On November 26, 2024, Austria hosted the 8th edition of its Logistics Meetup series, titled “The Digitalization of Freight Transport Information Gains Momentum! All About Electronic Freight Information, Status of eCMR and eFTI Implementation in Austria“. The event was jointly organized by Handelsverband – Austrian Retail Association, the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action (BMK), BVL Austria, VNL, Logistics Natives, and Austrian Logistics. The conference brought together industry experts, policymakers, and businesses to discuss the transformative power of digital solutions in logistics.
The event featured the participation of expert speakers, including eFTI4EU Project partners Franz Schwammenhöfer, Patrick Grassl and Philipp Hafner (BMK), together with Rainer Will (Handelsverband) and Lukas Stepanek (Softcom). Their insights framed a comprehensive discussion on two crucial frameworks shaping the future of logistics: the eCMR and the eFTI Regulation. Presentations showcased recent legal developments and their implications for businesses and authorities, shedding light on the evolving landscape of digital freight transportation.
A focal point of the presentations was the perspective of economic operators on the digitalization of freight transportation processes. The speakers highlighted numerous benefits, such as the potential to reduce process costs and streamline operations through automation. The integration of stable interfaces with in-house systems like ERP and TMS was emphasized, alongside improvements in traceability and the ability to operate closer to real-time. Timely proof of delivery was underscored as a critical enhancement, coupled with improved archiving and retrievability for compliance and operational efficiency. The use of digital systems for statistical analysis was also discussed, with a forward-looking vision centered on the development of “Logistics Data Spaces.”
A dedicated session provided technical insights, with experts exploring the similarities, differences, and compatibility between the eCMR and eFTI frameworks. Special attention was given to the data models underpinning both systems and the integration of eCMR into the eFTI ecosystem. This integration was presented as a key step toward achieving greater interoperability and fostering collaboration across various platforms and stakeholders.
The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by the digitalization of logistics processes, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This session emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools while acknowledging the need for tailored solutions to address the unique needs of SMEs within the logistics sector.
For further details, the full presentation delivered during the event is available in German and can be found below.
