Traxon urges investment in processes

PROGRESS is moving slow in automating the airfreight business, attendees at the IATA World Cargo symposium were told. Barely two thirds of the airlines claiming membership to the IATA Cargo 2000 initiative (C2K), are consistently applying the procedures prescribed for higher quality and efficiency.

In the case of airfreight forwarders, only seven out of 12 members are open to systematic monitoring and control methods in their operational business, according to statistics compiled by IATA.

“We have to assume that thorough quality controls in shipping processes are the exception, rather than the rule,” said Traxon’s managing director, Felix Keck. “The reason for this, is that airfreight companies are not willing to integrate and invest, and that many companies merely optimise their internal processes instead of scrutinising the entire logistics chain when planning investment. Only the complete automation of data and information flows throughout the supply chain can result in the desired effects. The success factor lies in data and information exchange being seamless between all participating airfreight partners.”

Despite the continued need to inform and persuade potential customers, Keck is convinced of airfreight automation’s eventual triumph. “The technology is there. Now all we have to do is make money by using it, even in the short run.”