Explore the origins of Scope. Our multi-part blog series reveals the development of the digital Standard for logistics. All chapters at glance:
After the split, Christian Riege made another decisive choice – to start everything over. But this time, he was determined to do it right. With the self-imposed promise, “We’ll make it work!”. This was attempt number four. He could still rely on Gabriele Riege and JR's patience and trust, and resources were still available. In the summer of 2006, Riege hired a few brave souls to strengthen the team. Things moved quickly from there. On August 2, 2006, at 14:25:31 CEST, the project that would eventually become the digital standard for logistics was launched under the working name POGO.
In just two short years, Scope went live in Munich at the end of July 2008 with AIR Import and ATLAS Import. A long-time ProCarS customer had agreed to guide the project closely alongside their daily operations. But it wasn’t smooth sailing yet. The software stumbled, faltered, and the criticism came pouring in. Much of it was directed at Tobias Riege, who had joined the family business in 2006. But someone had to take on that role – and endure it!
The technical feasibility was called into question. Decision-makers and users were far from convinced. There was no trace of a "digital standard." Long trips, endless hours, sleepless nights – the Scope project was on the brink. Then, one December night, the breakthrough call came. Scope had ultimately won over the internal decision-makers. It was a triumphant, emotional moment – full of joy and relief. Yet, as is often the case, it led to another sleepless night, a tear of happiness, and a smile on the face.
In Hollywood, this would be where the story ended: Mission accomplished! But the reality was far from that. This was only the beginning. And the marketing momentum was slow to build. At the internationally renowned transport logistics trade fair in Munich in 2009, the visitor turnout and demand were lackluster. ProCarS customers came for courtesy visits, but there was no widespread Scope enthusiasm. By 2010, another ProCarS customer was willing to take the plunge and switch to Scope. Tobias Riege knew from painful experience that it would be a tough road.
And it was. For three years, until 2013, when final acceptance was achieved. Aside from minor performance issues, Scope became more reliable with every iteration. And finally, it started gaining traction in the market. Movement had begun. Scope found acceptance and carved out its place in the logistics software landscape. Initially, it made up less than 20% of the revenue compared to ProCarS. But year after year, it grew. Today, Scope is the product of Riege Software. As for ProCarS? It will still be supported until end of 2025 before it retires to well-deserved rest. ProCarS has, in the best possible sense, served its purpose – for over 40 years. Which logistics software can boast that? Not even Scope – yet.
(In memory of Andrej Golovonin, 1977–2019)