‘We aim to become a 100% paperless operation, from warehousing through to customer execution’
says Paul Collins, Senior Supply Chain Specialist at Rockwool. For many manufacturers or retailers this may come as a surprise since the official compliance deadline for eCMR has now been moved to July 2027. That said, while it may be tempting to delay your paperless transformation until then, the time to embrace the electronic consignment note is now.
What is eCMR, and why is it important?
The eCMR is the digital equivalent of the traditional paper consignment note—a legally recognised document that standardises information exchange. The move to its paperless equivalent offers significant advantages:
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Saves time and reduces costs: Digitisation eliminates manual data entry, printing and physical storage. This translates to faster processing and reduced administrative overhead. For carriers, this ‘reduces paper handling, idle time for loading and unloading, and of course, accelerates their payment processes’. As Collins states, ‘Anyone you speak to in our operating company knows that paperwork…they need to eliminate it’.
Curious about your potential savings? Calculate your eCMR savings now. -
Increases real-time visibility: Digital documents provide instant access to information, allowing for better traceability and faster proof of delivery. This enhanced visibility enables more efficient supply chain management.
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A more sustainable practice: Eliminating paper significantly reduces a company's environmental footprint, contributing to a greener supply chain.
Upcoming regulations are changing the game
The push towards digitisation is being accelerated by new EU regulations.
The Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) Regulation (EU) 2020/1056, set to be fully applicable by July 2027, will require authorities to accept transport information in a digital format. Furthermore, the Data Act, applicable from September 2025, will assign legal and commercial value to machine data, giving equipment owners the right to access and share data from their connected devices.
These regulations are creating a powerful momentum for change. While current eCMR adoption is ‘just under 43%’, Inna Szpigun, Product Manager of Digital Transport Documents at Transporeon, highlights that ‘...What's more telling is the future intent. Over 80% of respondents plan to adopt eCMR’. This is because, as Szpigun explains, ‘It's not just compliance, it's a competitive edge. Faster processing, fewer disputes, lower admin costs and the ability to use transport data more strategically’.
How to choose an eCMR Solution?
When selecting an eCMR solution, legal compliance is paramount. With 38 member states having already ratified the eCMR protocol, it's crucial to choose a provider whose solution is recognised across borders. The eFTI regulation will further standardise this, establishing certified platforms that guarantee interoperability and secure data exchange. The goal is to create a universal system, avoiding the current problem of different eCMR solutions not being recognised across all member states.
Preparing for a smooth transition: lessons from Rockwool
The journey to a paperless supply chain requires careful planning. Rockwool, who have embarked on this transition, offer valuable insights. They aimed to ‘encompass one document that fits all’, covering both cross-border and local delivery needs.
Best practices for implementation:
- Start early with a step-by-step approach: Paul Collins emphasises the need for a gradual process. ‘It's a learning curve whenever you jump into something like this...some countries want to run faster than others’. He strongly advises, ‘Start as soon as possible. It's a stepwise approach. You won't be able to go in and say, “from tomorrow we're going to be digitised.” It's not going to happen.’
Looking to get more insights from Rockwool?Watch the webinar and hear firsthand from this leading construction manufacturer on how our eCMR solution makes paperless operations an efficient reality.
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Secure internal buy-in and collaborate: A successful implementation requires a collaborative effort involving various internal and external stakeholders including supply chain leaders, transport managers and customer services.
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Address regional differences and challenges: Be prepared for diverse requirements from different sites and the need to balance customisation with global standards.
Don't get left behind
Delaying the transition to digital transport documents carries significant risks, including operational bottlenecks and missing out on the competitive advantages of innovation. The future of logistics is data-driven, and eCMR is a crucial next step towards achieving full transport visibility. Inna Szpigun offers this compelling piece of advice:
