4flow
4flow is a founder-owned, Berlin-headquartered supply chain specialist that provides consulting, proprietary AI-native software (optaire, iTMS, VIA, vista), and fourth-party logistics managed services to large multinational enterprises across automotive, life sciences, and consumer goods.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What 4flow does
4flow SE is a Berlin-headquartered, founder-owned supply chain specialist founded in 2000 that operates a three-pronged business model combining consulting, proprietary software, and fourth-party logistics (4PL) managed services for large multinational clients across automotive, life sciences, consumer goods/retail, defense, and process industries. The company employs more than 1,500 people across 55+ nationalities and 20+ offices spanning Europe, the Americas, and China, and was reorganized as a Societas Europaea (4flow SE) in January 2024 to reflect its multinational footprint.
Its technology stack is anchored by the AI-native optaire platform (launched May 2026 at the Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo), which unifies logistics, network design, and risk management into a self-learning system with automated workflows and real-time decisioning. The software portfolio also includes the proprietary iTMS transport management system, 4flow VIA for network planning, 4flow vista for analytics, and native applications built for Kinaxis Maestro (e.g., Kinaxis Network Design by 4flow). 4flow is a certified implementation partner for both SAP (EWM, TM, IBP, S/4HANA) and Kinaxis, giving it a hybrid position as both an independent software vendor and a systems integrator.
Revenue is generated through professional services (strategy, network design, transformation), recurring software licensing (modular, annual subscriptions), managed 4PL services with outcome-based pricing, and result-oriented continuous optimization engagements. The company has held long-tenure enterprise relationships — including an 8-year 4PL partnership with Adient and a global iTMS roll-out for Bosch covering EUR 1 billion in annual transport spend — and has secured Gartner Leader status in both the inaugural 2025 Magic Quadrant for Fourth-Party Logistics and the 2026 Magic Quadrant for Specialist Supply Chain Consulting.
4flow firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 4flow
- Legal name
- 4flow SE
- Website
- https://4flow.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- 4flow is a founder-owned, Berlin-headquartered supply chain specialist that provides consulting, proprietary AI-native software (optaire, iTMS, VIA, vista), and fourth-party logistics managed services to large multinational enterprises across automotive, life sciences, and consumer goods.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
4flow industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Supply Chain Management Consulting and Software
- NAICS
- Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services (541614), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Support Activities for Transportation (488)
- SIC
- Services-Management Services (8741), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- 4PL / Lead Logistics Provider (LLP) & Control Tower (TLAIABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Supply Chain Orchestration & Network Design (Multi-Carrier, Multi-Node) (TLAIABAB), Tower-by-Mode Managed Transportation (Air/Ocean/Rail/Truck Control Towers) (TLAIABAC), Exception Management, Track & Trace & Visibility Operations (SLA/KPI Governance) (TLAIABAF), Carrier Procurement, Tendering & Freight Audit/Pay (FAP) Management (TLAIABAE)
Keywords
Where 4flow is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
4flow business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Supply Chain Consulting: Advisory services for supply chain strategy, network design, digital transformation, and implementation support across the entire supply chain lifecycle
- Software Solutions: Transportation management system (TMS), supply chain network design software, integrated transport and material planning software, and Kinaxis applications sold as licenses and subscriptions
- 4PL Managed Services: Fourth-party logistics services providing end-to-end supply chain orchestration, control tower operations, and continuous optimization with outcome-based pricing
- Continuous Optimization: Result-oriented optimization services where 4flow delivers measurable cost reductions through regular optimization cycles without disrupting ongoing operations
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise software licensing with modular deployment options |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Multi-year contract | Outcome-based consulting with performance guarantees |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
4flow product offering
Product offeringCore offering
4flow provides end-to-end supply chain solutions combining consulting services, proprietary software products, and fourth-party logistics (4PL) managed services. The company delivers supply chain strategy, network design, transportation management, and warehouse optimization through its AI-native optaire platform, iTMS transport management system, 4flow VIA planning suite, and 4flow vista analytics, complemented by certified SAP and Kinaxis implementation services. It serves global enterprise clients across automotive, life sciences, consumer goods, retail, and industrial verticals.
