What if you lose important documents during transport?
Transport documents are essential for a smooth and efficient logistics process. But what if a paper consignment note gets lost or damaged? This can lead to fines, delays, extra costs and administrative hassle. Fortunately, the digital consignment note, e-CMR, offers the perfect solution. The risks of paper waybills Traditional consignment notes are vulnerable. They can get lost, torn or become illegible. In addition, manually processing paper documents can lead to errors, delays and additional administrative burdens. This is not only inefficient, but also costly. Drivers who cannot prove what cargo they are transporting can be fined. With a digital consignment note, you eliminate these risks. The e-CMR offers a safe, reliable and efficient way to manage transport documents digitally, without being dependent on paper versions. What is e-CMR and how does it work? E-CMR (electronic consignment note) is the digital version of the traditional paper consignment note. It is a legally recognized document that contains all necessary information about the transport, such as data about the shipment, sender, recipient and carrier. With e-CMR, all parties involved – from carriers and shippers to recipients – can share information in real time via a secure digital platform. This prevents miscommunication, speeds up the logistics process and increases transparency. Benefits of e-CMR for transport and logistics Switching to a digital consignment note offers numerous advantages: Why choose Collect+Go? At Collect en Go, we offer a user-friendly and reliable solution for e-CMR. Our digital consignment note software ensures that your transport documents are always accessible, secure and up-to-date. We help transport companies, shippers and logistics service providers to make a smooth transition to the digital consignment note, so that they benefit from all the advantages of digitalization. Want to know more about how e-CMR can improve your logistics processes? Contact us today and discover the future of transport documentation!
Does e-CMR work with every system?
Switching to e-CMR brings many benefits, but a question that often arises is: does e-CMR actually work with every system? In the logistics sector, various transport management systems (TMS) and business software (ERP) are used, making it important that a digital consignment note integrates smoothly with existing processes. Fortunately, e-CMR has been developed in such a way that it is widely applicable. Modern e-CMR solutions are designed to work with various systems, from simple planning software to extensive TMS and ERP platforms. This means that companies that already use a digital system can often switch to an electronic consignment note without major adjustments. The key to successful integration lies in flexibility. A good e-CMR solution offers the possibility to synchronize data with existing software, so that transport information is automatically updated. This prevents duplication of work and minimizes the chance of errors. In addition, the digital consignment note makes it possible to share documents in real time, which makes collaboration between carriers, shippers and recipients more efficient. Although e-CMR is compatible with different systems in most cases, the degree of integration can vary. Some older software packages may need an update to work optimally with e-CMR technology. That is why it is wise to investigate in advance whether the chosen e-CMR solution fits in with the existing infrastructure. At Collect+Go we understand how important a smooth transition is. That is why we have developed our e-CMR software in such a way that it can easily be linked to different systems. Whether you work with an extensive ERP or TMS or a simpler planning program, our solution ensures that your logistics processes run more efficiently without you having to adjust your current working methods. We adapt the system to you, not the other way around! Curious whether e-CMR works in your situation? View the possible integrations and partners at Collect & Go here.
How to make administrative processes in logistics efficient
Administration plays a crucial role in the logistics sector. Processing documents and maintaining transport data can take a lot of time and is often prone to errors. Fortunately, there is a way to streamline these processes and make them more efficient: the switch to the digital consignment note, or e-CMR. An e-CMR is the digital version of the traditional consignment note. Instead of paper documents that can be lost or incorrectly completed, this electronic variant offers a fast, error-free and automated way to record transport information. All parties involved, from carriers to recipients, can track the status of a shipment in real-time, sign documents and store data. This not only reduces administrative burdens, but also increases transparency within the supply chain. In addition to time savings and ease of use, e-CMR also brings significant cost savings. Companies no longer have to spend money on paper, printing costs and archiving. In addition, human errors that lead to fines or delays can be prevented. This makes the digital consignment note not only a smart choice, but also a sustainable solution for the logistics sector. Less paper use therefore means less burden on the environment. e-CMR also complies with national and international regulations. Companies that transport domestically and internationally do not have to worry about compliance with various laws or enforcement by government authorities, because the digital waybill is widely accepted. This makes it easier to operate more efficiently and without hassle within and across national borders. Do you have doubts about the legislation in the country where you deliver? Then ask Collect + Go! At Collect+Go we understand how important it is to ensure logistics processes run as smoothly as possible. That’s why we offer a user-friendly e-CMR solution that is easy to implement and works seamlessly with existing transport management and enterprise resource planning systems. Our software allows companies to digitally manage, store and share transportation documents without having to worry about paperwork. The switch to e-CMR is not only a step towards a more efficient working method, but also a future-oriented choice that contributes to a more sustainable and innovative logistics sector. Would you like to know how e-CMR can help your company? Contact us and discover how Collect&Go can optimize your transport administration.
