The future of logistics is digital – and yet the automotive industry still clings to paper documents. While electronic data formats (EDI) have been in use for decades and digital solutions exist for countless processes, the paperless bill of lading remains a challenge. Why?
From Pilot Project to Reality: eCMR as a Gamechanger
At FAL2025, the topic “From less paper to paperless” was a highlight – especially for Simon Motter (Head of Group Logistics at Volkswagen), who described the VDA slot as “inspiring.” Our CEO, Alois Labermeyer, presented the current progress on eCMR – the digital version of the bill of lading.
Many companies have already taken the first step: in real-world case studies, speakers shared how they overcame resistance and accelerated the shift to digital processes through pilot projects. The key takeaway?
The technology is already here – all it takes now is the will to implement it.
Download the FAL25 Presentation – Quickly and Easily
Paper Mountains in Logistics: A Look at a Calculation Example
Billions of Pages for Logistics
150 million consignment notes are created annually in Germany.
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Double Doesn’t Do Better
Two copies per order result in 300 million sheets of paper.
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From Paper to Bytes
That’s equivalent to 30,000 trees per year – in Germany alone.
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Why Act Now?
In addition to the environmental benefits, the digital bill of lading also delivers tangible economic efficiency. But what exactly does that mean for companies?
It’s time for the entire industry to move – away from paper and toward fully digital solutions.
Need support with the digital transformation of your logistics processes?
Get in touch with us – we’ll help you set the course for a paperless future.
Conclusion: Digital Logistics Is No Longer a Vision – It’s Already Possible
The numbers speak for themselves: eliminating paper in logistics not only saves time and costs, but also significantly reduces environmental impact. The technology for paperless processing already exists – what’s missing is consistent implementation. Companies that embrace digital solutions like eCMR today benefit from more efficient processes and a clear competitive edge.
It’s time to rethink old habits. Because every step toward digitalization is a step toward a more sustainable, efficient future.
Are you ready to help shape the transformation?
