Meet Our Ambassador Andreas Hartmann

In this insightful interview, Andreas Hartmann, investor and Former Member of the Management Board ZF Friedrichshafen AG, shares his journey with Tset and discusses the key trends shaping cost management in today's manufacturing industry. From the growing competition in the automotive sector to the increasing pressure of sustainability regulations, Andreas provides an in-depth look at how Tset is addressing these challenges with its innovative cost engineering and carbon management software.

Interviewer: Mr. Hartmann, could you please introduce yourself briefly and tell us how you became involved with Tset?

Andreas Hartmann: My name is Andreas Hartmann, and I am an investor and former board member of ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Due to my long-existing relationship to Co-Founder and Chairman, Andreas Tsetinis, I have been involved with Tset Software GmbH from the very beginning. I believed in, and trusted, the vision of Andreas Tsetinis and was eager to support this innovative and exciting project right away. Because of this trust, I joined the board of Tset and am now looking forward to the next steps in Tset's journey.

Interviewer: What trends do you currently see in cost management and within the framework of Tset in the market?

Andreas Hartmann: The manufacturing industry, particularly in Europe, is facing significant challenges this year, with the automotive sector and industrial engineering - where Tset has a strong presence - under considerable pressure. Two key issues are at the forefront: environmental and sustainability requirements, often summarised by the CO2 challenge, and the growing competition from Chinese manufacturers in the automotive market. These manufacturers are not only advancing technologically, but are also competing aggressively on cost. As a result, the industry needs to improve the competitiveness of its products and operations to meet these increased challenges.



Interviewer: What were the key factors that led you to invest in Tset?

Andreas Hartmann: One of the key shifts in the industry is the increasing focus on cost engineering, a trend that is becoming essential for companies to remain competitive. When I first encountered these challenges, companies often relied on Excel spreadsheets or handwritten notes, which of course lacked efficiency and reliability. But some decades ago, there were no automated processes, and dedicated Cost Engineering departments were rare. Today, as the industry faces mounting pressure, there is a critical need to ensure that products and operations are optimised for both cost and competitiveness to meet these new demands​​.

Interviewer: How do you evaluate Tset’s software's ability to address current challenges in the industry?

Andreas Hartmann: 

In a relatively short period of time, Tset has developed a highly user-friendly and easy-to-implement software solution that effectively addresses complex challenges within the manufacturing industry; the topic of sustainability regulations in particular has always been present. The interest Tset has generated, particularly from leading companies such as BMW, AGCO, Brose, ZF and others, is testament to its impact. In my experience, BMW's adoption process is demanding, so their decision to implement Tset speaks volumes about the quality of the software. The decision by several industry leaders to actively use Tset to drive cost efficiency and carbon management further validates its effectiveness. Of course, every start-up has some initial challenges to overcome, but I can assure you that the feedback I am now receiving for the software is very positive.

Interviewer: What sets Tset apart from other cost calculation tools on the market?

Andreas Hartmann: 

Tset stands out for its unique combination of the founders' extensive experience and the innovative approach shaped by their early customers. Unlike other costing tools, Tset integrates cost and carbon optimization into a single, cloud-based platform. This combination was not available before and addresses a critical gap in the market. The ability to stay ahead of fast industry developments ensures that Tset remains a leading solution in the field.

Interviewer: How do you see the future of cost management and sustainability, especially for Tset?

Andreas Hartmann: 

The future of cost and carbon management is about setting new industry standards and Tset is at the forefront of this transformation. My vision for Tset software is to establish it as the benchmark for holistic product cost and carbon management (similar to how SAP has become a term for enterprise software). To achieve this, we must continue to develop and refine our solution and ensure that they integrate seamlessly across all business functions - from product development, through procurement, on to controlling. 

Interviewer: What would you say to industrial decision-makers who are hesitant to invest in an automated tool for cost and carbon optimization?

Andreas Hartmann: 

Those who hold back from investing now may be too late. The industry is facing significant challenges, and solutions such as Tset's software have become essential. The software can be used across multiple departments, is globally applicable, and ensures high visibility and economic traceability - all critical elements in today's product development landscape. When integrated early and comprehensively, the Tset software can add immense value to a company, improving both its financial results and its sustainability efforts along the entire product lifecycle.

Interviewer: Do you have any final thoughts or comments you would like to share with us about Tset, the industry, or the future market?

Andreas Hartmann: 

Tset must stay the course. The company has an excellent team that is doing impressive work. The priority now is to avoid technological setbacks and keep customers happy. Satisfied customers mean a strong position for Tset and its shareholders. Tset's strength lies in its approach to cost and carbon management, coupled with a commitment to innovation and quality. To remain a leader in sustainable manufacturing solutions, Tset must remain agile, responsive and focused on refining its offering.

I am convinced that the future of Tset is bright as long as it continues to uphold its core values of innovation, customer satisfaction and technological leadership.