What is e-CMR?
The transport sector is digitizing at a rapid pace, and an important innovation in this is e-CMR. But what exactly is e-CMR? e-CMR stands for the digital consignment note; the electronic version of the traditional paper CMR consignment note. This digital document ensures more efficient, safer and more sustainable transport. E-CMR, or the electronic consignment note, replaces the paper CMR and offers logistics companies and transporters a simple and automated way to manage freight data. This digital document contains all essential information about a shipment and is legally binding. With e-CMR, administrative burdens are reduced and transport processes are optimized. Why switch to e-CMR? Using a digital consignment note offers many advantages for transport companies, logistics service providers and shippers: With e-CMR, freight data can be shared and processed in real-time. This eliminates errors and speeds up administrative processes. No more hassle with paper documents that get lost or damaged! Automating the consignment note drastically reduces paper, printing and storage costs. In addition, less administrative work leads to lower personnel costs. Thanks to e-CMR, carriers, clients and recipients can track the status of a shipment in real-time. This ensures improved chain transparency and fewer misunderstandings. The switch to an electronic consignment note contributes to a more sustainable logistics sector. Less paper consumption means lower CO2 emissions and a smaller ecological footprint. The e-CMR is fully recognized and legally binding in almost all European countries. This allows transportation companies to confidently transition to this digital solution without risking compliance issues. The e-CMR, also known as a digital consignment note, is the future of logistics. It ensures more efficient, cheaper and sustainable transport, while simplifying administrative processes. Do you want to remain competitive as a transport company and participate in the digital transition? Then switch to e-CMR with Collect+Go and experience the benefits yourself! How does e-CMR work in practice? Transporters and logistics companies can easily use an e-CMR platform such as Collect&Go. Through our advanced software, all freight data is digitally recorded and shared between shipper, carrier and recipient. This ensures seamless integration into existing systems and a smooth workflow. When loading the goods, the sender signs the e-CMR, after which it is digitally signed by the driver. Real-time updates can be sent during transport, and the consignment note is digitally signed off by the recipient upon arrival at the destination. This makes the entire process more efficient and without paperwork. Implement e-CMR with Collect + Go At Collect+Go we help companies easily switch to e-CMR. Our platform offers a user-friendly and reliable solution for digitally managing consignment notes. Do you want to benefit from the benefits of an electronic consignment note? Contact us today and discover how we can optimize your transport processes with e-CMR!
