Flowfox conducted two successful Proofs of Concept (PoCs) in Germany with two major ocean carriers and global importer Fr. Meyer’s Sohn (FMS). These PoCs validated Flowfox's ability to automate import container processes while also assessing the current inefficiencies and quantifying potential savings in time, cost, and operational effort. Both PoCs demonstrated that Flowfox's ImportFlow product effectively automates import container workflows and delivers measurable efficiency gains, even without full integration.
The Challenge: Inefficiencies in Manual Import Processes
Ocean carriers and importers face significant inefficiencies in managing manual import workflows. These challenges include:
- High manual workload due to manual and email-based import container processes.
- Error-prone processes, including manual provision of PINs, drop-off depots, and return references.
- Lack of automation leading to delayed container releases, disputes, and missed revenue.
The PoCs focused on addressing these issues while considering the need for full integration with ocean carrier systems for maximum automation and efficiency gains.
PoC Objectives and Scope
Objectives
- Validate the functionality and integration of Flowfox in import container workflows.
- Demonstrate automated solutions for processes including container releases, drop-off changes, and container reuses.
- Assess the efficiency gains and cost savings achievable with Flowfox.
Scope - Container Release
- Drop-off Depot Assignment within the Container Release
- Drop-off Changes
- Container Reuse
PoC Execution
Duration
Both PoCs spanned approximately 2 months each, including workshops, testing, and feedback sessions.
Execution Steps
- Workshops: Conducted sessions with ocean carrier and importer teams to define requirements and align on the PoC scope.
- Data Import: Historical shipment data was imported to simulate real-world scenarios:
- Ocean carrier 1: 50 shipments via edifact cargo manifests and arrival notices.
- Ocean carrier 2: 66 shipments via edifact cargo manifests.
- Final Testing Session: FMS submitted requests (releases, drop-off changes, reuses) through Flowfox, while ocean carriers processed these requests in real time.
- Feedback Collection: Comprehensive feedback was gathered from all participants to evaluate the platform's performance and potential for live deployment.
PoC Results: Transforming Import Workflows
PoC 1: Ocean carrier 1 and FMS (December 2021 – February 2022)
- Data Scope: 50 historical shipments.
- Outcome: All containers were successfully released with automated verification (including LOAs), B/L checks, payment checks and assigned to drop-off depots or reuses.
- Automation: All release steps were automated except for manual entry of return references due to the lack of integration.
Meanwhile Flowfox offers a seamless way for ocean carriers to establish integration for automated return references provision (besides the Flowfox API).
Key Feedback:
- Expected Efficiency With integration: 95%.
- Overall Feedback Rating: 7,56/10
PoC 2: Ocean carrier 2 and FMS (May 2022 – July 2022)
- Data Scope: 66 historical shipments.
- Outcome: All containers were released successfully, with automated verification (including LOAs), B/L checks, payment checks, and the assignment of drop-off depots.
- Automation: The PoC demonstrated seamless automation, including bulk requests and error-free processing.
Key Feedback:
- Efficiency Gains: 77.5%.
- Overall Feedback Rating: 9.33/10.
Key Insights: Assessing Status Quo and Benefits of Flowfox
Status Quo Challenges
- Manual Workload: Import workflows involve high manual effort due to fragmented systems and non-standardized processes.
- Errors and Delays: Manual provision of PINs, drop-off depots, and return references via email increases the likelihood of errors and delays.
- Missed Revenue: Lack of visibility into drop-off changes leads to missed revenue for ocean carriers and uncharge fees as this information is sitting in emails.
Flowfox Automation Benefits
- Streamlined Workflows: Automation of all release steps, reducing manual intervention.
- Efficiency Gains: Reduced processing times and improved accuracy, with potential gains of up to 95% with full integration.
- Revenue Growth: Enabling ocean carriers to charge drop-off change fees by providing access to drop-off information and making drop-off status transparent.
Flowfox Automation Benefits Beyond PoC Scope
- Automating cross border shipments: Cross-border shipments to Germany via the POD's Rotterdam and Antwerp with their different release security procedures (such as SCR, CPU or Secure Chain), which were not tested during the POC, were found to be easily covered by Flowfox automation, which promises further benefits.
Feedback from Stakeholders
FMS Endorsement
- Efficiency Gains: Significant time savings and streamlined processes.
- Global Potential: Flowfox’s solution is applicable across forwarders and carriers, ensuring widespread adoption.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of FMS for the appointment. The Flowfox team exceeded our expectations, and we would very much like to go live as soon as possible. As ocean carrier 1 and ocean carrier 2 are important partners for FMS, this would be an important step in the right direction.”Statement from Magdalena Ketelhut, Manager General Cargo Import at FMS
Next Steps
For ocean carriers
- Integration plans for live Pilots: Establish comprehensive integration plans for live pilots in Germany to achieve full automation and maximize efficiency gains.
For FMS - Global Rollout: Support Flowfox’s expansion across other ocean carriers to standardize and automate import processes.
Impact of Flowfox ImportFlow
Flowfox is set to revolutionize import container workflows by delivering:
- Efficiency Gains: Reduced workload and faster processing.
- Real-Time Automation: Eliminating errors and manual delays.
- Scalability: Flexible integration options for ocean carriers and importers worldwide.