PayCargo and IBS Software have partnered to provide air freight carriers and cargo ground handlers with digitalized payment options by combining their API-based services.
PayCargo’s digital payment network will be integrated with IBS Software’s iCargo airfreight management platform to enable airfreight carriers and cargo ground handling companies to make the payment process digital to reduce manual processes and streamlining operations, PayCargo said in a statement.
By automating payments, PayCargo and IBS said bottlenecks and waiting times at busy terminals, where traffic congestions and delays are becoming a major cause for concern for airlines, terminal operators and customers, will be reduced.
The capability to offer integrated digital payments out of the iCargo platform – which powers cargo operations at some of the world’s largest airfreight hubs, will greatly improve operational efficiency and customer experience, the partners said in a statement.
“The integration with IBS Software continues our philosophy of collaborating with industry partners to facilitate the expeditious release of shipments,” said Lionel van der Walt, president and chief executive officer, The Americas, PayCargo.
He added that integration with airline and ground handler vendors’ operational system partners "makes sense" as it enables their staff to expedite the release of cargo without the need for accessing multiple systems and automates data flows to save time and avoid costly human errors.
The partners noted that this has become even more relevant as the global cargo and shipping supply chain has had to rethink the way it does business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of employees now working from home and demand soaring for a reliable online freight payment platform solution.
As social distancing has also become part of the global policy to halt the spread of COVID-19, it is clear how unsuitable using cash, checks, vouchers and traditional POS terminals are, and the value and need for contactless processes such as digital payments has become essential.
“COVID-19 is expediting digital transformation across the air cargo industry and PayCargo is working with partners such as IBS Software to lead the delivery of meaningful solutions to help the industry weather the storm," said van der Walt.
Ashok Rajan, senior vice president & head of cargo & logistics, IBS Software commented that digitalization in the payments and settlement process will enable cargo carriers, cargo ground handling companies as well as freight forwarders to improve cash collection, reduce manual effort and make the overall process more transparent and streamlined.
“The air cargo industry has traditionally been seen as a laggard in the adoption of innovative technology, but this is poised to change significantly," Rajan said.
"The demand for faster, more reliable and more transparent supply chains is increasing at a pace never seen before and digitalization is the key to unlocking the huge potential for everyone in the supply chain."
