In a major step towards digitalization and improving quality in worldwide cargo handling, Lufthansa Cargo announced that it is partnering with IBS Software to digitalize critical handling processes for special products and services like dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals and fresh produce.

In a statement, it said the deployment represents significant progress for Lufthansa Cargo’s “Mobile Digital Handling” initiative, created to eliminate paper based processes across its operations by digitalizing tasks and process checks carried out by its Ground Handling Agent (GHA) partners.

"Through the iPartner Handling solution, rich information captured by GHAs is made available to Lufthansa Cargo on a real-time basis, enhancing the quality and service levels of all of its cargo products. The platform also offers digital connectivity options for GHAs via APIs and has been architected keeping future industry initiatives such as ONE Record in mind," the cargo carrier said.

First roll-out now live 

Lufthansa noted that the roll out has been planned in two phases, the first of which will see 30+ Lufthansa Cargo stations across Europe, Asia and the Americas going live, followed by additional stations and several new use-cases and enhancements being added to the solution.

It said the first wave of five stations has already successfully gone live.

“Driving the digital transformation of our industry has always been an ongoing priority for us at Lufthansa Cargo. Aside from directly improving the data quality and thus making processes more efficient, the ‘Mobile Digital Handling’ initiative also opens up tremendous opportunities for us for further innovating and improving how we work with our partners along the whole supply chain,” said Dr. Jan-Wilhelm Breithaupt, vice president Global Fulfillment Management at Lufthansa Cargo.

Ashok Rajan, SVP & head of cargo & logistics, IBS Software noted the importance of digitization in the supply chain.

“There is significant impetus in the industry to foster digitalization initiatives that enhance partnerships and collaboration in the supply chain. The iPartner Handling solution takes us one step further towards our over-arching goal of building a digital ecosystem for our iCargo customers that can help generate positive business outcomes for them quickly and effectively,” he said. 

Dr. Jochen Göttelmann, CIO at Lufthansa Cargo added: “‘Mobile Digital Handling’ is the next success story for how the combination of IBS Software’s technology leadership and Lufthansa Cargo’s innovation capabilities contributes to shaping our industry ... Being the launching customer, we hope that other cargo airlines will join soon this new community solution. In joining forces we will drive the digitalization of the industry,” Göttelmann said.