Product overview
4flow offers a portfolio of supply chain consulting, proprietary software products, and fourth-party logistics (4PL) managed services. The core software portfolio centers on the AI-native optaire platform for end-to-end supply chain and logistics optimization, complemented by the iTMS (integrated Transport Management System) for transportation planning and execution, 4flow VIA for supply chain network planning, and 4flow vista Analytics for business intelligence and simulation. 4flow also provides implementation services for third-party platforms — particularly SAP (EWM, TM, IBP, S/4HANA) and Kinaxis Maestro — including a Kinaxis-native application called Kinaxis Network Design by 4flow and Kinaxis TLO implementation. The consulting arm covers supply chain strategy, network design, digital transformation, and sustainability, while the 4PL managed services layer delivers ongoing supply chain orchestration and operations. The overall offering is structured as a platform-plus-services model where optaire, iTMS, VIA, and vista serve as distinct but complementary software pillars, supported by deep consulting and managed services capabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- optaire by 4flow A modular AI-native platform for end-to-end supply chain and logistics optimization that unifies logistics, network, and risk management into a self-learning system enabling real-time decision-making and automated workflows. Targeted at enterprise supply chain teams seeking AI-driven optimization.
- iTMS (4flow integrated Transport Management System) An integrated transport management system enabling end-to-end planning, optimization, and execution of global transportation operations, including freight cost optimization, route planning, carrier management, and real-time tracking. Used by enterprise customers including Bosch (managing 1 billion EUR annual transport spend) and Adient.
- 4flow Supply Chain Network Design Software Software for designing, analyzing, and optimizing supply chain network configurations, enabling organizations to model distribution networks, evaluate facility locations, and simulate network changes for cost and service-level improvements.
- 4flow VIA Supply Chain Planning Suite A software suite for agile supply chain network planning, enabling supply chain visualization, analysis, and optimization with scenario modeling and strategic network design decisions.
- 4flow vista Analytics A connected business intelligence solution providing real-time visibility and data-driven decision-making across supply chain networks, with dashboarding, simulation tools, and scenario analysis for freight purchasing and network optimization.
- Kinaxis Network Design by 4flow A network design and analysis application built for the Kinaxis Maestro platform, providing supply chain network analysis and optimization capabilities directly within the Maestro environment. Announced February 2025.
- Supply Chain Consulting End-to-end supply chain consulting services including supply chain strategy, network design, digital strategy and transformation, sustainability, supply chain management, warehouse and production optimization, transport, and fulfillment and distribution. Sold to enterprise clients directly.
- 4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics) Services Managed supply chain services including supply chain orchestration, 4PL operations, and data solutions delivered through outcome-based contracts. 4flow was recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Fourth-Party Logistics.
- SAP Services Certified SAP partner providing implementation and consulting services across the SAP digital supply chain portfolio, including SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management), SAP TM (Transportation Management), SAP IBP (Integrated Business Planning), and SAP S/4HANA transformations. Spans from strategy through implementation to go-live support.
- Kinaxis Maestro Implementation Services Certified Kinaxis partner providing implementation services for Kinaxis Maestro, including rapid deployment of supply chain planning capabilities, the Kinaxis Network Design by 4flow application, and Kinaxis Transportation Load Optimizer (TLO) implementation support.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20%+ cost reduction in supply chain operations
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use 4flow
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
4flow technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability14 records
Feature6 records
4flow partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.
- KinaxiscoreStrategic technology partnership for Kinaxis Maestro platform implementation and Kinaxis Transportation Load Optimizer (TLO). 4flow serves as certified implementation partner developing applications including Kinaxis Network Design by 4flow for network analysis and optimization.
- SAPcoreCertified SAP partner for supply chain software implementation including SAP EWM, TM, IBP, and S/4HANA. 4flow provides technology implementation services and SAP digital supply chain solutions.
- MicrosoftsupportingUses Microsoft Teams for video conferencing, Microsoft Bookings for online appointment scheduling, and Microsoft services for HR and productivity tools.
- HubSpotsupportingCRM and marketing automation platform for customer relationship management, lead tracking, and marketing communications including Guideflow product demos.
- GooglesupportingUses Google Analytics for web analytics, Google Tag Manager for tag management, and YouTube for video content integration.
