SISCOG | History, Values, Awards

About Us

COMBINED AI & OPERATIONS RESEARCH

Optimizing

the resources of the

world

Optimization decision support software for resource scheduling and management

For almost 40 years, SISCOG has been combining generic and client-specific knowledge, incorporating experience, research & innovation and mobility industry trends, to design optimization resource scheduling and management software solutions for the transportation cluster.

The SISCOG Suite includes a combination of Artificial Intelligence and Operations Research techniques, and offers management, schedulers, and dispatchers, software tools to improve business productivity and quality and, ultimately, the satisfaction of employees and passengers/clients.

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The Team

Ferdinand Lucke Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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Ferdinand Lucke Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Ferdinand is SISCOG’s CEO, leading the company into its next chapter as a Modaxo company — one defined by clarity of purpose, sustainable innovation, integrity, and international growth.

He holds an MBA in Business Administration from Freie Universität Berlin.

Ferdinand once spent every spare cent on windsurfing, even crafting a few (questionably built) boards for the thrill of it. Though he mastered the Greek coast as a teen, he now lives by the Atlantic and has barely touched his board — something he's ready to change.
António Frazão Head of Products
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António Frazão Head of Products

António is responsible for the teams that create and develop the SISCOG Suite, including product functionality, graphical interface, and integrations with third party software.

António holds an MBA in International Management from Faculdade de Ciências Económicas e Empresariais of the Portuguese Catholic University, and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico.

In his spare time, he volunteers in several social relief activities, and even puts his professional experience to use by developing software to plan the optimized transportation of thousands of pilgrims to Fátima Sanctuary. In a more radical tone, he loves rafting down Paiva river.
António Silva Head of Projects
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António Silva Head of Projects

SISCOG’s products are adapted into systems according to each client’s needs through António’s leadership. His teams also guarantee the client systems’ maintenance and support.

He has a degree in Software and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico.

Do-it-yourself is one of his activities of choice as a perfect way to relax in his free time. If you need tips on home improvements, from bricks & tiles, to plumbing or electrical related matters, he is the right person. António prefers to spend time in close proximity to nature, always at the top of his mind regarding recycling and sustainability.
Eurico Matos Head of Strategic Development
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Eurico Matos Head of Strategic Development

Eurico is responsible for business development, and for the sales and marketing areas.

Eurico has a degree in Computer Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, and executive training in Sales Management from Católica Porto Business School.

An aspiring astronomer in his teens, he is passionate about travelling to experience different cultures, including fearlessly sampling local delicacies at his own risk. His current hobby? Well, he loves nothing more than reliving his childhood, using his two children as the perfect excuse to play like a kid again!
Fauto Almeida Head of IT
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Fauto Almeida Head of IT

Fausto is responsible for information security at SISCOG and oversees both the IT management team and the team that maintains and develops tools to support software development.

He holds a PhD in Computer Science, with a thesis in Artificial Intelligence from Instituto Superior Técnico, and a Master’s degree in Computer Science, also with a thesis in Artificial Intelligence, from the University of Coimbra.

In his spare time, Fausto enjoys traveling to discover new cultures and exploring the history of ancient civilizations. He is also passionate about films and the history of cinema.
Liliana Pereira Head of Quality
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Liliana Pereira Head of Quality

Liliana leads the teams responsible for testing products and systems and for writing user manuals, and manages SISCOG’s Integrated Management System.

Liliana has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, and is certified in Executive Coaching from the European Coaching School.

Further to being a full time soccer mom of three kids, in her spare times she is also an executive and life coach that loves meditation and trekking.
Mafalda Castelo Branco Head of Organizational Development
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Mafalda Castelo Branco Head of Organizational Development

Mafalda is responsible for the organizational development of the company, including human resources recruitment and management, the evaluation system and internal communication.

She has a degree in Social and Organizational Psychology from ISPA – Instituto Universitário and has an executive training in General Management Program from Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

Mafalda is gifted in sewing, which she nourishes as a hobby. This has guaranteed her two children all the Carnival, Halloween, and Christmas costumes. And she is already transferring her passion about needles and threads to the next generation by teaching her young daughter in this craft.
Ricardo Saldanha Head of Innovation
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Ricardo Saldanha Head of Innovation

Ricardo leads the teams that develop and maintain the optimization models used in SISCOG software products and keeps a sharp eye on the latest developments and evolutions in the resource scheduling field.

He has a PhD in Computer Science, with a thesis in Artificial Intelligence, as well as a master and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico.
He also keeps an eye on other things – he finds birdwatching is the best way to relax. Volunteering is also one of his preferences. As a group manager he organizes cultural and recreational activities for the members of the inpatient community of a drug and alcohol rehab center in the metropolitan area of Lisbon.

History

39 Successful years

In the 1980s, João Pavão Martins and Ernesto Morgado — both Fulbright Scholars with PhDs in Artificial Intelligence from the State University of New York at Buffalo (USA) — set out to combine scientific knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and practical know-how and apply it to the rail sector. The result was SISCOG, which has grown into a global leader in the rail and subway operations software market.
Now part of Modaxo, the company continues to expand into new markets.

