Positive outlook for e-commerce
‘Cargo Operations Efficiency and Excellence’ white paperIn its Cargo Operations Efficiency and Excellence white paper, IATA focuses on how operational efficiency and operational excellence underpin successful air cargo operations, which is key to supporting e-commerce growth.IATA says operational efficiency is about how an organisation achieves its objectives of higher productivity and reduced costs. It describes the processes involved, such as preventing bottlenecks, automating manual tasks and improving workflows.
According to the IATA Cargo Handling Council (ICHC), operational efficiency can be measured by various metrics, including throughput, dwell time of processes and error rates. In comparison, operational excellence involves streamlining processes, optimising resource allocation and leveraging technology to enhance performance.
By concentrating on these areas, industry players can ensure more dependable, efficient and resilient operations, says IATA.
This approach not only helps in meeting current demand but also prepares the industry for future challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Focusing on excellence involves considering how to add value to operations, how a company can grow overall and how it can operate at the highest level possible. Looking beyond standards, excellence involves developing initiatives to prepare for the future, such as utilising tools for better resource planning and adopting artificial intelligence technology.
Adopting IATA standards and ensuring compliance helps achieve operational efficiency and operational excellence within the air cargo industry, says the association. Standards provide a consistent framework that enhances the reliability and quality of operations across all stakeholders, including carriers, GHAs and freight forwarders.
By adhering to IATA standards, organisations can streamline their processes, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure that safety protocols are rigorously followed. This leads to higher productivity and reduced costs, key components of operational efficiency. These standards further foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence, points out IATA.