- LinkedInsupportingLinkedIn Insight Tag for conversion tracking and retargeting, LinkedIn lead generation, and company page for professional content distribution.
- Meta (Facebook)supportingFacebook page presence (4flowglobalcareers) for employer branding and company content distribution.
- GuideflowsupportingInteractive demo platform for product demonstrations and lead generation through embedded HubSpot forms.
- Schaefflerminor4flow CEO presented VDA Logistics Award to Schaeffler for their 'Touchless Material Flow' initiative. 4flow serves as partner for logistics transformation projects.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
4flow competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- XPO Logistics: LTL freight and dedicated transportation provider expanding into tech-enabled managed transportation. Comparable as an enterprise-focused, technology-led transportation and logistics services competitor.
- GXO Logistics: Pure-play contract logistics and warehousing specialist serving large enterprise customers in automotive, consumer, and life sciences — directly overlapping 4flow's primary verticals and tech-enabled managed-services positioning.
- Coyote Logistics: US-focused managed transportation and freight brokerage provider (UPS-owned). Comparable to 4flow's 4PL/managed transportation services in serving enterprise shippers with technology-enabled carrier sourcing and execution.
- Kinaxis: Supply chain planning software vendor (Maestro platform) whose partner 4flow helps implement. Comparable as an SCM software provider addressing similar enterprise customers and overlapping in transportation load optimization and network design.
- Blue Yonder: AI-driven end-to-end supply chain planning and execution software platform. Comparable to 4flow's optaire platform in targeting digital transformation of planning, transportation, and warehouse orchestration for large enterprises.
Broad incumbents
- Deloitte (Supply Chain & Network Operations): Big Four consulting firm with a large Supply Chain & Network Operations practice. Comparable to 4flow's consulting business and competes for the same Gartner-ranked supply chain strategy consulting work.
- Accenture (Supply Chain & Operations): Global management consulting and technology services giant with a major Supply Chain & Operations practice. Closely comparable to 4flow's consulting arm and competes for the same Gartner MQ for Supply Chain Consulting leadership.
- Kuehne+Nagel: Top-3 global freight forwarder and contract logistics provider with significant 4PL and supply chain orchestration capabilities. Comparable as a global logistics services competitor with technology-enabled managed transportation offerings.
- DHL Supply Chain: Global contract logistics leader and 3PL/4PL operator within Deutsche Post DHL Group. Directly comparable as a multinational supply chain services provider competing for enterprise 4PL and managed-transport mandates.
Emerging players
- o9 Solutions: AI-native integrated business planning platform for supply chain, demand, and integrated business planning. Comparable to optaire in offering an AI-first, unified planning and decision-making platform aimed at large enterprises.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
4flow social profiles
Digital presence4flow financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
4flow leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
4flow funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
4flow M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 4flow
What does 4flow do?
4flow provides end-to-end supply chain solutions combining consulting services, proprietary software products, and fourth-party logistics (4PL) managed services. The company delivers supply chain strategy, network design, transportation management, and warehouse optimization through its AI-native optaire platform, iTMS transport management system, 4flow VIA planning suite, and 4flow vista analytics, complemented by certified SAP and Kinaxis implementation services. It serves global enterprise clients across automotive, life sciences, consumer goods, retail, and industrial verticals.
Is 4flow a public or private company?
4flow is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was 4flow founded?
4flow was founded in 2000. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is 4flow based?
4flow is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does 4flow make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Supply Chain Consulting is the primary driver. The others are software Solutions, 4PL Managed Services and continuous Optimization.
Who are 4flow's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are XPO Logistics, GXO Logistics, Coyote Logistics, Kinaxis and Blue Yonder. Broad incumbents are Deloitte (Supply Chain & Network Operations), Accenture (Supply Chain & Operations), Kuehne+Nagel and DHL Supply Chain. o9 Solutions is listed as an emerging player.
Does 4flow have an API?
No public API is recorded for 4flow.
What industry is 4flow in?
4flow's product category is Supply Chain Management Consulting and Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAIABAA, 4PL / Lead Logistics Provider (LLP) & Control Tower, with a secondary code of TLAIABAB, Supply Chain Orchestration & Network Design (Multi-Carrier, Multi-Node). Its NAICS code is 541614 and its SIC code is 8741.