Innovating For Digitalization
Stepping up the pace of digital transition in shipping and logistic
Digital technology, a powerful driving force in preparing for the future of goods transportation
- Reducing our environmental impact
For shipping and logistics companies, it is essential that the sector’s energy transition is a success and this constitutes a considerable challenge that digital technologies are helping to address. For example, navigation support allows for smart ship routing, which limits fuel consumption as much as possible. All our refrigerated containers are also already fitted with energy consumption management software in order to monitor the temperature of goods as closely as possible and avoid wastage. We want to take things even further.
- Better sharing of information between the parties concerned
Transporting a container remains a complicated process involving a large amount of administrative and regulatory paperwork, issues with insurance, exchange rates, etc. While the information relating to all these matters is available and recorded in digital format, it is not shared uniformly between the many parties concerned. New big data, cloud, artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies will allow for extended, systematic and secure sharing of this information, thereby avoiding having to input information multiple times and the potential errors that this entails. It is an issue of fluidity and efficiency of supply chains as a whole.
- Improved performance and safety
Digital innovations and the huge volumes of data collected also create unprecedented prospects for enhancing performance and safety in shipping and logistics. Predictive ship maintenance, optimized terminal operation, anticipating and avoiding weather risks, decision-making tools, goods traceability… The areas for application are vast and we are taking action wherever this creates value. For example, we are developing process automation systems using artificial intelligence at our Shared Service Centers. We have also created an instant pricing solution in response to our clients’ expectations. In addition, we are investing heavily in our terminal’s IT systems.
- Customer experience
We listen to our clients and want to transform their shipping and logistics experience by making it simpler, more efficient and saving them time. Thanks to the digital innovations of the last few years, we have already made considerable progress. For example, our My CMACGM digital ecosystem makes the process easier for clients, from booking to delivery. Incorporating an online agency and Electronic Data Interchange platforms available on PC, tablet and mobile devices, it also includes APIs (Application Program Interface) allowing for relevant information and data to be sent electronically to our customers and partners.
- SEA REWARD Program
In March 2024, CMA CGM also launched SEA REWARD, the Group’s loyalty program. Our customers are rewarded with exclusive advantages for every booking made on SpotOn, the online quotation and booking tool.
An ecosystem 100% dedicated to digital innovation
To capitalize fully on the amazing potential of digital technologies, we have developed a dedicated innovation ecosystem.
Our Innovation Committee
At the heart of this ecosystem is our Innovation Committee, which identifies, analyzes and structures our digital innovation projects. Comprising IT experts and staff members representing the various business lines, it focuses its initiatives on three priority areas:
- Customer focus. We are updating our customers relations by creating new business models and developing new products and services.
- Operational excellence. We are simplifying our processes in order to step up our rate of development and improve our decision-making in all areas.
- Digital culture. We encourage innovation as a collaborative process between staff members, using agile working methods and a proactive approach. We also identify technologies and tools that enable us to simplify some of their tasks.
CMA CGM Ventures
Our investment fund CMA CGM Ventures plays a driving role in our innovation support strategy. It is intended to provide financial backing for particularly promising start-ups in the shipping and logistics sectors, which need to present new possibilities in the area of customers relations, operating efficiency and staff wellbeing. Since it was created, CMA CGM Ventures has invested in around 20 fledgling businesses such as Wing, an innovative urban logistics service dedicated to e-commerce, and Pricemoov, a startup specialized in pricing optimization.
ZEBOX
Created in 2018 at the initiative of Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, ZEBOX supports the growth of the best start-ups in two ways. Firstly, acting as an incubator, to lay the foundations of the future development of the least mature businesses. And secondly, as an accelerator, helping their business to grow and expand internationally thanks to a network of major companies and investors. This network includes names such as BNP Paribas, Centrimex, CEVA Logistics & GTT.
The business sectors targeted by ZEBOX are transportation, logistics, mobilities, as well as Industry 4.0. The structure specializes in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, blockchain, augmented reality and the Internet of Things. The ZEBOX community currently comprises more than 100 startups being supported. These include US company Expedock, which combines artificial intelligence and robotic process automation to speed up administrative tasks in the area of supply chain.
By the end of 2023, ZEBOX will play a leading role at TANGRAM, a stand-out facility designed by the CMA CGM Group to create the sustainable shipping and logistics of the future, where all the start-ups it incubates will be invited to play an active part in finding the solutions of the future.
Digital tools and solutions offering a high level of added value for our clients
The power of digital technology for our clients lies in providing structural solutions to major strategic issues concerning their supply chain. At the same time, sometimes very simple tools can also make their lives easier on a day-to-day basis. Thanks to our digital innovation ecosystem, we regularly offer our clients new digital services to improve processes for trading goods by means of shipping and logistics.
My CMA CGM
With our My CMA CGM platform, our customers can organize, track and manage their shipments from anywhere in the world in just a few clicks. It offers a number of features including searching for tariffs, calculating itineraries, reservations in one minute, live goods tracking, online invoicing, dashboard and a carbon footprint calculator, and these are permanently being enhanced. For example, “My tariffs” is a tool for viewing existing price quotations and getting new instant prices online if no reference is available. A new mobile app also allows companies to track their goods.
Our Traxens smart containers
Traxens is our smart container solution based on the Internet of Things. The electronic device transmits data in near-real time, recording the movements and status of goods during transportation. This means our clients benefit from maximum visibility on their cargos and complete traceability. They are notified rapidly if there is an incident and can act immediately. The data recorded also helps them to adapt better, provide additional information if an insurance claim is needed and simplify the customs process. By analyzing this data, they can also assess the efficiency of their logistics chain and quickly put operational improvements in place.
Our Fleet Center
The Fleet Center is a high tech control center that is extremely valuable for the shipping industry: its experts are in charge of optimizing the fleet’s sailings, navigation speed and fuel consumption, while also ensuring the safety of crewmembers and vessels. To do this, they use cutting-edge digital solutions such as data analysis and recording tools.
At CMA CGM, we set up our own Fleet Center in Marseille in 2007. This was a big decision, as just two of the leading names in shipping currently have an entity of this kind. It allows us to monitor our entire fleet in real time, for example adapting to weather conditions or a specific geographical situation. This means that itineraries are optimized and preventive solutions are implemented more quickly in case of risk. Since the first was created, another two Fleet Centers have been set up in Asia and North America, allowing for continuous monitoring of our fleet, 24/7.
Robotics and automation
Innovation is one of our major concerns and allows us to improve our performance for our customers. With our subsidiary CEVA Logistics, we are constantly adapting and innovating to make work more ergonomic, more flexible, more efficient and respectful of the environment.
The goal: to bring business benefits to our customers. Everything from packaging machines that automatically fold and fit boxes, to robot and drone systems for picking, packing and inventory has been tested and then implemented. Our new methods allow us to improve processes and develop more efficient systems; the way we manage warehouses makes you more efficient. Innovation is the future.