In October 2022, CARGO START signed a cooperation agreement with OnLine Data, the leading technology provider for the Supply Chain & Logistics sector (SC&L) from Greece, for the integration of the Cargo Community System CARGO GATE into the TMS CORE, which enables freight forwarders to exchange messages electronically with air cargo carriers.
The agreement set an important milestone for the digitalization of air cargo processes and eAWB adoption in Greece. But where does the Greek SC&L sector stand on the digital transformation journey overall? We have asked Nikos Rodopoulos, CEO and founder of OnLine Data
What role did OnLine data play in the digital transformation of the SC&L industry in Greece?
OnLine Data has played a key role in the technological development of our industry and, throughout three decades, we are very proud to have gained a 95% market share as a technology provider in Greece.
Everything started back in 1989. Filled with enthusiasm and dedication, we initiated a new era for business softwares, by founding one of the most emblematic IT companies in our country, which has been growing and adapting its offer to the ever-changing needs of the SC&L industry.
Since then, our driving force has been the development of innovative IT solutions tailored to the needs of industry players at all levels, to support them in facing challenges like the modernization and upgrade of their infrastructure, their IT systems and their day-to-day business processes.
Of course, we are committed to the industry also with regard to knowledge-sharing, by constantly participating in lectures and scientific organizations, as well as with institutional interventions among the Greek and European entrepreneurship.
Greece has developed one of the world’s most significant and competitive logistics ecosystems. However, it is clear there is still room for improvement. In your opinion, what are the main pain points and what needs to be done?
As highlighted by several reports and studies, Greece has been making outstanding progress in its efforts to become an international freight center, leveraging its strategic geographical location, a recovering economy, and a friendlier investment environment. However, in order to achieve “excellence”, there is still room for improvement especially when it comes to technology and infrastructure upgrades.
Progress has been driven primarily by developments in the shipping and maritime logistics industries, as well as in road transport. More investments are needed with regard to air cargo, as well as rail and hinterland logistics, third-party logistics (3PL), customs services, and, above all, the interconnectivity of these distinct nodes of the Greek T&L.
A crucial precondition is not only to accelerate the implementation of new technologies but also to close the talent gap in digital fluency: there is in fact a shortage of proficient and specialized professionals in our industry which slows down progress tremendously. I guess this is not only a problem in Greece, though, but all over the world.
Air cargo is lagging behind with digital transformation worldwide, regardless IATA’s effort in the last 15 years with initiatives such as eFreight/eAWB, global adoption is still at 75%; where do we stand in Greece?
At OnLine Data, we have been supporting our customers during every “technological revolution”, and now it’s time to support them in accelerating air cargo digital adoption. In fact, in Greece eAWB take-up is still below the industry average.
Only large forwarding companies could easily adapt their systems to comply with the IATA eAWB program. On the other hand, most of SME companies, which are the backbone of the Greek logistics ecosystem, are still relying on manual data entry, which is a very time-consuming (and costly) task.
Thanks to the agreement with CARGO START we can offer a fast, cost-effective and easy-to-implement solution. We do believe the integration of CARGO GATE in our TMS CORE (marketed in Greece as CORE/eAWB), will boost eAWB penetration spectacularly in 2023, to the benefit of our customers and of the industry overall.
Why did you choose to partner with CARGO START and where do you see room for further cooperation?
Besides the quality of the CARGO START solutions, which are way innovative and flexible, their business thinking and business culture are bringing us close to a different partnering level. In fact, the CARGO START team, just like OnLine Data, is focusing on Human2Human cooperation.
Our clients are more than a number or a revenue figure on paper. Our clients are the heart of our attitude and professionalism. We share the Southern European and Mediterranean mentality of “do whatever it takes to keep your clients sustainable and growing. Grow together with them”.
In fact, we do have some projects in the pipeline which might further extend our cooperation, which do not have to do with air cargo only. So, stay tuned!
“The future of logistics is digital”: how far is the future? What are the main challenges along the way?
The future of all mankind is digital. We are already living in a digital era, which is reflected in private and business activities, including the SC&L industry.
Technology is also key to the sustainability and growth of the industry. It is essential to fulfilling the promise of logistics to deliver “the right product, to the right place, at the right time with the right cost and the right quality”. It enables visibility, continuous monitoring of irregularities and disruptions, and quality of service.
The future of logistics is predictive. We need to invest to further improve data sharing and make AI more accessible to enable better decision-making along the logistics chain. We need to invest in integrating operating systems, in order to more effectively communicate information, synchronize activities, and collaborate across a wide range of business processes and provide End-to-End visibility . With the collaboration with Cargo Start, we believe we are on the right way toward the future.
- More information at www.onlinedata.gr
- More information about CARGO GATE