IT\\\


Luſthansa makes a seamless move


Luſthansa Cargo is continuing to switch to to IBS Soſtware’s iCargo IT solution at the 120 stations in its global network. The migration has already happened at its three main hubs, in Frankfurt, Munich and Vienna. The change-over to the new cargo management system at its home base in Frankfurt, part of what IBS describes as one of the biggest-ever IT system migrations seen in the airfreight business, is also said by the IT specialist to have been achieved through a “seamless system cutover”, with Luſthansa Cargo Frankfurt operations remaining “in full swing and without major business disruptions”. Luſthansa Cargo is carrying out


a phased transition from MOSAIK, its former cargo management system, to iCargo; Frankfurt made the change on 21 April. The final shutdown of the last aspects of MOSAIK across


the freight


carrier’s network is expected over the next month or two. The iCargo system will be


employed by around 4,500 Luſthansa Cargo users across the world, and will support the carrier’s global freight operations that take in 300 destinations across 100 countries. iCargo is a fully integrated cargo


management system designed to support all the business functions required of a freight carrier within a single IT platform. It is web- based and available in a ‘pay-per- use’ cloud/soſtware as a service (SaaS) model. Being browser- based, it is easy for airlines to roll out across a global network. The single most differentiating


aspect of iCargo, says IBS Soſtware’s executive chairman Valayil Korath Mathews (pictured, right), is that it offers carriers the option to implement a single seamlessly integrated solution for all their cargo business needs. Be it the core processes of sales/ reservations, capacity control, yield management, handling operations, dangerous goods handling, electronic air waybills, billing and accounting, interline processing, flown processing/ accounting and financial accounting, iCargo “does it all”, he insists, while handling a seamless flow of information without the need for any complex interfacing or file transfers. Information is available in real-time as soon as anyone in the chain makes


a change and there is no delay or disconnect whatsoever, he observes. Another more than useful


feature of iCargo is that it is “fully function rich”, Mathews explains – whichever specific business module is selected by the user, it can operate as a highly capable sales system in itself. “This holds good for all of its business modules – sales, terminal operations, ULD management, mail handling, cargo revenue accounting and C2K CDMP,” he says, adding: “This gives tremendous flexibility to a carrier to choose and implement the right set of business functions as per their business priority and implement other modules as add- ons as and when their business is ready for it.” iCargo’s pricing model is also designed to support this.


Another important aspect of


iCargo is said by IBS to be the “rich toolkit of technical capabilities” it provides. This includes an advanced workflow management function, mobility-related functions for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, iCX or iCargo Exchange – a powerful data interchange platform that provides enhanced connectivity solutions with industry partners and customers and a host of other such capabilities which can be used by customers to introduce automated and innovative business practices.


Modernisation


The switch-over to iCargo represents a key component of Luſthansa Cargo’s modernising 2020 strategy. This will take in the replacement of a number of key business IT systems with a single platform; it is also expected to assist Luſthansa Cargo to move ahead on its e-Freight adoption programme. Luſthansa Cargo executive


board member Karl-Rudolf Rupprecht (pictured, leſt), comments: “IBS had the best


offering in the industry and our decision to jointly execute the project has (been) verified to be the very best. The commitment of the IBS team is as extraordinary as the seamless collaboration with the offshore team, both being paramount for the overall project success. iCargo has proven to be the right product regardless of


station or hub size and


delivered countless value driving functionalities. “The modernised IT platform


from now onwards acts a lever – enabling us to efficiently introduce innovation and continuously the best products for our customers,” he adds. Mathews considers: “The


successful cutover is a testimony to IBS’ capability, professionalism and commitment to support the requirements of global organisations such as Luſthansa Cargo, renowned for its disciplined business practices. In fact, I have been privy to several instances where senior functionaries described the switch-over as one of the ‘best system replacement projects ever in the history of Luſthansa Group’. iCargo will,


I


am sure, add significant business value to Luſthansa Cargo to achieve increased operational efficiencies and growth. “The Luſthansa Cargo


migration project has been watched by our customer community and they have been equivocal in their appreciation and support for the success of the project. “The news that


(the freight


carrier) has taken the big leap forward in moving away from legacy


technology by


implementing iCargo has been very closely followed by the industry. We are confident that the successful implementation will further strengthen IBS’ unparalleled delivery track record and hence provide the confidence for other similar carriers to look at technology change,” Mathews concludes.


Issue 6 2015 - Freight Business Journal


Security is central to TimoCom


TimoCom is a German- headquartered IT service provider that offers three primary products


to the


transport and logistics industry: a freight exchange system, TC Truck&Cargo; an online transport tendering platform, TC eBid; and a route planning system that incorporates an integrated tracking function, TC eMap. Its Truck&Cargo system


provides a forum for the exchange of both freight and vehicle space. Director of sales and business development, Marcel Frings (pictured) explains: “The TimoCom software is a server-based web application and the IT provided for the freight exchange is one of our biggest strengths. We are consistently investing in modern IBM and Oracle technology. Our customers


TimoCom’s highest priorities, Frings states, and has been for all of the 18 years in which the company has been in business. “It is a part of our product strategy. An elaborate system, which is based on our many years of experience, ensures that everything works trouble- free. Before a company can become a customer there is a multi-level test. Moreover, even after contract closing, we enforce regular controls. Among others, we filter abnormal user behaviour with the use of algorithms,” he explains. Furthermore: “TimoCom is


very strict in regards to security, as a lost load can mean the end of a transport company. The real business and the contract closing are being dealt directly between the users. This means that


everyone has to take


35


transport business.” The same security standards


are offered for mobile access to TimoCom platforms via an app. The freight exchange service, plus TimoCom’s tendering platform, the tracking platform, the warehousing exchange and the transport directory, can all be accessed via mobile phone – and in 24 languages.


Widespread coverage


There are, says Frings, more than 100,000 users


all over


Europe working with TimoCom on a daily basis. “Our primary goal is to bring freight and vehicle space together – for all those involved in transport Europe-wide,” he says.


This


includes manufacturers and trade customers,


as well as


freight forwarders. “We are creating a


marketplace in which transport services are secure, efficient and process-supported.” Its clients are currently to be found in Europe, but the ambition is to grow beyond the Continent. New avenues being explored


therefore receive access to a high-class, high-tech platform, which enables fast and secure operations.” Plus, the platform offers secure transmission of data thanks to the encrypted SSL connection and 24/7 monitoring from TimoCom’s own IT department, he notes. Security is in fact one of


care. But we do try to support the users with tips on how to check certain information and to make comparisons. In addition, via the home page, road haulage companies, freight forwarders, traders and manufacturers can find a tailor- made security check list and info flyer about security in the


are not only geographical in nature. “We are operating social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram. The focus here is to cultivate relationships with our customers, information and community support,” Frings observes. “We are trying to pass on useful information and knowledge here in a less formal and more humorous way while still staying professional. It is a direct and quick means for staying in touch and also receiving and giving important feedback.”


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