Digital documentation is benefiting logistic companies, forwarders, customers in enhancing the supply chain of the air cargo industry.
FREMONT, CA: Digital documentation is pulling the air cargo industry from traditional methods of book keeping to paperless records of transactions and course. Supply chains are under pressure to meet demands globally. Businesses are relying on digitalization of their processes to stand out from competitors. Paper-free operations, additionally, reduce errors and prevent significant losses.
Logistics companies and freight forwarders are adopting digital services for paper-less transactions and record keeping. Companies can benefit from ongoing developments in the following elements and learn to curb some of the challenges of digitizing processes.
Supply chain: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is adopting paperless strategies for industries to stay connected and updated on a shipment’s progress, regardless of their location or the service they provide in the supply chain. The supply chain consists of many processes where parties involved require transparency. A digitally integrated air cargo supply chain allows data that give all stakeholders visibility of shipments. If one entity enters updates into the system all concerned parties have access to that information along the supply chain.
Forwarders and customers: Shipping containers and other transportation systems are used to their full capacity causing congestion at international seaports. Companies are relying on air cargo to deliver goods more quickly. Companies have to navigate their way through available flights and routes which lead to extra work and resources spent. Keeping track of all cargos are difficult manually. Airlines are digitalizing their sales channels. Sharing real-time data with logistics companies and forwarders simplifies booking processes.
Interfaces for data exchange can reduce processing times, errors, and costs. Digital platforms can direct electronic bookings in real-time, freight forwarders can update customers on the progress of their orders.
Challenges and solutions: Industries still have to come in contact with information relevant to security, biosecurity, quarantine, customs, as well as the general operational nature of the shipment. More data is added everyday to a system that is moving from paper documentation processes to digital processes.
Transitioning to digital solutions make transferring data difficult. There are many systems in the supply chain that are under the control of external parties. Air cargo companies can begin by having a single centralized system where multiple logins to portals are eliminated and data is more secure and accessible.
