Photo credits @ Trans.INFO

German carriers participate in eCMR tests. Results of the AEOLIX project to be announced in August.

You can read this article in 4 minutes

The aim of the AEOLIX project is to integrate various business processes from the transport sector into logistic software solutions. Pilot tests of electronic waybills are carried out this time in Germany.

Cloud-based communication and interaction will optimise cargo flows, reduce administrative burdens, make better use of existing transport resources and facilitate supply chain management. AEOLIX (abbreviation: Architecture for EurOpean Logistics Information eXchange) will allow data gaps to be detected and eliminated and improve communication between all participants of the delivery process. The main objective of the pilot project is to develop a common platform to connect different logistics information systems. After several registrations, shippers, carriers and recipients can communicate with each other via a smartphone or tablet. The only prerequisite is the previous registration and installation of a specific application.

The project was launched in 2016 and will be completed in August this year. Then the AEOLIX platform will present the results of three years of work.

Pilot tests

The Living Lab 12 pilot tests are currently underway, covering the process of checking and digitising freight transport documents. In April this year, companies associated with the German transport association BGL joined the field trials. These companies are to carry out a certain amount of transport with the use of electronic CMR by mid-June this year. They’re supposed to be using the systems: TransFollow, myAEOLIX or TransportPortal.

These allow the 11 carriers involved in the experiment to enter transport-relevant data, store logistical information and exchange this data in real time via mobile phone or tablet. Once they have been entered, all participants in the supply chain are immediately informed about the goods being transported.

First, however, the transport operator must create a waybill in the form of a digital document. If the driver has reached the shipper, he can either photograph the QR code generated on his smartphone or sign the device. Another useful feature the driver can use is the documentation of the damage to goods. All the trucker has to do is take a photo with the camera on the device and it will be saved by an app on the system. The trucker can also add text to the picture.

This is what e-CMR looks like in TransFollow:

Advantages of eCMR

There are many benefits to the use of eCMR. It is not without reason that the European Commission included in the so-called third Mobility Package a legislative proposal concerning the introduction of an electronic waybill in the EU countries.

Electronic CMR will allow transport companies and recipients not only to have permanent access to information about the performed transport but also to conveniently archive logistic information.

In addition, further steps, such as invoicing, delivery confirmation or the initiation of complaint procedures, will be faster and more cost-effective.

What is extremely important, thanks to eCMR, carriers can immediately invoice for the service provided, which will significantly shorten the waiting time for payment.

Photo: Trans.INFO

Tags