16 companies start with e-CMR in container logistics
e-CMR in container logistics After the kick-off on June 27, 2024 at Rotterdam Shortsea Terminal, we started working to further involve parties. This resulted in 16 registrations for the Living Lab digitization of e-CMR: seven terminals, four carriers and five shippers. Five companies have now started implementing the digital consignment note. In the Living lab, technology companies, terminals, shippers and transporters work closely together to digitize logistics and administrative processes in container logistics in an innovative way. With paperless, efficient and safe multimodal container transport as the highest goal. Below you will find an overview of the participating companies: Kraaijeveld Groente en FruitContainer Terminal DoesburgBTT | Multimodal Container SolutionsVos LogisticsBoekestijn TransportMarkiezaat Container TerminalHeuschen & SchrouffLamb Weston EMEARotterdam Shortsea TerminalsLogistiek Centrum Gorinchem B.V.Inland Terminals GroupInt. Transport OverbeekFrigo WarehousingMelkweg FritomUnidex Holland In the coming months, various IT parties will realize a digital ecosystem for container logistics. This forms the foundation of the digital solution. This allows companies to safely exchange data with each other. This will soon allow data exchange to take place at container level with which various e-CMR providers can handle the signing of the digital consignment note based on gate in/out events. E-CMR is therefore the first actual logistics application in this digital ecosystem. Innotractor, Secure Logistics and Collect + Go recently had several sessions to develop an initial draft. In the coming weeks, the design of the digital ecosystem will be completed and the technical setup can begin. In parallel, participants can already start the e-CMR implementation together with their e-CMR provider. The e-CMR application for import will be put into production at the end of this year and the export flow will be added next year. Open technology model To facilitate and guarantee broad applicability and adoption in container logistics, coordination has also been sought with Portbase, deep-sea terminals and other e-CMR providers. Portbase can play a role within this Living Lab to make the e-CMR dataset available to supply chain parties. This is now being explored further. Discussions are also underway with deep-sea terminals to integrate their gate out/in processes, so that transporters can ultimately work in a uniform manner in the port of Rotterdam. In addition, e-CMR providers Cargoledger and Beurtvaartadres/Transfollow have also been willing to participate in this initiative. The Basic Data Infrastructure (BDI) helps to facilitate secure data exchange between supply chain parties within an open technology model: a digital container logistics ecosystem! The digital consignment note (or e-CMR) is the first application. More are expected to follow, such as order booking, CO2 footprint and supply chain visibility. Voucher arrangement Do you also want to get started with e-CMR and do you have container flows? Then register for the voucher scheme! You will then receive a subsidy of up to 10,000 euros. More information about this scheme can be found at this website. Book an online meeting if you want to know more about this initiative and the voucher arrangement.
IAA – Autonomous driving, EVs, and connectivity
Autonomous driving, EVs, and connectivity These were the buzzwords and key themes at the IAA, one of the largest European trade fairs for truck and component manufacturers. Last week, I spent a few days in Hannover. Traditionally, this fair has been all about tough men and their machines. This year, however, the focus shifted to sustainability, autonomous driving, and connectivity. There were test drives in electric trucks, charging solutions from various providers—everything you could imagine. As the son of a farmer who grew up on a crop farm, one thing that stood out to me was the autonomous tractor from Krone. It looked strange—no cab, no steering wheel. But then it clicked: the field is the perfect environment for autonomous driving. No traffic, just plowing or mowing in straight lines. German Economy and Climate Minister Habeck, came to the Krone stand with a large press delegation and announced that Germany is leading the way in autonomous driving. He mentioned two of our partners, Krone and ZF, as industrial leaders in this field. Autonomous driving has been on our agenda for a while too. We’re already working on digitizing goods transfers so that no human intervention is needed. At Lamb Weston, the fries go straight from the conveyor belt into the trailer. At container terminals, there’s no one there to sign anything, and the driver gets an interchange receipt from a kiosk. These are interesting process points for us to link with e-CMR handling so that the paperwork is automatically taken care of at the point of handover—without the drivers needing to do anything. This fits perfectly with our motto: “Drivers and paperwork don’t make a good combination.” We share this knowledge with truck manufacturers as well. PACCAR launched its new marketplace and app store, PACCAR Connect. at the IAA. They’re now the first truck manufacturer to offer a connectivity platform by default, where drivers can work on an integrated tablet even outside the vehicle. This tablet syncs with the fixed unit in the truck. Transport managers can push apps of their choice to the drivers via an MDM (Mobile Device Management) system. The initial sales figures are promising. Many field tablets have already been delivered with the purchase of new trucks. New and existing DAF trucks (as old as 2015!) can be equipped with this option. Through our own app and partner model, we’re now even more connected with drivers. When a carrier uses its own app or a fleet management app like ZF Transics, TIS, LBase, Logi-App, Data2Track of Modality Truck App, e-CMRs can also be processed within the PACCAR Connect platform. Now we just need to ensure the process is robust enough to handle changing drivers. As a company based in Brabant, we’re excited to contribute to the further development of such functionalities. Our ambition is to tell you more about it next year at Transport and Logistics in Munich or at the next IAA in Hannover. Want to know more? Make an appointment via the contactform on our website.
