In February 2008, an eCMR protocol was included in the CMR convention. The e-protocol came into effect in June 2011, and it allowed the use of electronic means to fill in, store and share CMR documents. Thanks to the e-protocol, consignors, consignees, and carriers can now fill out the CMR consignment note more efficiently using a CMR software or a CMR tool – superCMR. This article will give you a complete overview of CMR Software, highlighting how it works, its scope of application, benefits, and its difference from paper consignment notes.
What is CMR Software?
CMR software is an application or program that enables you to fill out, track and share CMR documents online. This software is an improvement to paper consignment notes, which have been around for decades. CMR software reduces the burden of storing documents in files and cabinets, thus, allowing the logistics industry to go paperless. It also gives consignors and carriers more control and monitoring. With CMR software, exporters and transport companies can instantly complete and manage their CMR waybills.
How Does CMR software Work?
CMR software works like a centralized database in which you can generate, store, access, and share CMR documents. Depending on the service provider, CMR software comes with features like quick sharing, editable templates, cloud-based data storage, and automatic filling. You can also import or export data from external sources.
Benefits of CMR software
CMR software retains all the benefits of paper consignment notes while adding more benefits to the logistics industry. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduced handling cost – CMR software reduces costs associated with buying, storing, and handling paperwork, thus making it more economical.
- Faster and more efficient administration – Data entry is quicker with CMR software than paper consignment notes.
- Real-time tracking of consignment notes – Carriers, consignors, and consignees can access the consignment notes in real-time to confirm pick-up or delivery.
- Easy tracking of documentation – CMR software enables storage of CMR documents in the cloud. The documents are more accessible compared to paper consignment notes.
Where is CMR Software Applicable?
The use of CMR software is only applicable if road transportation occurs from one country to another, in which both countries have ratified the eCMR protocol. If only one of the countries accepts the eCMR, consignors and carriers might have to work with both eCMR (electronic format of CMR) documents and paper consignment notes. The eCMR protocol has been ratified by close to 29 countries. Its adoption, both in and out of Europe, is gradual. By 2026, the European council expects eCMR to be compulsory in all countries that are contracting parties to the CMR convention.
Difference Between CMR Software and Paper Consignment Notes
Like paper consignment notes, CMR software adheres to the guidelines of the CMR convention (Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road). The information filled out through CMR software and the number of copies required is the same as paper consignment notes. The only difference is that CMR software operates via a digital environment or platform. Instead of filling the CMR document with a ballpoint pen, you will be typing in your details through an online CMR tool.
The Bottom Line
CMR software increases the efficiency of road transportation by reducing paperwork and enabling easy and real-time tracking of consignment notes. This software works like a centralized database where you can generate, store and share CMR documents. CMR software is only applicable to countries that have ratified the eCMR protocol. The information required and the format of filling are the same as paper consignment notes. The only difference is that CMR software operates via a web platform.
