This benefit summary describes the efficiency and security of an internet-based electronic supply chain manifest system (ECMS) against a traditional manual paper-based system. ECMS was designed to save time and money by automating the transfer of cargo information from one mode of transportation to another. The American Trucking Associations Foundation (ATAF) deployed the system at O’Hare and JFK International Airports, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) monitored the performance of the system for 2.5 years. The project was carried out in three phases with the primary objective being to improve the efficiency of cargo data transfer between manufacturers, truckers, and airline carriers.

RESULTS

At the beginning of Phase-I, participation included over 500 drivers and 11 airlines and/or freight forwarders. The study focused on providing truck drivers and facilities with biometric finger print scanners and smart-card devices to authenticate driver identification, and confirm cargo transfer at airports. Drivers could expedite cargo transfer by quickly identifying themselves using personalized smart-cards, and in some cases could store cargo seal information on smart-cards to confirm chain of custody.

Phase-II of the project involved the use of internet technology to catalog cargo manifests and facilitate transfer of information between manufacturers, truckers, and airline carriers. The catalog system enabled participants with biometric/smart-card devices to upload manifest cargo information onto the internet at the point of origin. The EMCS system would then automatically send e-mails to supply chain partners downstream to notify them of scheduled transfers, and participating drivers with biometric/smart-card devices could access this information and adjust their schedules to minimize downtime.

Phase-III of the project was designed to increase the functionality of the internet based manifest control system by providing additional information to regulatory agencies regarding high risk cargo and dangerous goods.

The benefits of electronic manifests, smart cards, and biometric devices were measured by comparing the time required to process manifests using the automated system against the time required to process manifests using the traditional paper-based system. Customer satisfaction data were collected using questionnaires to measure participant perceptions.
The following results show the time saving benefits of automated versus manual processing (biometric/smart-card authorization vs. manual duplication/photocopying of all paperwork) at transfer points. The time-on-task data were collected at several sites and included a limited number of participants.

• Manufacturers saved at total of five minutes and 22 seconds per shipment by reducing the time required to find documentation, fill out manifests, verify loads, and validate driver sign-off.
• Trucking companies saved a total of 8 minutes and 11 seconds per shipment by reducing the time required to accept loads at the manufacturer, create master manifests, and make deliveries at airports.
• Airlines saved a total of 2 minutes and 52 seconds per shipment by reducing the time required to accept loads at airports.

The overall impact of ESMC on operations was measured based on interviews with participants and system implementers (ATAF). In general, the following comments were noted.

• Participants felt the system was easy to use, and were very satisfied with the ability of ESCM to duplicate necessary business functions.
• Drivers were interested in the ability of the ESCM to reduce cargo pick-up and drop-off delays.
• Access to the shipment status information over the internet was viewed as beneficial. The ECMS provided real-time information on cargo custody.
• Participants believed that the system will continue to improve operational efficiency if more fully deployed.