DE102006009430B3 - Data transmission procedure, especially for air freight movements, involves comparison of local computer data with central computer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for data transmission using at least one central computer, in which each subscriber is assigned a local computer in at least one of which are ascertained transport process-relevant data, with data transmission made direct, automated and bidirectional between each subscriber (10,11,13,14; 20,21,23,24; 30,33,34) and the central computer (50). During ascertaining the data in the local computer a comparison of this data is made with the central computer (50) for making set statements available. An independent claim is given for a communication arrangement for carrying out the method.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for data transmission between at least two participants in a transport or passenger transport process according to the generic term of claim 1 and a communication arrangement for carrying out a such method according to the preamble of claim 9.

In The logistics industry has long been different communication systems known, which are used to transport a cargo to vote and to follow. The communication systems used so far use different communication channels. So finds a transmission of data necessary for the transport of a cargo, For example, by telephone, fax or direct transfer corresponding documents with the broadcast from one participant of the transport process to one other participants of the transport process.

The Using different means of communication has the disadvantage that data concerning the cargo often times repeatedly throughout the Transport process must be recorded. This is both a high workload as well as a susceptibility to error during data transmission associated.

Especially In the air freight sector, it has proved to be disadvantageous that a Variety of paper forms for completed a transport process must be - on average 38 documents are required per transport process.

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) has it under the project name "IATA e-freight "to the task made by 2010 a paperless handling of air transport too develop. Until then, the classic system is still on in use.

Out US 2005/0119926 A1 is a proactive logistics management method and a corresponding system known. This method and this System are suitable for the management of automated freight transport via international Borders away.

Out WO 02/35382 A1 discloses a method, a system and a software for international electronic Trade, each of which data to be traded or transported Manage and transfer goods.

The WO 01/75700 A2 describes a system and a method for tracking of containers as well as a corresponding logistics procedure and system.

Of the The present invention is based on the object existing transport goods transport systems a communication system to develop that for a transport of a cargo or a person necessary Automated processes unwinds.

These Task is performed by a method of data transfer between at least two participants in a transport or passenger transport process according to claim 1 and a communication arrangement for carrying out such a method according to claim 9 solved.

In the transport process according to the invention At least one central computer is used and each participant associated with a local computer. In at least one of the local Computers are collected transport process relevant data. The local Computers are connected to the central computer in such a way that a data exchange between the local computers and the central computer can. This data exchange takes place according to the invention between each participant of the transport process and the central computer directly, automated and bidirectional, so both from the local computers to the central computer as well as in the opposite direction. It will be the transport process relevant data of each participant via the central computer accessible to any other participant made and actively transmitted to each other participant, so that all participants always the same data of a transport process on their respective local computers available stand.

If records the transport process relevant data in the local computer the data is compared with information provided by the Central computer available the central computer for this purpose to a or multiple databases. It is not necessary while the data acquisition directly to the central computer, since the information stored in the central computer is regularly displayed on the transmitted to local computer become. By such a synchronization of the local computer with the central computer the actual happens Comparison between the recorded data and the stored information So preferably directly on the local computer.

In order to acquire only data relevant for the transport process, a computer-controlled selection of the data to be acquired takes place as a function of the information made available via the central computer. Thus, the data that is "requested" by the local computer for a transport process which vary from case to case depending on the type of cargo or countries in which the consignee or consignor is established.

Instead of To send the data to any other participant, the Alternatively, data can only be sent to those subscribers actually standing in the transport chain. This can be avoided that Data for a particular participant have no special meaning, his Burden resources. It can preferably be for everyone Transport process to determine which participants which information to this provision on stored preference values resorted and the determination can thus be made automatically.

The Participants or participants of the transport process are preferred Handling agents, export or import carriers, consignor of one consignment to be transported, recipient of such a consignment, Customs officers and / or transporters. Here come as transporters especially airlines.

The to be transported Transport goods are preferably goods and / or goods, so that it is in the considered transport process preferably to a freight transport process is.

Around one possible early To ensure information of all parties involved in the transport process, which is the basis of a possible smooth processing of the whole process is, all relevant parties preferred prior to physical contact with the goods to be transported or the person to be transported (passenger) via the central computer via informed the abolished transport or the person to be handled. This information is best when the data on the Transport goods or the passenger for the first time transmitted to the central computer was, as a rule, by the shipper of the cargo or the passenger or a travel agent when booking a flight.

To a match between the captured data and the stored Information is, for example, information in the form of information about the or the transport process participants (address, etc.), the flight or timetables the transporters, legal and / or customs regulations, international agreements (eg the GATT agreement), information on the to disposal stationary means of transport (eg load capacity, dimensions of the hold etc.) and / or provisions of the transporters, which are sometimes limited by the other provisions may be appropriate.

By the data comparison in the data acquisition takes place advantageously a review of entered data with regard to their plausibility. Become Wrong data entered in the local computer during acquisition, the participant entering the data will be asked to do so correct the errors until error-free data entry is made is. Only after elimination of all errors, the data is considered successful recorded and transmitted to the central computer.

