology and human collaboration. "Aprixon derives from 'apricore', meaning 'to bring to light'. We highlight both our clients and our staff, which is what our company philosophy is about," emphasizes the committed managing director.