Digital technology has been penetrating the aviation sector for almost three decades now with the first passenger e-ticket issued over 20 years ago. Today´s passenger journey is fully digitized, traceable and transparent. However, for some mysterious reason, air cargo handling has remained a cumbersome, paper-driven business few dared or wanted to enter. This, in spite of the fact that air cargo handling, thanks to its ability to deliver life critical and high-quality products quickly and safely, is an important global trade and e-commerce facilitator which accounts for 35% of world trade value.
So why has air cargo been so slow in catching up on digital innovation and still isn’t handled nearly as smoothly as passengers? Why do shippers and consignees have little visibility on the movement and state of their shipment? Why do cargo ground handlers operate using multiple software systems which cause them delays and extra costs?
Born in the cargo handling terminal, Qstep helps to tackle these and many other challenges. From e-AWB to new data sharing standards – The Qstep platform allows cargo ground handlers to benefit from the latest technological solutions and ensures the new technology runs smoothly and safely in the background of the handler ́s operational and business processes. We are the preferred choice for ground handlers not only due to our technological edge and know-how but because Qstep understands the essence of every business detail and operational flow.
Currently, Qstep supports all current technologies and formats from e-AWB to XML, as well as multiple ways of data exchange with Customs, but we understand that these formats will not be around much longer as technology leaps forward and new standards are adopted. Many in the air cargo industry thought that in 2010, with the introduction of e-AWB (electronic Airway Bill), the pinnacle of digitization had been reached. In reality, e-AWB turned out to be just an electronic way of pushing the document with a current market penetration rate of only 55%. It will not be long before new and more efficient technologies disrupt the air cargo industry once again. Qstep is prepared for this.
Instead of waiting for new standards, Qstep is directly involved in creating them. We are a recognized member of IATA One Record pilot projects aimed at developing and introducing new data sharing standards for the air cargo industry. Once these pilot projects are ready and interconnected, they will form a global cargo information network, otherwise referred to as the Internet of Logistics (IoL).
Join Qstep now to become part of the Internet of Logistics revolution and find yourself in the driver’s seat of air cargo digital transformation.