Around a data input and data representation in different languages to enable the method is preferably designed so that on each local Computer a language can be selected from a group of several languages, in which the data input and data representation takes place. The data transmission even becomes language independent executed by reference codes. Thus, for example, the sender can transport process relevant Enter data in German into its local calculator, this will be then coded independently of language first transferred to the central computer and from there, inter alia, to the receiver, which records the data on its local machine, for example French gets presented.

alternative it is also possible that the method is performed with only one possible language.

A Communication arrangement for carrying out a method according to the invention has several local computers and at least one central computer on. Each participant in the transport process is a local Computer associated with the local computer and the central computer so in a data-submitting Network are arranged that between the local computers and the central computer data transmitted can be.

The local computers are designed as local servers and only point a limited one Range of functions. This means, you can only for implementation a process according to the invention necessary Run applications. As a result, among other capacities are spared and errors that through the parallel execution various applications due to incompatibilities can occur avoided.

When datenübermittelndes Network preferably uses the Internet for the application. But Other networks such as the SITA system are suitable for data transmission.

For a connection of the participants to the local server, the latter are preferably integrated into an existing server system or connected directly to an ordinary personal computer, which acts as a client. The client then serves as an interface between the local server and the subscriber.

Provided For example, for data protection reasons, a physical separation is desired by data-storing central computers, the communication arrangement preferably designed so that the number of central computer on the number of transporters involved in the communication arrangement are involved. Thus, for each transporter its own Central computer can be provided. The respective databases, which the individual central computers access in such a case, are synchronized with each other to provide for all the central computer to provide the same basic database.

Further Advantages and details of the invention will be apparent from the following Figures are explained. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a first known in the art communication system between the participants of a transport process;

2 a schematic representation of a second known in the art communication system between the participants of a transport process, wherein the communication system comprises an integrator;

3 a schematic representation of a third known in the art communication system between the participants of a transport process;

4 a schematic representation of a communication system according to the present invention; and

5 a schematic representation of a communication arrangement according to the invention.

The 1 As state of the art, this is a schematic model of known communication processes in the air freight sector and in other transport sectors for the transmission of data. For the sake of simplicity, only the most important parties to a logistics chain or participants in a transport process are represented.

manual Communication steps (m) are shown by solid lines. As "manual" while doing such Communication steps are described that are not automated run between the participants in the transport process, but each require an interaction of the participant, the data receiving, around the transferred To feed data into a (central) data exchange system. there It is irrelevant whether for this communication purpose computer or other communication devices, such as phones or fax machines. Examples for such Manual communication steps are telephone calls, fax transmissions or sending or receiving e-mails.

Online communication steps (o) are represented by dashed lines. As "online" should such communication steps be understood that automated between the participants run the transport process, so no interaction of the data-receiving Participant require to be transferred To feed data into a (central) data exchange system. in this connection the communication and the associated data transmission take place preferably directly using computers.

Communication steps which can alternatively be done manually or online (m / o) are represented by dotted lines. The arrowhead show in all Communication steps the direction of communication. arrowheads at both ends of connecting lines show that the corresponding Communication is bidirectional.

A transport process after in the 1 shown known communication sequence is carried out according to the subsequent steps, which are to be presented by way of example. It is assumed that the largest distance of the transport route is handled by an aircraft, a transported item is transported as air cargo. Alternatively, any other means of transport (such as rail or ship) could be used; the basic transport processes are similar.

As a first step in a transportation process, a shipper issues 10 an export carrier 11 For example, by telephone order to pick up a shipment from the company headquarters in A and transport the shipment to a recipient 20 to organize in B

The export carrier 11 now determines the closest or least accessible starting point from A to the starting airport 12 and the nearest or least accessible destination from B 22 , Then he determines an airline 30 , which can provide the desired transport performance and books, for example by phone or fax a corresponding transport for the shipment. It is often the case that the export carrier 11 not directly with the airline 30 but communicates with a representative or a General Sales Agent (GSA) locally (in 1 not shown). Alternatively, the export carrier could 11 a transport for the shipment also via an Internet portal of the airline 30 online booking.

After successful booking with the airline 30 conveys the export carrier 11 the consignor 10 by fax, telephone or e-mail a booking confirmation.

The export carrier 11 As a rule, it fills out an air waybill (AWB) with all the data it has available on the consignment to be transported, usually using a computer. Since only very few freight forwarders are connected to the SITA (Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aéronautiques) telex transmission system, by means of which the data of the bill of lading can be transmitted directly to all participating airlines, the export forwarder delivers 11 a printout of the bill of lading to a representative of the airline 30 at the departure airport 12 out. Such a representative is usually a so-called handling agent 13 ,

An export clearance of the consignment note and the consignment by customs 14 is still form-based and non-electronic in almost all countries, while export confirmation often takes place via computerized systems. Here, the handling agent 13 (possibly also the export carrier) or the customs 14 even collect the required data about the shipment.

