Van Weelde Shipping picks Unit4 ERPx for modernisation

Van Weelde Shipping Group has selected Unit4 ERPx as it updates its financial and operational systems and consolidates its enterprise application landscape.

The Rotterdam-based shipping company previously used Unit4's ERP Continual Release product and has now moved to ERPx, Unit4's current platform direction. Both companies describe the shift as a modernisation step that maintains continuity for existing users while moving the business to a newer product line.

Van Weelde Shipping Group operates an integrated shipping business. Founded in 1964, it focuses on Handysize dry bulk shipping, with activities spanning ship-owning, shipbroking, commercial management and technical management.

The change is part of a broader push for operational efficiency and process improvement. Van Weelde reviewed the updates in ERPx and assessed how they aligned with its priorities for usability and connected operations.

Reasons cited for the move include a more intuitive user experience, stronger reporting, improvements to invoice workflows and additional integration options.

ERP upgrades can be disruptive in operationally intensive sectors such as shipping, where finance, procurement and fleet-related processes run continuously. Both companies say the transition is intended to limit impact on day-to-day work while still delivering visible changes for users.

User experience

Unit4 positioned ERPx as improving usability with a refreshed interface. Van Weelde said it wants to keep systems "clean" and "modern" as it plans for future change-a common pressure for mid-sized, specialised firms that have invested in ERP over long periods and must balance long-running customisation with maintainability.

Van Weelde also pointed to reporting improvements. For shipping groups, reporting often spans financial performance, chartering activity, costs, asset utilisation and compliance. It may also require consolidating data from multiple operational sources, including third-party systems and specialist maritime applications.

Unit4 said ERPx provides standardised, structured data to support insights and foresight, with automation and AI embedded in workflows. It also described ERPx as a scalable cloud platform that is continuously improved and designed for simpler integration.

Integration focus

Integration is a recurring requirement for shipping and logistics businesses, which often connect ERP to tools for voyage management, maintenance, crewing, document handling and trade finance. Unit4 pointed to enhanced integration options as part of the move, alongside invoice workflow improvements.

Invoice processing remains a pressure point for asset-heavy operators, where large volumes of supplier invoices can relate to vessels, ports, fuel, repairs and services. Workflow changes therefore feature prominently in ERP roadmaps, particularly where internal controls and audit requirements demand consistent handling and approvals.

Unit4 also framed the move as a way for customers to access continuous innovation. Continual delivery has become central to cloud software adoption, as vendors encourage customers to move away from larger periodic upgrades towards a rolling release model. Unit4's product naming reflects that transition, with Van Weelde moving from the Continual Release line to ERPx.

Dan Pink, Head of ERPx Commercial Strategy and Growth at Unit4, described ERP's role as shifting from a static system to a continuously evolving platform.

"ERPx is redefining what organisations should expect from their ERP, not as a static system, but as a continuously evolving platform for modern operations," said Dan Pink, Head of ERPx Commercial Strategy and Growth, Unit4. "Our customers' move to ERPx reflects a clear shift toward a more adaptive, insight-driven operating model and a platform built for continuous innovation. Organisations like Van Weelde are choosing ERPx because they recognise that modernising ERP isn't just an upgrade; it's about establishing a future-ready foundation for agility, resilience and long-term growth."

Van Weelde presented the decision as part of long-term system upkeep rather than a one-off technology change.

"For us, moving to ERPx was a natural step to keep our systems clean, modern and ready for what comes next," said Ramon Wolfs, Financial Manager at Van Weelde Shipping Group. "Unit4 ERPx is the platform that will provide Van Weelde with a modern, intuitive and future-proof ERP solution that supports both current operations and long-term strategic objectives."

Unit4 said the selection builds on an existing relationship and positioned the move as an endorsement of its platform direction.

"We're incredibly proud to deepen our long-standing partnership with Van Weelde Shipping Group by supporting their move to ERPx," said Simon Paris, CEO of Unit4. "This next chapter reflects our shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence and building a platform that will carry their business forward for years to come."