Alibaba's logistics arm, Cainiao Network, has trailed IATA's One Record data exchange on its airfreight service between China and Liege.
Cainiao has implemented the trial at both ends of the air route and is the first to be able to transmit key node data for single pieces of cargo.
The logistics arm said the trial achieved several breakthroughs including the first application of radio frequency identification technology (RFID) technology, which automatically and in real-time pushes the cargo status to the One Record exchange.
This eliminates the reliance on traditional phone and email communication and enables information exchange between the Internet of Things data and industry data.
The Cainiao Liege eHub is also confirmed by IATA to be the first air cargo hub in Belgium to have successfully applied the standard.
Thomas Yu, director of global hub operations and product development at Cainiao Network, said: “Cainiao strives to be a pioneer in implementing global air cargo industry standards and integrating RFID into One Record trials can further enhance the end-to-end visualisation and transparency of air cargo transportation.
"Cainiao will continue focusing on the research and development of digital tools to enhance the operational efficiency as well as customer experience of our eHub.”
The One Record data exchange allows supply chain players to share shipment data and updates through a standardised system.
It is hoped the system will avoid various different standards being developed, which would hinder the exchange of data across the supply chain.
Last week, Air Cargo News reported that e-commerce specialist Alibaba Group plans to start exploring an IPO for its logistics unit, Cainiao.
The group said its board has approved the process and it aims to complete the initial public offering in the next 12 to 18 months.