Are both the air waybill and the actual consignment with the handling agent 13 arrived, it is its task to capture the data of the air waybill by means of a computer system. In the past, the computer system of the airlines was often used - assuming the airline 30 was in possession of such a system. However, for reasons of cost reduction, airlines today expect that the handling agents 13 . 23 have their own systems for data acquisition. These computer systems usually communicate via SITA / EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) with a computer of the participating airlines 30 regardless of whether they are systems provided by an airline or their own systems of handling agents 13 . 23 is.

Due to the many different computer systems currently used a handling agent must 13 . 23 Nowadays, a variety of computer systems operate in parallel with as many airlines as possible 30 to work together.

The data of the booking and the air waybill are in the computer system of the airline 30 Internally available worldwide and editable. So can handling agents 33 ; 23 at a transit station 32 and / or at the destination airport 22 be informed at the time of booking that the corresponding consignment is to be expected. The transit station shown in the graphic 32 is not a mandatory station of the described transport process. If a direct transport from the start 12 to the destination airport 22 is possible, this is usually preferred. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the shipment has more than one transit station 32 is transported; this depends on the respective schedules of the airlines 30 from.

A shipment on a transit station 32 will be checked and confirmed their arrival in the system. Simultaneously or subsequently, the shipment is released for further transport. If necessary, the shipment is an official operation by customs 34 subjected. All actions that the handling agent 33 at the transit station 32 can be carried out by the airline 30 be tracked via their telex system SITA when the handling agent 33 communicates these actions via the SITA system.

If a consignment finally arrives at its intended destination airport 22 , the handling agent confirms 23 at the destination airport 22 the airline 30 towards electronically the proper arrival of the shipment. Then the airline informs 30 an import carrier 21 usually manually on the arrival of the shipment.

A clearance by customs 24 and a communication with the receiver 20 Now run equivalent to the processes described at the sender 10 but the order is exactly the opposite. The shipment will eventually be shipped by the import carrier 21 to the recipient 20 delivered, which was not previously informed about the expected shipment.

In such a transport there is also the possibility of a transfer of the shipment from an airline 30 to another. However, such a transfer can only be electronically based if both airlines use a SITA / EDI based computer system capable of handling "cargoIMP Messages" (a common aviation protocol).

The possible further communication between the named participants in the transport process and other possible participants in this process, such as a forwarding company, a General Sales Agent or Ver tretern other means of transport (truck, train, etc.) is in the 1 not represented by corresponding lines, since this communication usually takes place only in a non-electronic manner in the known systems.

In the 2 are also the prior art associated communication processes of a transport process involving a so-called integrator shown schematically. The communication steps may refer to those in the description of 1 species presented; the representation of the different types takes place analogously to 1 , Participants in the transport process, already in the 1 have occurred are provided with the same reference numerals.

As an integrator 40 are transport companies, which integrates a transport order, that is without the necessary participation of other companies perform.

With reference to the 1 and their description integrates an integrator 40 So the export and import carrier 11 ; 21 , the handling agents 13 ; 23 ; 33 at the beginning- 12 and destination airport 22 as well as at an optional transit station 32 , the forwarder of the pre- and post-carriage as well as mostly the airline 30 for the air freight transport itself. Such integrators are for example the companies DHL, UPS and Fedex. Conceptually, the integrator system lies between the postal system and the airfreight system. In the 2 are all those tasks that the integrator 40 takes over, or the functional units that the integrator 40 integrated, arranged within the centrally placed large ellipse.

In addition to those in the 1 as export and import carrier 11 ; 21 designated participants of the transport process can also be arranged transporters of the lead and lag at the same point in the communication scheme. In this case, one would speak in summary of "service." The consignor 10 and the receiver 20 come in an integrator-based transport process only with this service 11 ; 21 of the integrator 40 in contact.

The respective communication between the individual functional units of the integrator 40 - is done online via air freight transport coordination 41 , The integrators use this 40 Computer systems, which accompany all internal areas of freight transport. In contrast, the communication between the integrator is running 40 and the shipper 10 or the recipient 20 as well as between the integrator 40 and the customs 14 ; 24 ; 34 manually or online. A direct access of the sender 10 , Recipient 20 or customs 14 ; 24 ; 34 on the transport process relevant data of the integrator 40 is not possible with this system.

In the 3 As a further prior art, a communication model of the so-called e-logistics is shown schematically. The communication steps may refer to those in the description of 1 species presented; the representation of the different types takes place analogously to 1 , Participants in the transport process, already in the 1 have occurred are provided with the same reference numerals.

In general, e-logistics is the attempt to map a logistics process over the Internet in parallel to what is known as e-business. Such a logistics process can, as in the 3 shown, the transportation of a shipment from a departure airport 12 to a destination airport 22 be.

In In practice this means that there are Internet platforms over which you can exchange and edit data.

There however, there is no such thing as e-logistics solutions gives direct access to connected servers of airlines, restrict Essentially, e-logistics services are essentially on online bookings and so-called tracking & tracing. Under this term understands one the query of the status of a program, so for example, to which location of the logistics chain a consignment is currently located. The last place where the shipment was recorded is always specified.

