UN publishes standards for smart container data collection

The United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) has published a new set of standards—or Business Requirement Specifications (BRS)—for data collected by smart containers.

The standards will help to ensure interoperability and data exchange between different systems.

Development of the BRS was spearheaded by Traxens, a technology company that has worked with Maersk, CMA CGM and MSC to install trackers and sensors on tens of thousands of shipping containers. These trackers allow monitoring of location, external temperature, and shock intensity, as well as any container door openings.

The idea is that the digital record provided by smart containers will instantly and more accurately reflect the immediate physical situation of cargo, improving visibility and automation across the supply chain.

Credit: Tom Fisk

According to Traxens, through BRS, “Data will be generated once and shared between multiple stakeholders, platforms and systems; improving data exchange, automated workflow and alert generation.

“These new standards will be the basis for API development, bringing technology into every aspect of the supply chain and providing powerful and innovative tools.”

In addition to shippers and stakeholders, regulatory authorities will have access to more detailed information ahead of border checks. According to Traxens, the new standards will also combine easily with other big data or blockchain initiatives.

Source: The Loadstar