Future-proofing cargo operations

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Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) is bringing its innovative Cargo Management System (CMS) and Integration Software to the airfreight industry in a bid to meet the growing demand for technological solutions to streamline services.

What Hermes believes sets it apart is its adaptability and customer-centric approach. The CMS is highly configurable, allowing its services to be tailored to the unique needs of each customer. HLT collaborates closely with its clients, ensuring that the system seamlessly integrates with existing operations and can adapt to changing requirements.

“HLT’s solutions differ from those available on the market as we offer one of the most versatile and sophisticated management systems available,” Yuval Baruch, Chief Executive Officer, Hermes Logistics Technologies, said.

Moreover, the Hermes CMS seeks to stand out with its deep operational, technical, and customs knowledge, ensuring that every solution is crafted with precision and expertise. All of these features are available in cloud format, offering cost-effective, high-performance solutions for ground handlers.

“It is difficult to quantify the benefits offered after implementing Hermes’ Cargo Management System, but the efficiencies provided are evident in the responses from our customers,” Baruch continued. “For example, after their recent upgrade to our latest cloud-based CMS, Hermes Saas, Groundforce Portugal has witnessed significant increases to the speed, volume and accuracy of the data it processes, as well as enhancements to the overall visibility of its operations.”

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Streamlined service

HLT’s Cargo Management System is a Software as a Service (SaaS) tool designed to digitalise import, export, and transit processes within cargo warehouses. This digitalisation spans invoice and billing procedures, customs documentation preparation, and automating the Notification to Captain (NOTOC), ultimately enhancing efficiency and visibility in daily operations.

One of the key features of Hermes’ CMS is its cloud hosting, which relieves customers of IT infrastructure management, allowing them to focus on core business operations. HLT’s CMS offers a range of customisable apps, with its most recent addition being the Hermes Integration module, which facilitates secure third-party solution integration.

This flexibility and adaptability prepares for the future of technological advancements as the air cargo industry continues to digitalise. “We believe collaboration is one of the key areas where tech companies can deliver value as the industry transforms, as it contributes hugely to communication between various systems and data sharing – leading to better performance for our customers, their partners, and the industry as a whole,” Baruch highlighted.

“It is inevitable that more tech providers will come onto the scene as our industry experiences this shift, so it is about collaborating with other providers to combine and innovate, rather than creating competition and blocks that will ultimately stop our industry from progressing,” he added.

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Adapting efficiently

In a rapidly evolving technology landscape, it is important for tech providers to ensure their software can adapt to the specific needs of individual customers as more and more ground handlers choose to digitalise their operations. 

“We make sure we do this by providing scalable, customisable software,” Baruch stated. “We provide options for Hermes users to build on our core CMS with apps to suit any operation’s needs, including modules for slot booking, track & trace, and business & intelligence, which provides insights into complex data.”

Moreover, an increasing concern as the air cargo industry continues to embrace technological transformation is the increased risk of cybersecurity. SaaS solutions are proven to be resilient, as they provide enhanced security through data encryption, centralised security management, and regular updates and patching to ensure any vulnerabilities can be addressed promptly. 

For many years now, HLT’s CMS has been deployed by customers, typically in their on-premises datacentres, leaving much of the burden of cybersecurity with the customer or their hosting provider to manage and operate.

“HLT has recognised the need to provide the customer with a more rounded service. Our SaaS managed service is a Software-as-a-Service solution that aims to focus the customer on the business of running their cargo operation while HLT takes care of running their CMS infrastructure,” Baruch explained.

“Working with our partners, we aim to create a secure perimeter around our cargo customer systems. Our partners have global presence, resources, and experience of enterprise security operations within mission critical systems.” 

More importantly, using managed security service, providers are able to collect data from threats seen in other systems outside the cargo management industry and use this information to better prepare, protect and monitor a customer’s Hermes Managed Service. 

“All HLT solutions are available on a SaaS basis, the optimal way to host a Cargo Management System,” he stated.