As the 3 shows, both the shipper 10 and / or the recipient 20 as well as the export and / or import carrier 11 ; 21 a status query for the purpose of tracking & tracing or a booking request to a web server 35 send this request to the airline 30 passes. In rare cases, the aforementioned participants in the transport process can carry out further work such as completing a bill of lading. The communication only goes in one direction: by the respective participant 10 ; 11 ; 20 ; 21 to the web server 35 , The participants 10 ; 11 ; 20 ; 21 are not actively involved in a network but can only access the web server 35 see stored data.

In the 4 a communication system according to the present invention is shown schematically. The communication steps may refer to those in the description of 1 species presented; the representation of the different types takes place analogously to 1 , Participant of the transport pro already in the 1 have occurred are provided with the same reference numerals.

At the heart of this system is a so-called BATCH system, which consists of a central computer 50 and several local computers, each participant of the transport process having at least one local computer. The system is intended for all participants of an airfreight market. The concept is based on a complete solution in terms of IT processing of consignments for consignors 10 , Receiver 20 , Export and import carriers 11 ; 21 , Handling agents 13 ; 23 , Airlines 30 and all other related carriers such as pre-carriage and on-carriage, etc. In addition, the transfer of information to relevant authorities - such as Customs 14 ; 24 ; 34 - an important element of functionality.

In contrast to the previously in the 1 to 3 The BATCH system makes it possible for all the relevant subscribers 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 a transport process in a network to unite, with an active communication between the individual participants 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 via a central server 50 expires. Thus, the BATCH system offers airlines the ability to provide an answer to that in the 2 presented logistics concept of the integrators, in that all work processes can be fully integrated via the BATCH system. In addition, the BATCH system also closes the sender 10 and the receiver 20 with in the network.

In the 4 are again only the relevant participants 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 reproduced on the transport process. Other conceivable participants, such as haulage companies or general sales agents, were presented for the sake of clarity, as well as the use of other means of transport (train, ship, etc.), although their participation in the process or their use is basically possible.

Has a sender 10 To assign a transport order, he then transmits it electronically to the central computer with all relevant data for the shipment to be transported 50 of the BATCH system. From there, he will be sent to the responsible export carrier 11 forwarded. The recipient 20 can already be included in the new transport process during the booking request.

The transfer order is used to make a booking request to a suitable airline 30 transmitted. After the booking has been successfully completed, all participants in the transport process, ie each participant who will deal with the physical shipment - such as the handling agents 13 ; 33 ; 23 the departure airport 12 , the optional transit station 32 and the destination airport 22 , the airlines 30 in the transfer and the import carrier 21 - in advance about the shipment to be transported informed so-called "preadvise".

The export carrier 11 completes the air waybill to complete its data on the consignment to be transported. The changed data will be sent via the server 50 of the BATCH system communicated to all parties. The handling agent 11 the departure airport 12 now awaits the physical shipment. If he receives these, he will carry out a check-in of the shipment in his warehouse system, whereupon the BATCH system compares the data of the booking with those of the bill of lading and the stock. If the data is unique, the BATCH system releases the freight for transport. Due to the thus internally known data at any time on the optional transit stations 32 and at the destination airport 22 the shipment will be released (released) immediately after physical arrival.

In countries where the customs 14 ; 24 ; 34 allows pre-clearance due to the data situation, the BATCH system can also provide this service. "BATCH" in the sense of the word means an electronic implementation of a batch process, which means that all documents of a transport order are mapped electronically in the BATCH system, including the sender's delivery notes and invoices 10 and customs clearance documents as part of this batch processing and BATCH system.

Documents, the for a special transport process is needed, such as for transport of dangerous goods or live animals, in the BATCH system over individual Modules provided and electronically the appropriate transport process assigned.

How out 4 can be seen, finds the communication between all participants 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 and the central server 50 bidirectional instead. Unlike the e-logistics solution, which in 3 has been displayed, the BATCH system actively informs the user of the status of a particular transmission that concerns him / her. Thus, the user does not have to act on his own, for example to perform a tracking & tracing. It is part of the network during the duration of a transport process.

The 5 shows a schematic representation Development of a communication arrangement according to the invention. A transmission of data or data AU, which are stored in a database and can be retrieved from there, is indicated by solid lines. A transmission of data or information IÜ, which relate to a transport of a shipment is indicated by dashed lines.

Basically, such a communication arrangement has at least one user-side or local substructure L, which has the function of a local computer, and at least one server-side or central substructure Z, which has the function of a central computer. The local substructure L is one or more local clients 60 assigned.

Starting from the local clients 60 , on which local applications are executed, finds a transmission of information AT in such a communication arrangement from and to a local database 62 and a configuration database 63 via an application server 61 instead of. To the local database 62 and the configuration database 63 also has local communication management 64 direct access, the transmission of information and information AT; IT from and to a data-transmitting network 65 handles. Such a network may, for example, be the Internet or a network made up of telecommunication links in the context of the SITA system or the PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network).

For direct information transfer IÜ between the application server 61 and local communication management 64 provide communication interfaces 66a . 66b that the application server 61 or the local communication management 64 assigned.

Data or information or information not directly from the local communication management to the data-transmitting network 65 or the local clients 60 , the local database 62 or the configuration database 63 be transmitted in a local communication management 64 associated queue 641 cached.

