Article • 18.12.2023
Digital Harvest Time
A good data pool pays off: new features for FAIR@Link
Cargo handling at Frankfurt Airport is becoming increasingly intelligent, interconnected, and automated. The next stage of digitalization includes a dashboard displaying the flow of import freight across the entire location, automation of the NCTS shipping procedure, and digital pickup authorization. This is made possible by the well-established data pool collected by the FAIR@Link Cargo Community System. Dirk Gladiator from DAKOSY and Martina Schikorr from Fraport provide insight into the latest developments.
Frankfurt Airport and FAIR@Link Cargo Community System
- Frankfurt Airport is the largest cargo airport in Europe.
- 2 million tons of cargo were handled at the airport in 2022.
- The FAIR@Link Cargo Community System was launched in 2015 with a small pilot group consisting of Fraport AG and companies from associated sectors (airlines, handling agents, freight forwarders, and truckers).
- In 2023, the platform will have connected to more than 1,100 companies and authorities and will support these users in optimizing and expediting both their import and export transport and freight processes.
It's harvest time at Frankfurt Airport — digitally speaking. The neutral platform FAIR@Link has aggregated so much data that it can now enable the development of additional new digital applications. "I am excited about the speed at which we can derive new features. FAIR@Link is the key to the forward-looking expansion of the air cargo business at this location," explains DAKOSY authorized officer Dirk Gladiator. He speaks from experience, as he has been supporting over 1,100 customers using the platform since its launch in 2015. Alongside him is Martina Schikorr, who propels FAIR@Link as Senior Manager of Cargo Digitalization at airport operator Fraport. She clarifies, "We have a unique situation at this location. Digital transformation is only possible because the entire Air Cargo Community Frankfurt, including DAKOSY and Fraport, works together. This common mindset is our unique selling point and a significant competitive advantage." The airport stakeholders have three new applications in the pipeline. "What we are advancing together now steers the course for the industry," predicts Gladiator.
"FAIR@Link is the key to the forward-looking expansion of the air cargo business at this location."
Cargo Import Dashboard provides overview
A quantum leap forward for Frankfurt Airport is the new Import Dashboard, which is already live internally at Fraport. Schikorr can view the entire situation in CargoCitySüd as displayed on the screen. It visualizes freight volumes, infrastructure utilization, disruptions in cargo flow, data quality, and much more. All the necessary information comes through FAIR@Link. Every timestamp, starting with departure from the previous airport through to the exit gateway at Frankfurt Airport, is recorded there. There are up to 40 different status update message variants. Customs is also connected to the system.
Target: improve performance even more
Schikorr's goal with the new tool is to make the import flow more predictable for all participants and determine ways to expedite the handling of prioritized shipments. "By visualizing the data and consolidating it, we can, for the first time, conduct analysis based on actual data and use it to make decisions about which processes can be improved," she explains, highlighting the difference. "Previously, we had to rely on stakeholders' comments and had only a subjective impression." Schikorr is certain that early identification of bottlenecks will make a huge contribution to improving performance. Once a sufficient pool of historical data has been amassed, DAKOSY and Fraport also plan to provide AI-based forecasts to enable better long-term planning. The technical potential is enormous.
Unified overview for all participants
Currently, all parties — the Air Cargo Community, Fraport, and DAKOSY — are discussing exactly how much transparency they are comfortable with. They unanimously agree on what the outcome should be: an identical overview for all participants, so that everyone is working from the same basis. Schikorr attests that "mutual trust and solidarity in data sharing within the community are very high." At the same time, she points out the uncharted territory they are currently navigating: "There is no blueprint, because there is no other airport that already uses such a dashboard system."
Leveraging synergies for new NCTS requirements
New customs regulations have generated another application field for the data available in FAIR@Link. The latest release change of the ATLAS customs IT system has led to many alterations in the NCTS shipping procedure.
Manual data entry no longer feasible
"With the release of ATLAS 9.1, the creation of transit procedure T-documents becomes significantly more complex," explains Gladiator. And Schikorr adds, "According to the new requirements, fulfilling the customs requirements without a digital solution is no longer economically feasible." This change affects almost all players at Frankfurt Airport. As a major freight hub in Europe, a large portion of shipments are transported onward within Europe. These goods do not go through customs clearance in Frankfurt, but at their final destinations. Until arrival there, the shipments travel under the NCTS shipping procedure.
Data pool from 1:1 referencing and ICS2 procedures
Gladiator spells out the new requirements: the NCTS declaration must be made at the goods item level of the shipment. Additionally, the 6-digit HS code is required as mandatory information. These details are already stored in FAIR@Link and its associated module FRA-OS. "Through the digital support of 1:1 import referencing and the ICS2 procedure — the EU customs system for security and risk prevention — we already have the necessary data pool in FAIR@Link to accurately map the shipping procedure," clarifies Gladiator. Only the vehicle registration number and the seal number of the corresponding seal need to be added.
Digital pickup process in the concept phase
Another project at the airport is the introduction of digital pickup authorization, also made possible by the bundled information in FAIR@Link. This is intended to replace the previously paper-based handover certificate — commonly known at Frankfurt Airport as the LUG certificate. Up to now, the handover certificate was physically passed through all stations — from the handling agent to the forwarder, including possible subcontractors and finally on to the trucker, who used it to legitimitize the pickup from the handling agent. Sometimes covered with handwritten notes, the paper often served as a work order and delivery receipt all at once.
Increased security through clear identification
In the future, all data for the pickup process will be taken from the FAIR@Link platform. It begins with the digital pickup authorization. "At the start, everyone who is allowed to pick up shipments receives that designation within the system — using the 1:1 referencing we established last year," explains Gladiator. In addition to this dataset, even more information will soon be available to the customer. A new digital status, "pickup readiness," will be introduced. This information avoids unnecessary trips and waiting times. Furthermore, slot booking, driver registration, and delivery receipts will be integrated into the digital pickup process.
"We are consolidating data from multiple established processes, such as 1:1 referencing, door management, and the handover certificate — like puzzle pieces fitting together. The result is a streamlined, digital, and secure pickup process," explains Schikorr, emphasizing the security aspect, "which includes the clear digital identification of the authorized pickup person and the driver."
Loading process up to 15 minutes faster
A significant advantage is the time savings. Gladiator estimates that with digital pickup authorization, the loading process can be shortened by 10 to 15 minutes. In the conceptualization, solutions are being evaluated which allow drivers to register directly at the assigned door. Even these small trips between the registration counter and the pickup door cost valuable time for the trucker. The digital pickup process is currently in the conceptual phase and according to current planning is scheduled to enter pilot operation in the second half of 2024.
"We are consolidating data from multiple established processes, such as 1:1 referencing, door management, and the handover certificate — like puzzle pieces fitting together. The result is a streamlined, digital, and secure pickup process."
