IATA e-freight Message Improvement Programme (MIP)

Background

  • The Message Improvement Programme (MIP) is one of the foundations of e-freight 
  • It will help rid cargo processes of paper by improving the quality and penetration of electronic information passed between freight forwarders and airlines 
  • Although electronic standards exist in the industry, in many cases, the basic discipline to ensure the data exchanged between supply chain partners is complete and accurate is lacking
  • The cargo supply chain involves an immense paper trail that could add up to 38 documents
  • MIP initially focuses on two, key messages which can make a huge difference to the process
    • The FWB (Air Waybill) and FHL (House Manifest)
  • Both messages are currently prone to errors.
  • Stakeholders generating these messages electronically and accurately helps freight move more efficiently

Programme Elements

  • Programme participants track the quality and quantity of electronic documents received and report findings to IATA in a standard format agreed in the MIP Strategy document
  • IATA, together with industry stakeholders, will consolidate and assess the data and identify opportunities for improvement
  • Initial focus is on messages containing information required by Airlines and Customs (FWB /FHL)

Benefits

  • No need to re-enter data for rejected messages (reduced man-hours)
  • Reduced fines imposed by customs
  • Increased penetration and quality of EDI messages results in reduced data entry requirements and reduced costs for all parties in the air cargo supply chain
  • Reduction in duplicate messages will improve accuracy and eliminate unnecessary costs

IATA’s Action Plan

  • Agree on strategy and industry targets for MIP
  • Monitor progress
  • Set up central, regional and national stakeholder teams to drive improvements
  • Analyse problems and create strategies for increasing quality/penetration of electronic data across the industry

Status

  • The MIP is open to all airlines and freight forwarders
  • To date, 26 airlines and 12 freight forwarders participate in the programme.
  • Industry reports for FWB and FHL quality and penetration are now available

Updated: June 2008