At the transport logistic 2025 trade fair in Munich, the foundation presented a fully mature technological solution for the digital consignment note. The software was created in cooperation with 28 companies, including Dachser, Rhenus, DB Schenker, Blue Yonder, Markant and Fraunhofer IML.
The aim of the project was to unify the previously fragmented eCMR solutions. The new standard is to be compliant with regulations, interoperable, and usable on various platforms – without the need for a central intermediary unit. The technological basis is a standardised eCMR data model, supplemented with advanced electronic seals enabling document validation.
What is the Open Logistics Foundation?
The Open Logistics Foundation was founded in 2021 by Rhenus, duisport, Dachser and DB Schenker on the initiative of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), as part of the Silicon Economy research project. The foundation operates as an independent, non-profit organisation and aims to develop open-source solutions for logistics and supply chain management.
At the heart of its activities is the idea of an open innovation community that creates de facto standards and provides software components under a free licence. The foundation operates neutrally, in accordance with European legal regulations, and is supported by the Open Logistics e. V. association, which is open to companies from the entire logistics sector.
Up to 60% time savings
After a successful Proof of Concept in 2023 on two routes between Dachser and Rhenus, the solution was implemented in two real operational cases. The pilot phase was supported by IT partners Markant and Blue Yonder.
According to Dachser, tests have shown time savings of up to 60% throughout the entire transport process – from drivers to dispatchers to goods recipients. In turn, Rhenus reported savings of around one euro per eCMR document, resulting from lower error rates and simplified operational processes.
Open, free and flexible
The eCMR software is available free of charge in the foundation’s open-source repository. Enterprises can customise it to their own needs and implement it independently or in cooperation with external IT providers – without having to pay for a licence.
The foundation offers technical and legal support in implementing solutions, and its goal is to reach the widest possible group of users – from small and medium-sized transport companies to global corporations.
Further standards in preparation
For Andreas Nettsträter, CEO of the Open Logistics Foundation, eCMR is a prime example of digital transformation implemented in a collaborative spirit:
“New open-source software enables the standardisation of the digital waybill. This is not a formally standardised standard, but a solution developed together with the industry and recognised by it – in other words, a de facto market standard.”
The digital waybill is just the first step. The foundation is already preparing further projects to standardise digital logistics processes based on the open-source model.
