eCMR and eFTI: Digital freight documents as the key to smart logistics

Contents

1. eCMR as a success and starting point for the next step
2. Data diversity isnot a problem if it can be integrated
3. Designing interoperability: the platform as a connection layer
4. Platform architectures as the foundation of digital interoperability
5. eFTI: a tailwind for open data flows
6. Data as an enabler for smart logistics
7. Openness as an attitude
   
   
   

eCMR as a success and starting point for the next step

The introduction of the electronic consignment note was a milestone for the transport industry.

It proved that even highly regulated, paper-based processes can be successfully digitized.

Numerous providers - from large platforms to medium-sized logistics companies - have developed their own eCMR solutions that meet individual requirements: from driver apps and cloud services to integrated transport management systems.

Together with the Open Logistic Foundation and many logistics service providers such as Rhenus and Dachser, we at iteratec have also worked on an eCMR solution that is based on open source and can therefore be freely implemented and technically promotes interoperability.In theory, every company could use a common open source implementation. In reality, however, diversity remains because requirements, partner landscapes and technical environments are different.

Data diversity is not a problem if it can be integrated

As long as production plants work with many carriers, suppliers and IT service providers, there will be different systems. The aim is therefore not to enforce uniformity, but to make diversity usable. The challenge lies in integration: how can data flows be connected, formats harmonized and processes simplified without replacing existing systems?Acentral platform that brings together all eCMR data and makes it available in real time creates a common view of transport data, regardless of the original system.

Please also read our blog article: eCMR integration: How to digitize your consignment note

Designing interoperability: the platform as a connection layer

The path to greater transparency and efficiency does not lead via new stand-alone solutions, but via a platform that networks existing systems. It aggregates data from different sources, translates formats into standardized structures and provides information in real time for scheduling, production, customs, quality assurance and all other stakeholders involved.

The advantages are obvious:

• Less manual rework, as data is available automatically.
• Standardized data basis that avoids misunderstandings.
• Compliance and traceability, as data is available centrally and audit-proof.

And this is how we would typically implement interoperability,turning a fragmented system landscape into a networked data ecosystem. Flexible, scalable and future-proof.

• Open interfaces & API gateway:We provide standardized interfaces - so-called REST/JSON APIs - and bundle them via a central API gateway. This takes on tasks such as authentication, access control and monitoring. For eCMR, we use the public eCMR data model as a common contractual language between all partners. This ensures that every integration uses the same, clearly defined semantics. The Open Logistics Foundation repository provides these data structures as Java classes with versioning, which simplifies their use as a uniform reference model.

• Event-based architecture:In addition to classic interfaces, we work with so-called events, i.e. asynchronous messages such as eCMRCreated, eCMRSigned or eCMRDelivered. These events automatically inform connected systems about status changes - without them having to connect directly with each other. This makes data exchange more scalable, more robust and less error-prone - even with many carriers and partners.

• Semantic data harmonization:Different partners often use their own data structures. We assign these fields and documents (such as sender, carrier, shipment items or delivery status) to a common eCMR schema. This creates a uniform understanding of the data - regardless of which system originally generated the information.

• Adapters & anti-corruption layer:We develop specific adapters for proprietary formats from transport management, ERP or telematics systems. They ensure that the data is translated into the common model without changing the existing IT landscape. This decoupling - also known as the anti-corruption layer - preserves the independence of the systems and simplifies future adaptations.

• Data mesh principles:Where it makes sense, data sovereignty and responsibility remain in the respective domains - for example at freight forwarders, plants or customs offices. The eCMR model serves as a common language through which data is shared via domain APIs and events. This creates a network of distributed but coordinated data sources - instead of a centralized monolith.

• Security & compliance by design:Security and traceability are part of the concept right from the start. We focus on strict client separation, seamless audit trails and audit-proof storage. At the same time, we create the basis for future connection to certified eFTI platforms - with clearly defined interfaces and verifiable processes.

Platform architectures as the foundation of digital interoperability

If interoperability ensures that data flows freely between systems, then the platform architecture is the infrastructure that makes this flow possible.

