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From Linz to the World: MIC Datenverarbeitung Connects Global Supply Chains with Smart Software

MIC Datenverarbeitung GmbH is a company based in Linz that has been in business for nearly 40 years and specializes in software solutions for customs and foreign trade compliance. Its software is used worldwide by major manufacturing companies, particularly in the automotive industry, and supports exports and imports in approximately 55 countries.

MIC employs around 400 to 450 people in Linz, making it the company’s largest location. In a conversation with Alfred Hiebl, Managing Director of MIC Customs Solutions, the City of Linz’s Department of Economy and Innovation gained valuable insights into topics related to customs, cloud solutions, and Linz as a business location.

Global Focus and Niche Expertise

“We embraced internationalization early on: Our software product can be used worldwide, and international locations and employees are part of our DNA. We develop, market, and support our specialized cloud solution for global customs and foreign trade compliance primarily in Linz. Our niche requires specialized expertise; we stay focused on it and are successful. Our software is used by nearly all major car brands and supports exports and imports in around 55 countries worldwide—without having our own offices everywhere,” says Hiebl, explaining MIC’s recipe for success.

Customs Software as the Key to the Global Supply Chain

Customs is an indispensable part of the global supply chain, as every company that trades internationally faces the constant challenge of handling imports and exports accurately and efficiently. Hiebl adds: “This is exactly where our innovative software comes in: It combines all customs processes into a single solution and enables multinational corporations to centrally manage their complex workflows—an often underestimated but crucial advantage.

Especially in the automotive industry, where customs duties can amount to 10–15%, the potential for savings is enormous.” According to the Managing Director, at least half of the cars produced worldwide come into contact with MIC software in some form, whether directly or through suppliers.

In e-commerce as well, for example at Zalando, MIC’s solution ensures that millions of shipments are exported smoothly every day. Here, customers require a high degree of reliability, because if the software fails, the flow of goods comes to a standstill.

“Technologically, we have evolved from traditional on-premise solutions at the customer’s site to the cloud and are currently migrating all customers to this platform. This is a crucial step toward remaining flexible and efficient in responding to the constantly changing requirements in the customs sector in the future,” says Hiebl, describing the latest innovation from MIC.

Linz as a Hub for Growth and IT Talent

When asked what he values about Linz as a location, Hiebl replies: “Linz is where we were founded and remains the heart of our company to this day. Founded here on Hafenstraße, we’ve been able to grow steadily thanks to the excellent educational institutions and access to top IT talent. For us as a software company, it’s not just stability and infrastructure that matter, but above all the people: Our core asset is the talent we find in Linz—people who not only program but can also handle international projects and operate on a global stage.” He further notes that despite the shortage of skilled workers, MIC succeeds in attracting international talent to Linz because the city scores high on quality of life and the feel-good factor.

Vision for the Future: The Location as an IT Hotspot and Engine of Innovation

Hiebl’s hope for the future of Linz as a location is that the city and region will actively embrace technological trends such as AI and quantum computing and turn them into their strengths. “This requires close collaboration between companies, universities, and the public sector to work together and establish IT as a strong, independent industry in its own right, not just as an appendage to the manufacturing sector,” he notes.

According to the Managing Director, it is also important that startups can emerge and grow, which will require better framework conditions and more venture capital. “After all, Linz should remain a livable, attractive city, because that is the foundation for economic success and access to talent from all over the world!” says Hiebl about the future of the location.

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