The central substructure regulates local communication management 64 equivalent central communication management 67 the data flow from and to the data-transmitting network 65 , Data coming from the central communication management 67 can not be forwarded directly are in a waiting loop 671 of central communication management 67 cached. From the central communication management 67 can provide information directly to an authentication database 68 be transmitted. In this authentication database 68 Among other things, data are stored that make it possible for the data-transmitting network 65 to check incoming information or information as to whether it originates from an authorized user and thus whether a forwarding of such information or information from the central communication management 67 to a server application 69 should be done.

As in the local substructure L, communication takes place between the central communication management 67 and the server application 69 via communication interfaces 66c . 66d instead, the central communication management 67 or the server application 69 assigned.

From the server application 69 can provide information from and to a central database interface 70 be transmitted. This database interface 70 Provides access to at least one central database 71 on which transport process relevant data such as flight plans or information on international regulations are stored.

By means of such a configured communication arrangement so data from the local clients 60 to the central server application 69 sent via the central databases 71 adjusted and supplemented with additional data from the central databases 71 back to the local computer 60 be transmitted. Consequently, data transmission takes place between a local computer L and a central computer Z. In the context of the present invention, it is expedient that the communication arrangement has not just one but several local substructures or computers L, for example one for each participant in the transport process. It is also possible to use a plurality of central substructures or central computer Z, for example for each transporter. The number of local computers L will generally far exceed the number of central computers Z.

Further advantageous embodiments of the method and the communication arrangement according to the invention are based on application examples of in the 4 illustrated BATCH system:

example 1

In This example is intended to compare with the prior art more effective and cost effective Conception of the BATCH system with regard to a simplified illustration of the workflow.

The BATCH system reduces complex processes to the respective possible ones Set to a few, corresponding to the workflow key formats. moreover The BATCH system is provided in modules, with each user the BATCH system receives only those program parts that from him to his workflow are necessary.

So In the BATCH system, for example, an air waybill (AWB), the by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Authorities) regarding information content in terms of the shipment itself, its transport and the liability regulations has been developed, integrated and presented in terms of information technology.

But also others already used and established in the airfreight industry Forms are electronically displayed by the BATCH system as well provided for electronic data collection and paperless processing, so not significant training periods for the introduction of the BATCH system required are.

One Employee of a logistics company (forwarding agency, handling company, Export department of a consignor) finds himself as a user of the BATCH system the same forms when using the BATCH system for the first time before, which he has worked on manually so far. This is how a sender becomes for example, a so-called Shippers Letter of Instruction (SLI), one of the employees of a freight forwarder, for example the air waybill (AWB) and an employee of an air cargo handling company For example, a so-called manifest by the BATCH system displayed. The respective form is not encrypted, but can be completed directly in electronic version.

Of the respective user sees the corresponding electronic form in faithful reproduction in front of him, as he the paper form of knows the manual processing ago. In later stages of the work can Users in a variety of cases the BATCH system for get work done and will fill in the forms of one or from multiple intrinsic databases), such as in the next Example is set forth.

Example 2

One large part the data for the completion the transport documents (for example the air waybill) are needed, is already integrated in the BATCH system. The user can do this Data then exclusively from the BATCH internal database (s), but not complete as desired. This is a very high reproducibility in terms of Data entered in the corresponding forms is reached.

For example a Berliner consignor a consignment with a weight of 1000 kg, whereby the contents of this broadcast are insects, send to Mexico, so opens he uses his module of the BATCH system an SLI (Shippers Letter of Instruction). The field "sender" is already with filled in his data, because the BATCH system recognizes him as a user.

The He can now field "recipient" from Hand or under access to the corresponding recipient data from the database. In the database are all those recipients, which with the respective Shippers work together, deposited.

Of the Attempt to pay the shipment from the recipient to let fails because deposited in the database information are that alive animals as well as goods generally after Mexico based "Charges Collect "(recipient paid) may be shipped. Thus, the BATCH system forces the shipper to correct this error. Before the error has not been corrected, the SLI can not be completed completely, so that a corresponding transport request is not from the BATCH system Is accepted.

Farther the BATCH system only accepts booking requests for such flights, where planes are used that are capable of Transporting live animals and thereby burdening the soil Withstand weights of at least 1000 kg.

The BATCH system will now provide information to the user, which he takes into account documentary must, such as quarantines in any transit country or in Mexico itself. Furthermore, the user receives Information about it, whether the involved handling agents special premises and storage facilities own for animals. In addition, a preliminary message ("preadvise") about the one to be carried out Transport automatically to the desired Airline sent.

The BATCH system checks Also, many more data, so that the actual transport process after all can be handled quickly and without avoidable complications.

The good data also helps to select the optimum tariff for the shipment from the database of the BATCH system. In addition, for the transport of live animals (AVI) not and provided the forms required by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), as well as the customs documents required for export and import, so that later they need only be added in a few simple steps.

Example 3

Next the previously illustrated minimization of input errors in use In the following, the BATCH system is intended to be language-independent explained by an example become.