2025

SISCOG becomes a Modaxo company.
2021
- SISCOG is certified in Information Security Management
  (ISO 27001).
- SISCOG is certified in the Conciliation between Professional, Family and Personal life (NP 4552 standard).
2016
- SISCOG celebrates its 30th anniversary.
- SISCOG is certified in Environmental Management (ISO 14001).
2015
- “Best Practice Paper Award” at CASPT, Conference on Advanced Systems in Public Transport, for the joint paper “Security crew scheduling at Netherlands Railroad”.
2012

Third “Innovative Application Award” by AAAI - Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, as recognition for a new Artificial Intelligence algorithm for the CREWS-based system in use by the Dutch Railroad (NS).
2010
- SISCOG is certified in Research, Development and Innovation
  (NP EN 4457:2007).
- SISCOG opens an office in Oporto.
- “Innovative Product Award” for CREWS Real-time Dispatcher by COTEC Portugal – Business Innovation Network.
2011

SISCOG celebrates its 25th anniversary with the publication of a book telling its story.
2009
- SISCOG becomes a “Sociedade Anónima” (Public Limited Liability Company).
2006
- Medal of Merit by “ComputerWorld Honors Program”, SISCOG classified among the top 5 IT companies in the transportation domain.
- SISCOG is appointed member of COTEC Portugal network (an association of private enterprises sponsored by the Portuguese President) due to its innovative strategy and creation of value for the country.
2003

Second “Innovative Application Award” by AAAI - Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, as recognition for the CREWS-based system developed for the Norwegian Railroad (NSB, now VY).
2000
- SISCOG’s logo is updated. The new design, inspired by the original one, reflects the harmony and integration of SISCOG products and the relationship of the company with its clients. It also represents an open spirit to new ideas, as well as the innovation and flexibility needed for the development of knowledge-based systems.
- SISCOG is certified in Quality (ISO 9001).
1997

First “Innovative Application Award” by AAAI - Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, as recognition for the CREWS-based system developed for the Dutch Railroad (NS).
1993

First client: Dutch Railways (NS).
SISCOG’s first contract with an international client.
This milestone also marks the first software export for a Portuguese company.
1988

SISCOG starts developing its first crew scheduling prototype for the railroad domain - for CP, the Portuguese Railroad.
1986

Founding of SISCOG by Ernesto Morgado and João Pavão Martins, just four years after concluding their PhDs in Artificial Intelligence at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Our Values

Working hand-in-hand with clients, sharing successes and responsibilities, true partnerships are embedded in our culture and are the key to the successful development of our projects. Our continuous quest to enhance our solutions and excel in product quality and service, supported by a highly professional and competent team, is constantly driven by SISCOG’s core values – Client Commitment, Innovation, Excellence, Trust and Respect.

Values

Innovation

We encourage research, development and innovation in products, services and processes.
Values

Respect

We encourage differences, respecting each other as professionals and persons.
Values

Excellence

We strive to achieve high levels of performance sustained in professionalism and excellence.
Values

Trust

We promote respect and responsibility, through team spirit.
Values

Client commitment

We establish solid partnerships exceeding expectations and creating value.

Business Ethics

Information technology, artificial intelligence and operations research share a common aspect - a highly competitive and innovative spirit under constant change. SISCOG follows these natural transformations keeping a continuous commitment to making decisions based on an ethical and righteous conduct.

We honor our Code of Ethics and Conduct, which determines our relationship with employees, clients, suppliers, partners, society and environment. Our actions are governed by an ethical conduct, legal and regulatory compliance, prevention and combat of non-compliance of the law, human rights protection, non-discrimination and equal opportunities, fair competition, respect for intellectual property rights, and sustainability.

Awards

Excellence in products and business performance

SISCOG's work has been recognized by various international institutions as a company that develops groundbreaking and visionary software solutions, in addition to achieving sound and consistent management results.

2024

“Exports & Internationalization" Award in the category "SMEs - Services" by Novo Banco and Jornal de Negócios.
2025-2021

COTEC Innovative Status, granted for meeting criteria such as a solid financial situation, investment in innovation, and management quality.
2022-2010

SME Leader statute, which distinguishes Portuguese companies with superior financial and economic performance.
2022

SME Excellence statute, which recognises Portuguese companies that achieve excellent business performance and competitiveness.
2021

“Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award” Finalist by Crédito Agrícola, for the AI4RealAg project, an intelligent system capable of generating useful forecasts and information for farmers.
2015

“Best Practice Paper Award” at CASPT, Conference on Advanced Systems in Public Transport, for a paper co-developed with the Dutch Railroad (NS), “Security crew scheduling at Netherlands Railways”.
2012, 2003 and 1997

“Innovation Application Award” by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, the most prestigious scientific organisation in the field worldwide.
2010

Honourable mention for the CREWS Real-time Dispatcher product in the “Innovation Awards COTEC-Unicer”.
2006

Medal of merit by the “Computerworld Honors Program” and qualification among the top five contributions in the transportation category.