It is the digital road network that connects freight forwarders, plants and authorities - open, resilient and secure. We build our solutions on this.

• Modular & flexible design: Our platforms consist of individual, independently executable building blocks - so-calledmicroservices. They cover core functions such as the creation, signing, archiving or delivery of eCMR data. Loosely linked viaevents, they can be updated or expanded independently of each other - without disrupting ongoing operations.

• API-first & open standards: We rely on public, clearly defined interfaces (APIs) that are based on the eCMR data model. This allows all partners to integrate on the same semantic basis. Through automatic contract tests and version management, we ensure that every interface remains stable - even if requirements change.

• Cloud and hybrid-capable: Our solutions run both in the cloud and in the company's own infrastructure (on-premises). This means that data stays where it belongs - in the plant or with the carrier - and can still be used securely across different systems. Kubernetes ensures scalability and stable operating processes.

• Transparency & governance: every action, from the signature to the status change, is logged centrally. Technical and functional metrics provide information about the status of the system at all times. Integratedpolicy checks ensure that all processes meet compliance and eFTI requirements.

• Zero trust security: Security is not an afterthought in our architecture, but is built in from the outset. This includes a consistent separation of clients, finely granulated authorizations and end-to-end signatures that make data unalterable - from dispatch to inspection by authorities.

eFTI: Tailwind for open data flows

The European eFTI regulation is now giving this change an additional boost. From July 2027, authorities will have to accept electronic freight information - such as eCMR data - as long as it is provided via certified eFTI platforms.This means that digitalization will not only become the standard, but a prerequisite for legally compliant and efficient transport processes. Irrespective of this, we do not see eFTI as a bureaucratic requirement, but as an opportunity to systematically and scalably design interoperability

To illustrate this, let's take another look at the depot. Where today information from different eCMR systems is compiled manually, in future it will flow automatically into a common platform.Dispatchers will be able to see at a glance which transports have already arrived, which are still en route and which documents need to be checked. Checks will be supported digitally, approvals will take seconds instead of minutes and deviations can be detected at an early stage. Data moves just as smoothly as the trucks themselves.

Investing in such interoperable data structures at an early stage not only creates the basis for compliance, but also a tangible competitive advantage.

Data as an enabler for smart logistics

An integrated, standardized database forms the foundation for data-driven and AI-supported logistics processes: from automated approvals and real-timeCO₂analyses to intelligent planning systems. eCMR and eFTI are not in competition, but rather form two levels of the same development:

• eCMR as a digital verification and documentation standard,
• eFTI as a data room that makes this information networked, exchangeable and analyzable.

As soon as data is available in a common structure, real added value is created - beyond process automation. Companies can develop new services, make sustainability visible and make decisions based on valid data.

This shows the potential in practice:

• CO₂ analyses at the touch of a button: CO₂equivalents per shipment or relation can be calculatedautomatically from the standardized eCMR data, such as weights, distances, vehicle types or time stamps. This makes sustainability reporting an integral part of everyday operations.

• Automated approvals: Rules check data such as signature status, document completeness or customs status and automatically release shipments if they are "green". This saves time and minimizes errors.

• Intelligent yard control: Events such as eCMRSigned, ArrivedGate or Delivered control yard slots, ramp planning and QA checks. Deviations are detected early and downtimes are avoided.

• Digital audit trail & eFTI readiness: Seamless audit trails and standardized interfaces to certified eFTI platforms facilitate official processes - and make manual inspections increasingly superfluous.

These examples show: When data flows, new opportunities arise.

The digital consignment note becomes a tool for efficiency, sustainability and innovation - and therefore a real driver of smart logistics.

Openness as an attitude

The future of logistics will not be determined by individual systems, but by their ability to talk to each other. Open standards, scalable architectures and collaborative partnerships are the key.

We don't just want to network systems, we want to empower people to design with data.

Do you have any questions or need support?

You can findmore information about the options for transport & logistics and the eCMR for your company on our website. You are also welcome to contact us.