Singapore Airlines (SIA) has started reaping the benefits of its new cargo management system since it went live in August.

The new Integrated Cargo Management System (ICMS), powered by IBS Software's iCargo cargo management platform, is a "strategic initiative" of SIA to "future-proof" the airline's core cargo platform.

In its announcement, SIA said this will eliminate disparate cargo systems and bring in the latest cloud technology to transform cargo operations and customer delivery.

"Since the ICMS went live on 1 August 2022, approximately 1,500 users across sales, operations, and finance industries have benefited from the system, with iCargo enabling more than 24,000 flights, creating 202,000 bookings and 192,000 airway bills, as well as processing and responding to 8.5 million incoming messages," SIA said.

iCargo supports SIA in its cargo business processes.

The ICMS provides a single integrated cargo application for business users in Singapore and overseas, as well as a seamless interface with partners including general sales agents, ground handling agents, and freight forwarders, simplifying the end-to-end operations.

SIA noted that enhanced data quality and insights also allow the carrier to make real-time, data-driven decisions across its sales, operations, and finance processes, while ensuring compliance with international regulations.

IBS Software's Consulting and Digital Transformation (CDx) business provided user acceptance testing (UAT) support to SIA. The UAT focused on business process transformation and change management efficiency, with inputs from more than 100 end users across the world.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the need for digital transformation, especially given the important role that air freight plays in critical supply chains, as well as the need for greater supply chain visibility to improve resilience," said Chin Yau Seng, senior vice president cargo at SIA.

"IBS Software’s iCargo platform is a key element in SIA’s digitalisation efforts to enable it to serve its customers even better, respond more quickly to changes in the marketplace and improve work processes while allowing it to stay compliant and update-to-date with global industry standards and initiatives," he added.

Ashok Rajan, head of cargo & logistics solutions at IBS Software, noted that 

SIA recognises the transformative impact of digitalising air cargo and is dedicated to creating innovative customer experiences that will enable it to capitalise on the air cargo opportunities ahead.

"We are beyond excited to continue to work with SIA on the ICMS to deliver even further capabilities and business benefits in the future," Rajan said.

The second phase of the implementation is planned for March 2023.

SIA said this includes migrating the mail module, implementing mail revenue accounting, and rolling out new capabilities in sales, operations, and cargo revenue accounting modules.