'CreditDevice supports us tremendously with their credit management software. Since we have been using the software, our DSO has been reduced by two days.'
- Simone Ewijk | Credit Practitioner | Caru Containers
Caru Containers is a leading supplier of new and used shipping containers with 10 offices in more than 70 countries. Since 2020, the company has been using CreditDevice’s software to optimize its credit management processes. Simone Ewijk, Credit Practitioner, has worked at Caru Containers for almost 17 years and has extensive experience with the dynamics of the container sector.
In this interview, she talks about the opportunities and challenges this sector presents and the added value of CreditDevice. “The container industry is an exciting sector where something is always happening on every front,” says Simone. “Every crisis in one industry presents opportunities for another – and Caru Containers likes to respond to that. We are always improving and that makes my job fun.” Caru Containers has a diverse clientele, from small entrepreneurs such as gardeners or beach clubs to large international players in shipping, road construction and container trading. Caru Containers wants to make buying and renting containers easy, personal and enjoyable for their customers. They do this by providing a clear website and communicating quickly and clearly with their customers.
Achieve goals
Caru Containers wants to grow and innovate in the container sector. This requires sufficient working capital to invest and absorb any setbacks. “CreditDevice supports us tremendously with their credit management software. Since we have been using the software, our DSO has been reduced by two days.” This is important because a lot of money is involved in the wholesale and logistics industry. Caru Containers works with many large international parties that often have long payment terms.
So it is essential for Caru Containers to have good insight into their customers’ payment behavior and the outstanding balance of their debtors. This allows them to make safer decisions and better predict what will happen in terms of credit management.
Add credit information module
Simone would like to add CreditDevice’s credit information module to their package to make even better decisions and forecasts. “I would also like to add CreditDevice’s credit information module because then we can lay the data directly over our own customer base. Another advantage is that then the Risk-Analysis module also becomes available to us and with that I can do a lot more on the front end!” says Simone. She can then apply the Risk Analysis module to her own customer database, allowing her to let the teams know in advance which customers show a striking change in their payment behavior. Based on this information, we can discuss internally what the next steps are and whether or not to deliver.
The benefits of CreditDevice's credit management software 
Simone is very enthusiastic about CreditDevice’s credit management software. “It’s a very complete system. There are many standard reports available, but you can also set and customize everything yourself. Forwarding files to a collection agency is also very easy from the software.” In addition, Simone appreciates CreditDevice’s transparency and clarity. “They are not vague about rates, it’s just: this is what it costs and this is what you get for it. They are also clear in what is possible and they can actually deliver on that. I like that.”
Simone also thinks CreditDevice is a unique company because it can grow with Caru Containers as a business. She notices this especially in the quick, clear communication from CreditDevice and the go-getter mentality there. “I have full confidence that CreditDevice can keep up with the progress we are making as an organization. We really chose CreditDevice because we think they are as future-proof as we envision.”
 How CreditDevice fits with our own (new) system 
Another important reason why they chose CreditDevice is because the logistics system they were currently (still) working with no longer matched the company’s future plans. “We therefore decided to build new software ourselves. A kind of ‘digital highway’ to which we can link all kinds of other software packages. Because this first involved disconnecting things from each other, it was necessary for me to choose my own software early on so that I could continue to do my job as usual during this whole process, (which is, of course, a huge job). When the project is completed, CreditDevice will automatically be linked to our new software. I’m looking forward to this because it will allow me to make even better use of the possibilities offered by CreditDevice’s software.
Daily use of the software 
Simone is very satisfied with the user-friendliness and support of CreditDevice’s software. “If I have a question or run into something, I can always count on the quick and friendly help from the help desk via phone or email. The special webinars for software users are also very informative and useful. So I would definitely encourage new users to take advantage of them.
Finally, we asked Simone if she would recommend CreditDevice’s software to other credit managers. Her answer was, “Yes, definitely! The value for money at CreditDevice is excellent. Also, the software is easy and quick to implement. The possibilities are endless and you notice in working with CreditDevice that they are very innovative and are constantly trying to improve the software. For example, more and more functions in the modules are being automated and simplified. This gives you as a credit manager the space to focus more on the human side, both towards your customers and towards your staff.”
