CREATION OF THE DIGITAL STRATEGY

• Who developed the FIATA digital strategy?

A special task force reporting to the presidency under the lead of the FIATA head office involving freight forwarder representatives, technological experts and members of the Advisory Body for Information Technology (ABIT).

• How was the strategy elaborated?

A roadmap of six projects was created based on a thorough analysis of FIATA’s core mission and values, the current digital landscape in logistics, and external threats and challenges to freight forwarders. Most importantly, the strategy takes its foundation on the experiences gained by ABIT, through its analysis, surveys and pilot projects conducted with Association Members over the past few years.

• How is the community of freight forwarders consulted?

At each stage of the projects, the freight forwarders are represented through ABIT and freight forwarders professionals with recognized expertise in digital matters and current industry trends.

FIATA MEMBERS DIGITAL IDENTITY

• What is the value of creating a certified digital identity for FIATA members?

It is a prerequisite to any authenticated and secured electronic data exchange. Digital IDs act as a digital passport, certifying the identity of the person or legal entity who wishes to perform a transaction or to start exchanging electronic data. 

• Why is FIATA starting with the digital identity project rather than the interoperability one, which appears to be the most important for freight forwarders?

Interoperability requires security and authentication to avoid any fraudulent use of the network. It allows to share the data and trust the person who you open your ‘house’ to. In a digital environment, it is similar to the identification criteria needed to issue the Bill of lading. 

• How will data from Individual Members be entered to create a digital identity?

This will be discussed with the Governance Working Group once the Specification Working Group has defined the technical requirement and launched the proof of concept.

• What will be the role of National Associations?

They are represented in working groups and will participate in the implementation of the solution, as members of ABIT.

INTEROPERABILITY/DATA EXCHANGE

• What kind of technology will be used to facilitate the interoperability of systems?

It will be the role of the Specification Working Group to discuss and define it. It is expected to rely on the existing solutions favouring an open and collaborative approach. 

DATA AND DOCUMENTS TEMPLATES LIBRARY

• What about the current distribution of the FIATA Bill of lading by TMSs?

The legal aspect is being addressed by the FIATA head office, in parallel with the implementation of the digital strategy. For more information, please contact the FIATA legal team at info@fiata.com.

• Does FIATA have a strategy to implement the e-CMR?

FIATA, UNECE and IRU are exploring potential collaboration opportunities.