Our Company

At the heart of everything we do is our guiding mission: “We help those, who help those in need.” We continue to innovate, delivering solutions that maximize the impact of NGOs, disaster relief agencies, aid organizations, and nonprofits. We remain dedicated to supporting those who dedicate their lives to helping others — not just as a software provider, but as a long-term partner in humanitarian success.

Privately Held. Employee Owned. Mission Driven.

Humanitarian Software is a logistics and supply chain technology company built exclusively for the humanitarian sector. We are privately held and employee owned — our ownership, management, and board of directors are deeply committed to our mission and to the great work being done by our clients worldwide. That ownership lets us invest in long-term relationships rather than short-term wins.

Our flagship platform, HELM, is the result of decades of close collaboration with nonprofits, NGOs, faith-based groups, and disaster relief organizations operating around the world. It is software shaped by the realities of humanitarian operations — donor accountability, gift-in-kind handling, complex compliance, and the need to move aid quickly under pressure.

Our Origins

The story begins in 1987, with the founding of Barcontrol Software, a company focused on creating customizable warehouse management solutions that leveraged barcoding — then a cutting-edge technology. Because the system was so configurable, it quickly attracted clients with unique needs.

As the company grew, it became clear that there was a vastly underserved sector in the Gift In Kind and disaster relief space. To meet this need, Humanitarian Software was born, with a new version of the software — HELM — specifically designed for Gift In Kind operations and tailored to the diverse requirements of humanitarian and nonprofit organizations.

Growth and Evolution

Over the decades, Humanitarian Software has steadily expanded, and HELM has become our flagship solution — recognized globally for its ability to manage the full complexity of humanitarian logistics while remaining highly configurable for each organization’s unique processes. What began as a warehouse management and barcoding solution has evolved into a comprehensive platform that supports every stage of humanitarian supply chain management — from donor engagement and compliance, to warehouse operations, international distribution, and last-mile delivery.

Leadership and Ownership

From the start, our leadership has remained constant — driving lasting partnerships and sustained impact.

• Steve Bardos, one of the original founders of Barcontrol in 1987, now serves as CEO.
• Louis Meilinger, also a Barcontrol co-founder, is now COO.

We don’t think of ourselves as a vendor that ships software and disappears. When you partner with us, you gain a team that understands the stakes of humanitarian work and stays engaged for the long haul. Your team and our team share one mission, and we measure our success by the impact you are able to deliver.

Want to learn more? Get in touch.