The issue of transport documentation circulation between logistic processes participants

Abstract

The performance of freight transport with the use of means of transport of various modes requires the completion of several documents accompanying the shipment. The documentation accompanying the load is often completed in paper form, which causes many errors and, as a result, problems with the effective implementation of transport processes. In the era of progressive digitization of information flow, the possibility of filling in documentation in electronic form and sending it between the IT systems seems necessary to increase the competitiveness of enterprises. The article aims to identify the problems and needs of participants in transport processes in terms of completing transport documentation, accessing this documentation during and after the transport, and sending this documentation between these participants. The analysis of the problems mentioned above and needs was made based on studies of industry literature, expert knowledge, and a survey conducted by participants in transport processes. Additionally, for the analysis, participants in the transport processes in all modes of transport were identified. The literature research and the survey of participants of transport processes in various modes of transport showed many problems they encounter daily in the circulation of transport documentation. The common denominator for these problems and needs is the necessity to fill in the transport documentation manually in many cases and also to send it between process participants using traditional mail. The literature review and the survey results indicate that maximizing digitization in terms of filling in and circulation of transport documentation would improve logistics processes. The measurable effects of digitization of selected elements of transport processes can already be observed thanks to the electronic exchange of EDI data between IT systems of participants in logistics processes.