COTRA optimizes yard and workshop operations with INFORM
COTRA Autotransport AG is one of Switzerland’s leading providers of vehicle transport and vehicle logistics services. To further strengthen flexibility, transparency, and efficiency in a fast-growing and highly dynamic market, COTRA relies on INFORM Yard and Workshop Management at its vehicle logistics center in Studen, canton of Bern.
Challenge
COTRA serves a broad customer base including OEMs, dealerships, used-car dealers, subscription services, and mobility providers. At its Studen logistics center alone, the company processes over 50,000 new and used vehicles per year, covering a wide range of services such as:
- Vehicle returns (rental, leasing, subscription fleets)
- Inspections and technical preparation
- Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs
- Customer-specific PDI and customization
- Storage, customs clearance, and transport
Customer requirements often change at very short notice, especially in the high-growth used-car market. COTRA needed a solution that could:
- Ensure full transparency across all processes
- Optimize complex workflows dynamically
- Enable rapid adaptation to new customer-specific requirements
- Support efficient operations despite increasing variability
Solution
COTRA selected INFORM to implement an intelligent vehicle logistics solution based on INFORM Yard and Workshop Management - marking the first deployment of INFORM’s vehicle logistics solutions in Switzerland. The solution enables:
- Real-time transparency of all vehicle movements and process steps
- Optimized allocation of vehicle movements to employees
- Intelligent selection of parking spaces and task sequencing
- Priority-based planning that considers resources and downstream impacts
- Mobile task documentation by employees for real-time data availability
- Customer-specific workflows configurable without programming
Optimization algorithms dynamically adjust plans in real time, ensuring that changes in priorities or requirements are handled immediately and efficiently.
Results
With INFORM Yard & Workshop Management, COTRA achieves:
- Full transparency across used and finished vehicle logistics processes
- Greater operational efficiency through optimized work sequences
- Increased flexibility to meet short-notice customer requirements
- Reduced walking and driving distances through intelligent task assignment
- Improved data quality for planning, billing, controlling, and customer communication
The solution creates a resilient digital foundation that supports both operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery.
Once it is implemented, we'll be in a position make our processes even more customized, dynamic, and transparent to plan, control, and analyze. This allows us to create even more signifi cant added value for our customers and supports our forward strategy in vehicle logistics.
Future Outlook
With over 180,000 vehicles transported per year and a strong nationwide footprint, COTRA plans to further expand digital optimization across its logistics network. INFORM’s solution provides the scalability and flexibility needed to continuously adapt workflows, integrate new services, and support future growth in Switzerland’s evolving mobility landscape.
Conclusion
COTRA's collaboration with INFORM marks a significant step forward in the digitalization and optimization of vehicle logistics. By implementing INFORM's advanced IT solutions, COTRA is set to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, securing its position as a leader in the Swiss vehicle logistics market.
Lill Haase
Product Marketing Manager
Lill Haase has been part of INFORM since 2023. She has been focusing on Vehicle Logistics ever since – turning complex topics into clear, accessible messages. In her work, she puts strong emphasis on customer relevance, clarity, and trust.