The The language of the airfreight is English. However, it already is Now the trend is to observe that many employees are handling do not speak English well enough, for example manuals to be able to read. However, the manuals are part of the database of the BATCH system. Around Therefore, the BATCH system allows data entry in different languages. Gives a user as the content of his shipment For example, "gasoline" is similar to the BATCH system this word with the information stored in the database, where the databases over a key be referenced (usual Procedure for Databases). The key can be associated with terms in any language.

Of the key 12 00 0036, for example, in English with the term "gas" referenced (linked), im Germans, however, with "gasoline" and in Chinese with "shen liu ". In the data transfer itself is only the key relevant. The indication of the consignment content "gasoline" in German, the user in a Form of the BATCH system is displayed in a recipient in Mexico with the linguistically desired (Spanish) wording in the same form on its local machine. Thus, every user of the BATCH system can use the familiar language to use. This considerably reduces the learning effort for the individual user and helps to fill in mistakes the needed Avoid forms.

Gives In addition, if the user selects the consignment contents as "gasoline", the BATCH system recognizes that the consignment to be transported is a dangerous good is. The user can only send the program if he has the necessary DGR (Dangerous Goods) forms fills and the process (electronically) attaches. This supports this BATCH system the user as it has the most data to fill out the Form needed from the database and already in the appropriate form fields enters.

Example 4

The The following example is intended to optimize staffing requirements can be achieved by using the BATCH system.

conditioned by the fact that the BATCH system is in a (global) network is arranged, which all users information technology with each other connects, the overall data situation is available to all participants at any time to disposal. There are only individually adjustable restrictions regarding the allowed data access by the respective user on the part of the BATCH system to personal or to protect company-internal data of the respective users and unauthorized access of other users to this data prevent (see Example 9).

The BATCH system allows its customers, on data already entered into the global network repeatedly access. While after the communication system solutions From the prior art data often multiple in local, from each other isolated computer systems can be entered in the BATCH system the multiple processing of the same data are excluded. According to the state transmitted to the technology a sender for an air freight transport necessary data, for example by fax to his forwarder, this takes over The data manually in his forwarding system, prints the air waybill out and pass this to the handling agent who then re-enters the data its internal computer system transmits.

So For example, a shipper has the following data in the SLI (Shippers Letter of Instruction): a consignor, a consignee, a Departure airport, a destination airport, any transit stations, a desired one Forwarder, a desired Airline, a departure day, a booking proposal, the Dimensions of Shipment, the volume of the shipment, the weight of the shipment, the content the consignment, details about the type of payment, details about the value of the shipment, details about the customs status, information about the needs of handling and accounting.

The already account for more than 85% of the information provided by the contracted forwarder transferred to the air waybill got to. Since the data already exists in the BATCH system, it must the forwarder only supplement his information and the overall process check again.

The forwarder then only sends the modified data over the network. When using the BATCH system, the handling agent can even - without the form that it receives open or edit - drag and drop as long as the transport process data is consistent (that is, if the details of the airway bill received match the desired booking and its inventory).

The same applies to the participants of the transport process at the transit stations and the destination airport. All other forms that may be needed can, can on the basis of existing data greatly simplified and therefore fast and filled in efficiently or added to the missing data become.

The BATCH system thus guarantees an optimization of the use of the Employee.

Example 5

The The following example describes the automatic error prevention by the BATCH system.

The BATCH system contains Databases with flight-specific information such as schedules and internal regulations (embargoes, collection regulations, etc.), by means of a user of the BATCH system through the system via the Requirements of the respective airline and also international Regulations are informed. Furthermore, a comparison is made of the Users entered into the system data with the stored information or a check based on this information.

Also can the data entered may be based on the deposited data Information to be corrected. Furthermore, a targeted control of Input process on the basis of the stored data conceivable and intended, actually all for an individual transport process relevant and required data capture. It is very important that mistakes are largely excluded to increase the efficiency of processing and also damage - such as Customs damages Planning errors, penalties etc. - to be avoided.

If an airline, for example, an airport unscheduled not more flies (for example, because of the prevailing political Location), then would the airline for a communication system of the state the technology all airports worldwide over this schedule change inform by telex. Now it is conceivable that an employee put aside this telex carelessly at any airport or due to language difficulties its content is not completely correct captured. This would continuing shipments to the now no longer served airport as a destination airport, have accepted and to Transithub (the headquarters the airline). There, a warehouse would quickly reach its capacity limits bump, because the shipments could not be transported further.

at Using the BATCH system circumvents such problems because the system's own databases are always up-to-date be kept (see Example 8)

Example 6

The The following example is intended to optimize the workflow Explain how to use the BATCH system.

In The databases of the BATCH system are preferably all relevant data of airlines such as booking information, capacity options of the aircraft and also planning proposals for the most suitable capacity utilization deposited. Thus, the BATCH system puts the user in the Able to always work on the limit of the best possible. The result this optimization is a better use of capacity (ie for example, the capacities the hold of an aircraft or storage space at one of several possible Transit stations) and a faster processing of the operations (the Employees must no longer read in manuals).

