In this complex and fragmented industry, challenges such as repetitive data entry, cumbersome coordination through endless emails and calls, and frequent data inaccuracies not only drain time but also increase costs and undermine service quality. These challenges are compounded by escalating demands for compliance, robust cybersecurity, and urgent sustainability initiatives.

The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility recently published a report titled 'Solving the Global Supply Chain Crisis with Data Sharing.' Operating within the transit and transportation sub-sector, distinct from the relocation mobility industry, the report’s findings also apply to global supply chains at large. It reveals that potential gains from data sharing could cut global freight costs by over six percent, unlocking more than half a trillion dollars in savings. Additionally, the Coalition estimates that such increased freight efficiency could reduce emissions by a staggering 22%!

The positive impact of data sharing is therefore threefold: it not only reduces inefficiencies and enhances customer service but it also cuts emissions significantly, making it the greatest opportunity in the moving industry’s digitalization journey. With the massive potential benefits and availability of technology for safe, real-time data exchange, one might wonder what stands in the way of this transformative change.

During my tenure as CEO of Decapack, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and inefficiencies our industry faces due to fragmented and outdated data-sharing practices. Now, as the Chair of the IAM’s Data Solutions Taskforce, I am part of a committed team advocating for and implementing innovative solutions like the ONE Record standard to address these issues.

Challenges with Current Data Sharing

Several barriers, both human and structural, hinder progress toward an interconnected digital future:

Industry Fragmentation: Sharing data with one partner is feasible, but scaling this to dozens of ad-hoc integrations across an entire supply chain, each with its proprietary system, becomes unsustainable. The cost and complexity of managing these peer-to-peer integrations grow exponentially.

Digital Maturity Disparities: Many companies lack the necessary expertise, infrastructure, or budget to manage data interoperability effectively. At best, those utilizing third-party move management systems must rely on their tech vendors for integration. At worst, they are left with manual updates and data entry across multiple systems.

Lack of Unified Data Standards: The absence of unified standards makes integration setups lengthy and costly, exacerbating integration issues. Even with unified standards in place, companies may still face significant challenges due to varying implementation practices, legacy system compatibility, and the continuous evolution of technology.

Centralized Data Hubs: Traditional methods to share data within a network often depend on centralized hubs. This setup requires companies to send data through third-party systems, raising trust concerns and adding layers of privacy and security risks.

Collaboration and Trust: Competitive fears, coupled with uncertainty about what data should be shared and who has access to it, often inhibit the collaborative efforts essential for adopting a shared standard.

These challenges are not unique to movers but are pervasive across all organizations involved in global supply chains. Fortunately, the emergence of the ONE Record standard promises to resolve these challenges comprehensively. By offering a unified approach to data sharing, ONE Record enhances security, efficiency, and collaboration, directly tackling issues of fragmentation, digital maturity disparities, and the need for neutral data protection frameworks.

Enter ONE Record

The ONE Record standard, developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), represents a significant evolution in data sharing across the logistics industry. It moves away from traditional centralized data hubs, where all data must pass through a single point, introducing a decentralized method where each piece of data remains within its owner’s control and only links to the data are shared with others. This approach enhances both security and accessibility.

The following is a very loose, high-level overview of ONE Record focusing on the main principles and does not intend to be taken as a formal part of the standard. I encourage you to reach out to the International Association of Movers (IAM) for further details or visit the extensive documentation available on the IATA’s ONE Record website. While the following avoids deep technical descriptions, a basic understanding of concepts such as data integration and API usage will be beneficial going forward.

On-Demand Data Access

Unlike traditional methods that require sending complete data files (like XML) to other parties or central hubs, ONE Record enables each piece of data to stay within its owner’s system, and creates a unique URL, i.e. a unique web address, that is shared with partners. This method ensures that data is available on-demand to authorized partners only, eliminating unnecessary data duplication and minimizing the risk of breaches. It simplifies data sharing through standard web protocols, ensuring that the underlying data remains secure and under the owner’s control.

ONE Record Standard Components

The standard is built on three foundational pillars:

Data Model: Establishes a uniform vocabulary and structure for information across the industry.

Standardized APIs: Set of rules that allow different software programs to communicate with each other more efficiently, making it easier to retrieve and update data across different systems.

Robust Security Protocols: advanced security measures designed to protect data from unauthorized access and cyber threats, ensuring that all data exchanges are secure.

The ONE Record Standard Server

The “ONE Record Standard Server” integrates the three key components—Data Model, Standardized APIs, and Robust Security Protocols—into a single specification. Deployable within each participant’s infrastructure, whether on-premises, hosted, or cloud-based, this server functions as a middleware layer that seamlessly integrates with existing systems. It allows companies to maintain their current IT setups without extensive modifications, minimizing operational disruptions and facilitating a smooth transition to enhanced data-sharing capabilities.

The ONE Record standard and Server Specification are ready for implementation. Now it’s up to you, and IAM is ready to help.

IAM’s Role in the Adoption of ONE Record

As ONE Record is a standard requiring the installation of a specific piece of IT infrastructure, the ONE Record Server, IAM does not operate any part of the system itself. However, IAM’s role is pivotal in ensuring members can participate and reap the benefits of seamless data sharing through the following key areas:

Governance of ONE Record for Moving: IAM ensures that the standard’s expansion for moving services meets the unique needs of its members. This involves tailoring the data model to the specifics of moving services, defining participation rules, and managing digital identities.

Promotion, Training, and Support: IAM works to increase awareness and understanding among members through seminars, informational campaigns, and training materials. It ensures members have the resources and assistance they need to implement the standard effectively.

Pilot Programs and Case Studies: IAM coordinates and facilitates pilot programs, enabling members to test and experience the benefits of ONE Record in a controlled environment. Sharing case studies and success stories from these pilots helps demystify the technology and demonstrates its value in real-world scenarios.

Collaboration Facilitation: IAM acts as a mediator to foster collaboration among moving companies, technology providers, and other stakeholders in the logistics chain. By facilitating partnerships, IAM helps overcome the collaboration hurdles that often impede the adoption of new technologies.

Now It’s Your Move

The Data Solutions Taskforce invites you to embark on this collective journey towards digitalization. Only by working together can the industry unlock the full potential of the ONE Record Standard and seize the greatest opportunities in our industry’s digital evolution. Here’s how you can get involved:

Learn from the Experts in this Webinar: Watch the recording of IAM’s webinar featuring Henk Mulder, Head of Digital Cargo at IATA and one of the creators of ONE Record. Henk provides a masterful introduction and shares insights from the adoption in the air freight industry, available on the IAM learning platform.

Equip Yourself by Joining a Workshop: On May 2, IAM hosted a hands-on workshop aimed at IT leaders and tech-savvy users in roles that drive change within their organizations. The workshop was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to spearhead ONE Record adoption—watch for more workshops in the future.

Lead Change by Starting a Pilot Program: If you are truly committed to leading and enabling the interconnected future of our industry, initiate a pilot project with one or two partners. Reach out to IAM for facilitation, alignment, and support.

Stay Informed and Engaged: Follow the IAM Data Solutions LinkedIn page to stay updated on the latest developments. Engaging with this platform will keep you connected with like-minded professionals and industry trends.

Get in Touch for More Details: For more detailed information or specific inquiries, do not hesitate to reach out directly to me at alvaro.stein@decapack.com or Morgana Somers at morgana.somers@iamovers.org.

Don’t miss out on the future of logistics—engage today and become a pioneer in adopting the ONE Record standard in our industry.

Happy data sharing!