In air freight, the idea of “ONE Record” has been pursued under the direction of IATA for some time. The aim is to define a uniform model for records and to determine how this data, which is always held by the owner, can be accessed by certain subscribers under specified conditions (“publisher-subscriber” principle). As a member of the “ONE Record” task force, we support this initiative and are already working internally on models for a “ONE Record” server where the data can be made available, retrieved and updated.
But the road to this goal is still long, rocky and difficult. The data has yet to be standardized, and access and access rights for participants have not been finally determined. Forwarding agents who do not want to wait the extended period while this process to completes, but who still want to use a uniform data model in a single system therefore rely on Scope – One System. One Record.
Software that helps to move goods and merchandise from A to B is plentiful. And there is an equally abundant jumble of data. Scope, the digital standard for freight forwarding, customs and handling, is based on a “One File” concept where data is entered only once and stored in a single database. The data is automatically updated after each processing step. While the data confusion in the international forwarding business has not yet been eliminated, it does not exist within Scope.
If both export and import agents work with Scope, it enables the complete processing of forwarding orders while avoiding repeat data entry. Additionally, there is no changing of systems and the attendant manual synchronization of data. This shortens the processing time of shipments, increases data integrity, reduces input errors and minimizes corrections. All processes and procedures are thus accelerated and the forwarder can work more efficiently and profitably.
If an export agent creates a shipment in Scope and the import agent also works with Scope, the shipment automatically appears as an import shipment to the import agent. This shipment can then be further processed and, for example, pre-cleared through customs. Since all this takes place within the same database, the export agent is also always up to date and can keep his customer informed. This gives forwarding agents a competitive edge, because status information is an indispensable additional service for both shipper and consignee.
– Christian Riege SVP Software Development and Managing Director, Riege Software“ONE Record is a pioneering initiative of IATA. And we are involved. This is why Scope will continue to develop from the ‘One Record’ principle towards ONE Record over the next few years.”
Using the browser-based Scope Connect extension, authorized stakeholders have access to all shipment information at all times and can take action according to their role. They can view data and update it, for example by fulfilling milestones, which are then reliably finalized for all stakeholders.
But with Connect, Scope can do even more. Customers can make bookings online. This data is immediately visible in Scope where it can be converted into shipments by the forwarder without having to re-key the data. Other participants, such as contracted haulage companies can contribute to seamless “door-to-door” processing by fulfilling their milestones, the completion of which is visible to all stakeholders. All thanks to the original one record within a single system: Scope – One System. One Record.
In practice, Scope shows its absolute strength in Scope-to-Scope communication. By integrating external systems, however, it also enables cross-system collaboration and networking throughout the global supply chain. With a focus on full visibility for all stakeholders, quality improvement and productivity increase, cost reduction and yield optimization, customer loyalty and employee satisfaction. The future of logistics is digital. Scope is the future of digital logistics.