The BATCH system checks all entered data by comparison with the stored information and takes necessary conversions (such as between different currencies or units of measurement) as well as the calculation of the volume of a shipment on the basis the entered data regarding the dimensions of the shipment immediately automatically on or after input. Thus, there is always one secure data about the shipments to be transported are available. This is the BATCH system able to optimize the respective airlines involved Utilization of cargo holds to allow the planes whereby the airlines optimize the so-called load factor can.

The BATCH system considered also the dimensions the consignment to be transported in the selection of the possible Air links so as to ensure that the user only such aircraft for the transport of the shipment offered according to the dimensions of the shipment big enough Door or Have load compartment hatch to record the shipment can.

In communication systems after the In the prior art, for example, the details of, for example, the volume of a shipment are often estimated and are generally no longer controlled, so that there may be large differences between the booking and the actual deliveries to be carried.

conditioned by the fact that over The volume can also be settled by an airline huge Period (for example, one year) a significant loss the indication of low volumes of the consignments to be transported arise. On the other hand, cargo holds are often wrongly booked, because due to incorrect (too high) volume information the maximum possible volume a flight has already been reached, although there are still capacities available would. And finally may result in incorrect data that shipments do not can be transported because the transport capacity already early exhausted is what could not be detected in time, because the communication systems The prior art does not allow control over the correct capacities.

Example 7

The The following example is intended to describe various possible communication paths of the BATCH system closer describe.

One greater The advantage of the BATCH system is that a user gets that from him preferred medium for the data transmission choose freely can. The BATCH system is capable of practically all known transmission media to communicate. To keep communications costs low, is the BATCH system preferably with an internal communication management, which the data over the internet shipped, equipped. In the data transfer via the Internet become the market standard Standards of the highest Data security ensured.

Has a handling agent has already loaded a consignment to be transported, have to the data at the latest transmitted immediately after the departure of the aircraft to the central computer become. For example, the departure airport is Berlin and is supposed to be a consignment transported to Mexico, so this shipment must be on a European Airport are reloaded when an airline has been selected, which does not fly directly from Berlin to Mexico. In this case stay only about 2 to 3 hours until the freight in the transit station has arrived. No later than at this time need the data will also be on site.

Therefore does not trust the BATCH system to communicate, but instead allows alternatives.

So In case of failure, the handling agent can in the above example case the internet also over its data Send a fax modem or a Telfonkoppler etc. A mission of the SITA system just as conceivable. Alone the good availability and the cheap Cost-benefit ratio because of the Internet as the preferred communication medium for the BATCH system considered.

Example 8

The the following example explains the so-called software service of the BATCH system.

Under Software Service here is providing program updates (updates) understood. To ensure a permanently smooth flow of the can be used worldwide through a BATCH system Remote maintenance can be accessed on a local computer of each user (remote trouble shooting). About that In addition, users will receive updates to the intrinsic system Databases over the BATCH system is transmitted and integrated into the local system, allowing all users of the BATCH system always up to date system status.

As set forth in Example 7 above, there is often little time to transfer data. That is why it is particularly important to a user immediately can be helped if the BATCH system does not work as expected should.

The The latest data is an important factor in the BATCH system and above all for avoidance of errors (see example 2).

Example 9

The The following example is intended to describe the structural components of a communication arrangement according to the invention closer to the example of the BATCH system explain.

to Application of the BATCH system will be a central computer and an or preferably used several local computers. The task of the central computer is taken over by a network server with corresponding communication management connection. The communication management connection can be designed in a multi-layered way to give the users a provide a wide range of communication channels (eg data transmission via the Internet, about the telex system SITA etc.).

• 1. Es besteht die Möglichkeit, eine Fernwartung (remote trouble shooting, s. Beispiel 8) anzubieten, ohne dass die Gefahr eines unberechtigten Eingriffs auf weitere Server eines Anwenders befürchtet werden muss.
• 2. Kein Anwender kann über die black box artfremde Anwendungen wie etwa Surfen im Internet, Spiele etc. durchführen.
• 3. Höchste Sicherheitskonzepte auch physischer Natur können an dem Server (der black box) umgesetzt werden.
• 4. Durch ein einheitliches Rechnersystem ist auch eine einfache Kommunikation mit allen Anwendern möglich, um beispielsweise Aktualisierungen (updates) zu laden.
• 5. Die black box kann sich selbst bei Schwierigkeiten mit dem Zentralrechner verbinden (z. B. über cron-Tabellen) und aufgetretene Fehler melden (beispielsweise, dass die Festplattenkapazität bzw. die Kapazität eines anderen verwendeten Speichers wie beispielsweise eines Flashspeichers der black box zu 70 % aufgelastet ist, was ein Anzeichen für eine Fehlfunktion der Speicherung wäre).

