Main eCMR drivers in Spain

After analyzing the main eCMR stoppers in Spain, this week we will analyze the main drivers of eCMR according to the results obtained in the study that we prepared from FIELDEAS together with the Spanish Logistics Center (CEL).

Although there are many barriers to the widespread implementation of eCMR in Spain, it is also important to highlight the many incentives that exist.

In fact, thanks to these drivers, there are already real cases of companies using an eCMR solution in 100% of their transport operations, as well as pilots that will materialize in the short term.

We were able to verify this at the presentation of the study “Degree of implementation of eCMR in Spain. Challenges and benefits of document digitalization in freight transport”, where a real case of eCMR was presented at the discussion table.

While meeting sustainability targets is the main driver for companies that have implemented eCMR, regulatory changes are the driver for those that have not yet done so.

Driver 1: Sustainability

Many companies have realized that operating more sustainable fleets is not enough to achieve decarbonization goals.

For this reason, they are carrying out actions that complement these actions and that push them to achieve the objectives set.

The digitization of document management is one of these actions. In fact, companies that have already adopted eCMR indicate that the main reason for its implementation is to meet sustainability objectives (20.69%).

Driver 2: Improve customer satisfaction

Another reason for implementing an eCMR solution is to improve customer satisfaction. This is confirmed by 17.24% of companies.

In addition, the study shows that market pressure is another of the main drivers for companies that have not yet implemented this solution.

Thus, 15.25% of these companies recognize that if customers ask them to carry out operations with electronic documentation, they would take the step quickly.

In this sense, the company that already operates with FIELDEAS Track and Trace eCMR and that participated in the presentation of the study confirmed that, once the solution is implemented, customers appreciate it and highlight the added value offered to them.

Driver 3: Staying competitive in the market

All the benefits of eCMR ultimately result in improved competitiveness for companies. Therefore, 17.24% of the companies in the sector that have already implemented this solution identify staying competitive in the market as a main driver.

Driver 4: Cost reduction

17.24% of companies with eCMR identify cost reduction as a driver to be taken into account, especially in the administrative area and document custody and storage.

Driver 5: Improve efficiency

Similarly, improved efficiency, with another 17.24%, is another of the benefits of eCMR and, therefore, one of the most important drivers.

Driver 6: Mandatory

For those companies that have already implemented the eCMR solution, the obligation is not so important, since they have already understood the multiple benefits of this solution.

On the other side of the coin, companies that have not yet implemented eCMR recognize that the main driver for doing so is that there are regulatory changes and they are forced to do so, with 35.17%.

Driver 7: Proven benefits

In line with the stopper of lack of information and regulatory uncertainty, companies need to know the demonstrated benefits before implementing eCMR.

22.46% believe that if companies that have implemented eCMR ensure that the benefits promised by this technology are delivered, the uncertainty barrier could be overcome and the solution adopted.

eCMR drivers for widespread implementation in Spain

While the drivers mentioned above correspond to those factors that companies highlight as relevant in terms of their structure and context, here we will highlight the eCMR drivers that respondents indicate as relevant for widespread implementation in Spain.

While companies with eCMR highlight a greater awareness in the industry as the main driver for the widespread implementation of this solution in Spain, companies without it highlight a greater regulation concerning the responsibility in the issuance/processing of the consignment note.

Increased awareness in the industry

At 42.86%, companies that have adopted eCMR consider that greater industry awareness is essential for widespread implementation of eCMR.

On the other hand, 21.24% of the companies that have not yet implemented it consider this factor to be essential.

In this sense, it is considered that the strategy to promote eCMR should focus on greater information and dissemination, which is what will generate greater awareness in the industry of the competitive advantages of eCMR.

Regulation in relation to emission liability

This driver is key for companies without eCMR, which highlight it at 25.66%.

Beyond technical issues, the sector is calling for greater regulation regarding the responsibility for issuing and processing the electronic transport document.

Government support

The sector is always calling for greater involvement of the Administration, both at national and European level.

In addition, as we have seen in the stoppers, the industry is calling for standardization of eCMR and harmonization between countries.

Reduced implementation costs

Companies with eCMR consider that another main driver would be to reduce implementation costs (28.57%), making the solution more accessible to all companies.

From these results we can conclude that there are many reasons to implement eCMR and all of them are equally relevant for companies, which demonstrates the cross-cutting nature of eCMR solutions and their multiple benefits.