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Hogia Ferry Systems renews its strategy and strengthens its organization. ”We already have the diamond, now it’s a matter of polishing it,” says Managing Director David Wallgren.
Hogia Ferry Systems is a software company operating in the shipping industry. Its booking system ”BOOKIT” is used by shipping companies worldwide.
”Our goal is to be more than a supplier, becoming a long-term partner who collaborates closely with our customers,” says David Wallgren, Managing Director of Hogia Ferry Systems.
New strategy in the works
David Wallgren became managing director about six months ago with the motto: ”How can we make something good even better?”
”Hogia Ferry Systems was already a thriving company when I arrived. The diamond was there, now it’s a matter of polishing it further,” he says.
As part of this effort, the company is developing a new four-year strategy to serve as a compass for its future direction. The vision is reflected in the title: “The Heartbeat of Seamless Ferry Travel for People and Cargo”.
Wallgren explains that ”heartbeat” has multiple meanings, symbolizing both the pulsing database of the BOOKIT system and the tireless effort of the company’s employees to create value for customers.
”Nearly everything we do revolves around relationships, both internal and external. We focus on quality and never compromise on the product,” says Wallgren.
Sales Director Maria Åkersten interprets the word “heartbeat” from the customer’s perspective: the booking system is the very heart of the company’s operations.
”All booking data passes through the system, and BOOKIT ensures that transactions can be completed and revenue generated,” she says.
Focus on the customer
Hogia Ferry Systems is committed to delivering world-class customer service as a stable and reliable partner.
The employees are the core of the business. The company prioritizes clear and relevant information as well as development opportunities and participation. The newly renovated office in Vaasa, a project by Design by Hanna K., is intended to create a close-knit atmosphere.
”We want the office to feel like a second home, inspiring employees to work on-site,” says Wallgren.
The management team has been reinforced, with a clearer division of responsibilities. The sales organization has been streamlined, and the company is actively working with both new and existing customers.
”We attend large conferences, but we also participate in smaller, local events in areas that are important to us,” says Åkersten.
Many customer relationships are longstanding, as shipping companies tend to remain customers for a long time once they come on board.
”The best salesperson is a happy customer who shares their experience with others,” says Wallgren.
The best salesperson is a happy customer who shares their experience with others.
The company has also expanded its workforce. New talent has been identified with the help of the staffing agency WasaTalent, which Wallgren says did an excellent job managing the candidate pool.
”We have appointed Matias Aura as our new Product Manager and Johan Sjöholm as Development Manager.”
Johan Sjöholm says that Hogia Ferry Systems excels at managing data. He notes that the booking process is complex and invisible to the customer, yet must operate flawlessly and with high data security.
”Our customers should be able to focus on their core business and on delivering experiences to their customers,” says Sjöholm.
Speaking of data security, Wallgren welcomes the EU’s new regulations on data and digital services, which he believes further validate Hogia Ferry Systems’ approach.
Cooperation in a new sector
When David Wallgren took over as Managing Director, he also became Business Unit Manager for Hogia’s new transport sector, Ports & Shipping, which also includes Hogia Terminal Systems in Sweden. Hogia Terminal Systems delivers digital solutions that streamline terminal operations.
Hogia’s new sector division is designed with the customer in mind. Every vessel passes through a terminal, and once the voyage is over, the terminal systems take over. When both systems come from the same provider, significant synergies can be achieved.
Hogia Ferry Systems has 39 employees and is based in Vaasa, while the whole sector employs about 50 people.
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