The task of the local computer is from a hardware component, which is used as a local server. This hardware component, referred to as "black box", can easily be connected to an existing server system, and if a user does not have their own server system, they can also connect existing client PCs directly to the black box.The black box represents a reduced server system In addition to applications of the BATCH system, it is not possible to perform any other services.This restricted functionality has several advantages:

• 1. It is possible to offer remote trouble shooting (see example 8) without having to fear the risk of unauthorized interference with another server of a user.
• 2. No user can use the black box to perform non-native applications such as Internet surfing, games, etc.
• 3. Highest security concepts of a physical nature can be implemented on the server (the black box).
• 4. A unified computer system also allows easy communication with all users, for example, to load updates.
• 5. The black box can connect to the central computer even in case of difficulties (eg via cron tables) and report any errors that have occurred (for example, the hard disk capacity or the capacity of another used memory such as a flash memory of the black box 70%, which would be indicative of a storage malfunction).

There The black box can be preconfigured, can cause installation problems avoided and also a simple exchange of the black box are made possible.

Several local servers (black boxes) communicate with the central computer (central server), the heart of the BATCH system. The preferred communication medium between the local and the central server is the internet.

For every airline, which uses the BATCH system, is used for data protection reasons own central server furnished. So the possibility excluded from accessing the data of a competing airline become. If several airlines to a cooperation network such as the Star Alliance are closed together, is it's also possible that just one server for all airlines, who are partners in such a network, is deployed. This depends on the respective data protection requirements of the participating airlines and does not affect the functionality of the BATCH system.

One Such data protection separation principle also applies to the use the black box. However, preferably there is no physical separation between different airlines, as at the organization over several servers are available. Rather, for each airline own, password-protected Desktop on the side of or with the black box connected client PCs to disposal (Multiple Desktop System).

For one User of the BATCH system would be However, it is most beneficial when starting from a desktop Communicate on a PC with the servers of different airlines could. Such a way Simplified communication is easy with the BATCH system possible. Whether she actually is applied depends from the wishes and requirements of the respective airlines.

at In addition, it is particularly rigid privacy requirements It is also conceivable that one user (eg a handling agent) may have several black boxes - for example one for every individual central server of an airline - used. These solution But it is rather considered to be unfavorable, since it is clear higher Installation and maintenance on the part of the local server connected is.

The BATCH system is platform independent and thus among all common Operating systems can be used. Current software standards are used, such as B. a data exchange in XML format using application services. In the database area, both established systems are market leaders Companies as well as software systems from the so-called open source area used.

Claims (12)

Method for data transmission between at least two participants of a transport goods or persons transport process using at least one central computer, each participant is assigned a local computer and in at least one of the local computer transport process relevant data are recorded, each local computer can communicate with the central computer, the data transmission between each of the participants ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) and the central computer (Z, 50 ) is carried out directly, automatically and bidirectionally, whereby the transport process relevant data of each participant ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) via the central computer (Z, 50 ) every other participant ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) and each of the participants ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) about the transport process relevant data of each other participant ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) is actively informed by the central computer during the transport process, characterized in that when acquiring the data in the local computer (L) in each case a comparison of these data with via the central computer (Z, 50 ) and in dependence on the central computer (Z, 50 ) only the data required for the respective transport process is recorded. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the participants handling agents ( 13 ; 33 ; 23 ), Freight forwarders ( 11 ; 21 ), Consignor ( 10 ), Customs staff ( 14 ; 24 ; 34 ), Transporters ( 30 ) and / or recipients ( 20 ) are. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the transporter ( 30 ) is an airline. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that goods transported in the transport process are goods or Goods are. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of subscribers ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) before the physical contact with the transported goods by the central computer (Z, 50 ) is informed about the transported goods to be processed as soon as the data about the transported goods for the first time the central computer (Z, 50 ), this first transmission in particular by the consignor ( 10 ) of the transported goods. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information contains information about the participant (s) ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ), the schedules or schedules of the carriers ( 30 ), legal and / or customs regulations, international agreements, information on the means of transport available and / or provisions of the carriers ( 30 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the data acquisition by the data comparison, a logical check of the data takes place and the subscriber ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) is asked to correct any errors that have occurred in order to complete the data collection successfully. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data acquisition at each participant ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) in at least one of several languages, the data transmission is independent of the at least one language selected during the data acquisition, and the data is transmitted to each of the other participants ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) are displayed in at least one of several languages, the language used for each participant ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) is individually selectable. Communication arrangement for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication arrangement comprises a plurality of local computers (L) and at least one central computer (Z, 50 ), each participant ( 10 ; 11 ; 13 ; 14 ; 20 ; 21 ; 23 ; 24 ; 30 ; 33 ; 34 ) of the transport process a local computer (L) is assigned and wherein the central computer (Z, 50 ) and the local computers (L) in such a way in a data-transmitting network ( 65 ) arranged that data between the individual local computers (L) and the central computer (Z, 50 ), characterized in that the local computers (L) are designed as local servers which have a limited scope of functions and which essentially execute only those applications which are necessary for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8. Communication arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication arrangement is designed such that it uses the Internet as a data-transmitting network ( 65 ) used. Communication arrangement according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the local servers (L) are integrated in an existing server system or directly with at least one personal computer ( 60 ), which performs the function of a client, are connected. Communication arrangement according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the number of used central computers (Z, 50 ) the number of transporters ( 30 ) using the communication arrangement.