The electronic transport document or e-CMR has multiple benefits for both shippers and carriers, including improved relations between the different agents, cost reduction, optimization of operations, security and data protection… But is the e-CMR really cost-effective?
Every company is different, but it is possible to make an accurate estimate of the savings and profitability of e-CMR.
In this regard, the first thing to do, regardless of the size and operation of the company, is to make a list of the items involved in document management. In this way, we will know how to calculate the costs of using paper versions and we will be able to visualize the savings.
In fact, companies already using this solution confirm the cost-effectiveness of e-CMR.
Specifically, these companies state that the investment to be made is not of a high caliber and, on the other hand, 28.57% confirm that they have experienced an ROI between two and four years.
All in all, the study provides a detailed guide to the items that are susceptible to major savings and that should be taken into account when presenting an e-CMR implementation project to decision-makers.
1. Reduction of administrative costs
Paper-based CMR costs: printing, storage and handling of paper documents. High probability of human error and repetition of processes. High amount of time and effort spent on transport document management.
Benefits of e-CMR: less need for paper and physical storage. Lower printing, storage and document management costs.
ROI: immediate reduction of operating costs and improved productivity of the administrative department.
2. Increased operational efficiency
Paper-based CMR costs: manual processing, with associated labor costs.
Benefits of e-CMR: Faster document processing and better integration with ERP and TMS systems, reducing processing times and improving data accuracy.
ROI: significant improvement in efficiency that translates into savings in time and operating costs.
Improved traceability and visibility.
Costs of paper-based CMR: lack of visibility, low capacity to react to unforeseen events, increased presence of errors and losses.
e-CMR benefits: real-time traceability of goods and visibility of the entire supply chain. Better control and tracking of shipments, reduction of losses and errors.
ROI: reduction of losses and claims, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
4. Regulatory compliance and risk reduction
Paper-based CMR costs: transport documentation in paper format is susceptible to loss or deterioration and, in addition, data manipulation is much easier.
Benefits of e-CMR: Digitization helps to comply with regulations and standards more easily, avoiding fines and penalties. Also, digital documents are more secure and less susceptible to loss, damage or manipulation than paper documents.
ROI: savings in compliance costs and lower financial risk.
5. Reduction of human error
Paper-based CMR costs: high volume of data entry errors, resulting in delays or problems with shipments.
Benefits of e-CMR: greater control over data recording. Automation of document management reduces the possibility of human error.
ROI: reduced costs associated with error correction and improved accuracy of information.
6. Sustainability and environmental responsibility
CMR costs in paper: high use of paper resulting in tree felling. In addition, other materials and devices such as printers, inks, filing cabinets… must be used.
Benefits of e-CMR: Elimination of paper from transport operations and reduction in the use of physical materials for printing. Boosts sustainability and reduces carbon footprint.
ROI: Positive environmental impacts that can enhance a company’s reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.
7. Improved communication and collaboration
Costs of paper-based CMR: the absence of real-time information generates misunderstandings between the different parties involved in the supply chain.
Benefits of e-CMR: improves collaboration and coordination between shippers, carriers and consignees, which reduces waiting times and improves overall efficiency.
ROI: reduced delays and improved logistics coordination.
8. Ease of access and storage of information
Paper-based CMR costs: documents must be physically stored for years and the process of accessing and sharing them is tedious.
Benefits of e-CMR: quick access to historical information, reduction of physical space required for document storage and ease of sharing relevant information with stakeholders.
ROI: reduced physical storage costs and improved accessibility of critical information.
9. Optimization of logistic processes
Paper-based CMR costs: no integration with other management systems, everything is done manually.
Benefits of e-CMR: Integration of eCMR with other management systems can optimize entire logistics processes. This results in greater efficiency in route planning, reduced delivery times and improved resource utilization.
ROI: optimization of logistics processes resulting in cost savings and improved customer service.
10. Ease of implementing future improvements
Paper-based CMR costs: traditional document management is not very flexible and has little capacity to adapt to the constant changes in the supply chain.
Benefits of e-CMR: A digitized system facilitates the implementation of future technological and process improvements. Greater flexibility to adapt to new technologies and improvements in the supply chain.
ROI: Future savings and the ability to remain competitive in the market.
Cost-effective e-CMR solution with FIELDEAS Track and Trace
On the other hand, if you ask different transport companies or loading companies, they all say that it takes more than a week for a consignment note to be available to all the actors involved.
This, in terms of invoicing, inspections and incident resolution, is not very operative and efficient. Therefore, the digitization of transport documents represents an indisputable gain in competitiveness, which is also reflected in the accounting of the entire company.
FIELDEAS Track and Trace SeamLess eCMR is the most advanced, flexible and secure document digitalization alternative on the market. In addition, it is highly accessible and provides qualitative and quantitative benefits in a short period of time.
In this regard, our eCMR module, integrated into the FIELDEAS Track and Trace Supply Chain Visibility platform, enables companies, whether they are shippers, transport operators or carriers, to achieve these savings objectives.
Thus, the FIELDEAS SeamLess eCMR Track and Trace:
It provides a complete view of the loading and unloading process with full legal guarantee.
Streamline logistics processes with electronic documentation.
Reduces administrative management costs by up to 90%.
It facilitates the processing of information by digitizing information that until now was handled on paper.
Eliminates errors in the transmission of documentary information between the different actors in the chain.
It provides greater transparency with customers by making all the documentation available to whoever needs it without further intermediaries.
Drives sustainability in transportation processes by proposing a paperless environment.
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