An effective logistics ecosystem requires an interconnected digital framework which brings together the various logistics processes and transactions involved with a global shipment. In today’s competitive and challenging global shipping environment establishing an efficient automated work flow is key to service performance, data accuracy, and the best customer experience.

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From freight rates and bookings to documentation and billing, connecting functional systems with API application programming interface) integrations allows services and products to communicate with one another and harness one another’s data and capability. This helps reduce manual data entry, offers faster access to data, streamlines data flows, and improves collaboration and data quality. 

How it works

It’s critical for all partners to a shipment to know, in as close to real-time as possible, that a shipment has stalled at a marine terminal or warehouse, or other point in the logistics network. When these exceptions occur, the impact is felt up and down the logistics chain. For example, a drayage provider might need to be alerted to the delay and a container pick-up rescheduled. Or, a retailer would need to be made aware of a late delivery of a key shipment of shoes that go on sale in the next few days.

Another example of an API integration that drives significant value is real-time shipment tracking. A logistics platform could use APIs to pull GPS data from ships, trucks, planes, and warehouse and transportation management systems to access the exact location and status of cargo in real time. The GPS data would provide shipment status milestones, such as ETAs (estimated times of arrival), and determine any disruptions to the freight in transit. Logistics providers and their customers would be able to see shipments in real-time and if they’re progressing as planned.

Magaya, a provider of logistics and supply chain automation software and the Digital Freight Platform, developed its Open API as a collection of web services that can be used with all popular programming languages, enabling users to unify their tech stack, and put all logistics and supply chain stakeholders on the same page.

APIs are critical to the global logistics ecosystem, driving efficiency, transparency, and innovation. They enable real-time data exchange, automate processes, enhance customer experiences, and facilitate the integration of emerging technologies, ultimately leading to a more resilient and responsive supply chain.