Forward, Summer 2016 Issue

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Summer 2016 Q Forward Magazine
F rom the inception and introduction
of the e-AWB, paper has always
been the focus of attention and dis-
cussion. How many tons, how many trees,
how much fuel and at what cost to the en-
vironment? Of course, these questions are
highly important for mankind and quietly
tug at every thinking person's conscience.
Our blue planet will only survive if we stop
exploiting it beyond our bare needs.
If our industry – logistics and logistics ser-
vices – is to survive productively and prosper,
we have to look at the e-AWB as the most
immediate and direct way we can contribute
to global conservation - by saving paper.
But the e-AWB is not just a benefit to the
environment, it will also materially reward
our industry through automated exchange
of all relevant data. This is where the e-AWB
can contribute to the most crucial issue of
logistics which is wasted time and money.
Our efficiency crippled by disrupted work-
flows and countless media interruptions.
How many windows must the user click
through for each of the various airlines he is
working with? How much of the same data
must be keyed in again and again.
Crucially, the e-AWB as a stand-alone solution
is not the sole cure of this ill. Key to its success
is implementing it within a fully integrated
logistics tool. This tool, with its structure,
architecture and design enables closer collabo-
ration and shifts it to a higher level. In short:
It is smarter, sharper, stronger than all those
middle-aged middle-of-the-road solutions.
For us at Riege, enabling collaboration has
always been at the center of our thoughts.
For over three decades we have been aware
that true innovation in logistics requires and
demands more work handled with less effort
and in less time. The central objective is to
significantly increase efficiency and profit-
ability by providing more and better services
to customers. But it's also about user satis-
faction, motivation and loyalty because what
we also do is to innovate with the human at
the center of our hearts.
Innovation is not designing a new user
interface with ancient architecture in the
background. The future of the logistics
industry is founded on real innovation, not
on improvements sold as such. Applied to the
e-AWB, this tells us it's time for a new way
of thinking about a rather old issue. Time
for tools that provide those added values and
extra benefits where the e-AWB is – no more,
no less – just an integrated part of them.
Purely partial solutions have no contribution
to make in solving existing and future prob-
lems. Thinking about e-AWB, its not just
about "less paper", think more about “closer
collaboration". It will rapidly bring you closer
to what you are aiming for – business success.
About the Author
Christian Riege is Senior Vice President
Software Development at Riege
Software International.
About Riege Software International
Riege Software International is a leading
provider of smart solutions for the cargo in-
dustry. Established 1985, the family-owned
company in 2nd generation provides prod-
ucts and services to more than 300 custom-
ers worldwide. Riege employs over 80 staff
at headquarters in Germany and branches in
Europe, Asia and North America.
e-AWB Means a Lot More
Than Just Less Paper
Christian Riege,
Senior Vice President
Software Development,
Riege Software International
"For us at Riege, enabling collaboration has
always been at the center of our thoughts."