IATA Study Highlights the Need for Advanced Automation in Air Transport

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently released its Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook. The annual survey, conducted in collaboration with Labelmaster and the Hazardous Cargo Bulletin, points to significant opportunities for improvement in automation, data reliability, and consistency to enhance safety and security in dangerous goods transportation. In this article, we explore the survey’s findings and discuss cutting-edge technologies that can streamline core operations.

Decoding the Dangerous Goods Transport Survey

The Global Dangerous Goods Confidence Outlook is an annual report based on a survey of 439 Dangerous Goods (DG) professionals worldwide. The survey examines the changing landscape of DG transportation over the past year, focusing on operational shifts, challenging areas, compliance impact, and notable trends.

A key insight from the survey is the ongoing growth trend in the transport sector globally. Although most respondents feel prepared to handle increasing quantities of DGs, they also recognize potential areas for improvement. Automation and technology implementation stood out as top priorities, along with the need for consistency in the supply chain and seamless access to reliable, accurate, and timely data.

Streamlining Compliance Processes with Automation

With over 1.25 million annual DG shipments, the air transport industry must adhere to strict global compliance requirements. This area, which is expected to continue growing, can benefit significantly from technology as compliance demands increase.

Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior VP for Operations, Safety and Security, states, “The growth of e-commerce and the proliferation of lithium batteries in global supply chains suggest that the number of DG shipments will increase. To handle them safely, we must enhance compliance with global standards.”

Key findings from the DG Survey include:

• 24% of industry participants consider DG compliance a competitive advantage
• Only 37% of organizations have implemented processes exceeding mandatory regulations
• 39% meet the minimum requirements
• 82% lack confidence that their DG infrastructure can support future supply chain changes or additional regulation
• 48% are confident in their DG compliance
• 45% emphasize the importance of ongoing training

Innovative technologies can help automate essential processes and ensure compliance at local, national, and global levels, achieving the consistency needed on a global scale. In line with the report findings, implementing the right technology can support “well-trained professionals following globally agreed standards.”

Harnessing the Potential of Reliable Data

More than half of the survey respondents prioritize access to comprehensive, dependable data. This data is vital for enhancing logistics across the supply chain and enabling organizations to capitalize on sector opportunities.

Access to reliable, timely data provides a clear view of the operational landscape, critical for processes, compliance, and distribution in DG transportation. Seamless, real-time or near-real-time communication between systems and technology enables collaborative decision-making. In the DG sector, this improves safety and ensures compliance.

Embracing Technology for Future-Proofing

The appropriate technologies can enhance DG operations and help future-proof the sector in terms of automating essential processes and compliance. However, the chosen technology should align with the organization’s needs.

A comprehensive set of technologies, such as cloud-based message distribution, handling database, and intelligent weight and balance tools like A-ICE’s A-MDS, A-HDB, and A-WBS, can deliver the necessary improvements without added complexities.

A-ICE specializes in developing fully integrable, bespoke technologies. We offer a suite of solutions using a unique pay-per-use economic model, presenting a fresh approach to automation and compliance. Ready to future-proof your operations through technology? Contact us today at info@a-ice.aero for a tailored discussion about your requirements.