Seattle, WA, December 7, 2023–Trade Tech, an industry-leading global logistics platform, announced today that it is working with ASTM International, one of the world’s largest standard development organizations, on its Global Supply Chain Data Standard initiative. The aim of the program is to facilitate instantaneous data interoperability to support a resilient global supply chain. Trade Tech’s president, Bryn Heimbeck, serves as a volunteer on the Executive Committee as well as the chairman of the Essential Data Elements sub-committee.
“The global trade industry has been asking for better visibility to help improve the management of the supply chain for some years now. Managing global trade is particularly difficult because moving freight across the world is inherently complex. Multiple parties in different time zones, speaking different languages need to work together with everyone looking at the same data in real-time in a ‘language’ they can all understand. And that’s where data standards and ASTM come in,” said Mr. Heimbeck.
“We are hopeful the Essential Data Elements sub-committee will be comprised of all sectors of the industry, so each has a voice in the development of the standard. Developing consensus around a robust interoperable data standard is foundational first step in enhancing the supply chain resiliency called for by the White House and others,” commented Mr. Heimbeck. “We are looking for industry leaders to volunteer their time and expertise to this effort.”
The goal of the Essential Data Elements sub-committee (F49.03) is to develop a well described data set for controlling the movement of goods via Ocean, Air, Truck, and Rail domestically and internationally whether the goods are moving as an FCL or LCL. The data specifications will include recommendations on the size and type of data segments and referential control points of the data set with the aim of creating a common understanding such as Port Codes, Carrier Names and Harmonized Codes.
The ASTM F49 Committee is looking for volunteers to join in this work. Interested parties should visit astm.org to register.
Trade Tech brings expertise in interoperability and electronic connectivity to the ASTM Global Supply Chain Data Standard initiative. Trade Tech is a global logistics software platform with electronic connections to a variety of major Customs Organizations including Customs agencies in the USA, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Japan, and the European Union. The Trade Tech platform also connects to all of the major ocean and air carriers, as well as several ocean terminals and importers. Visit tradetech.net for more information.
ASTM International has been developing global standards on a wide variety of goods, services, and sciences dating back to 1898. ASTM International focuses on bringing together a wide variety of individuals committed to developing a standard that all participants in an industry can agree to by consensus. As such, it is important to have wide and dispersed group of individuals involved both in the exporting and importing of the goods transported by the supply chains as well as the service providers including Air and Ocean Carriers, NVOCCs, Freight Forwarders, and Customs Brokers, Port Terminal Operators, Truckers and Motor Carriers, Railroad Operators, and Warehouses. Equally important is participation from government agencies and Trade Organizations. Visit ASTM.org for more information.
