MUSCAT -- Oman Aviation Services (OAS) company has implemented bar-code cargo labelling in Seeb International Airport as part of continuous efforts to provide customers with high class services and in compliance with IATA's regulations on bar-code cargo labels. The new system has established one standard bar-code label format to provide and obtain consignment information, enabling unique piece identification and piece level tracking.
Abdulla al Fori, Manager Cargo Handling, said the implementation of the bar-code cargo label system is in preparation for IATA e-freight programme objectives of enabling the simplification of complex cargo processes, cut costs, increase information transparency and reduce the time needed to move cargo to its destination. Currently, an average cargo consolidation shipment travels with 38 documents per master airway bill. The initiative is more than just a change, it is an industry revolution and will accomplish a simpler, industry-wide, electronic, paper-free environment."
"Some of the key benefits that the bar-code label application can provide are improvement of data accuracy, availability of optional fields for shipper specific information, piece-level identification, availability of more accurate, consistent and timely shipment status information. Also it advances warehouse handling processes, including full consignment verification prior to unloading, pre-sorting of shipments for purposes of inventory control; besides reducing paper requirements in warehouse," he added.
Al Fori further said, "the OAS cargo department in Seeb International Airport will no longer accept export cargo without the required bar-code cargo labels. Hence, the department now generates bar-code cargo labels for its valued customers under a minimal charge. Further, in co-ordination with OAS IC department, the cargo department is working on enhancing its cargo handling system to comply with IATA's e-freight programme before 2010."
IATA e-freight is one of five simplifying business projects launched in 2004 with a target of reducing industry costs by $6.5 billion while making travel and shipping more convenient. In addition to e-freight, 'Simplifying the Business' includes 100 per cent electronic ticketing by the end of 2007, self-service kiosks for check-in, bar-code boarding passes and radio frequency identification for baggage management."
The IATA e-freight programme's target is for paperless cargo processing by 2010, saving $1.2 billion annually (based on current cargo volumes) and reducing shipping times by up to 25 per cent. The project includes a fast track capability for early adopters to implement by the end of 2007. IATA represents 265 airlines comprising 94 per cent of international scheduled air traffic.
By Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2006
