Custom eCMR integration development
Your digital consignment notes fully integrated with your TMS, ERP and back-office systems. We build the link between your eCMR platform and the rest of your transport chain, so consignment note data flows automatically, manual entry disappears and you're immediately compliant with the e-CMR Additional Protocol.
Why switch to digital consignment notes?
The paper CMR consignment note has been the standard in international road transport for decades. But filling in, copying and archiving consignment notes by hand takes time, causes errors and slows down your invoicing process. With the Netherlands ratifying the e-CMR Additional Protocol in 2017, the way is clear for legally valid digital consignment notes.
An eCMR integration goes further than simply digitising. It means consignment data (sender, recipient, description of goods, weight, pick-up and delivery addresses) is exchanged automatically between your eCMR platform, your TMS and your ERP system. No duplicate entry, no paper archive, no delayed invoices.
The benefits touch every part of the transport chain:
- Faster invoicing: consignment note data flows straight into your accounting system, so invoices go out within hours of delivery rather than days
- Fewer errors: no manual retyping of weights, addresses or reference numbers; data is entered once at source
- Real-time status: the sender, carrier and consignee can all see live whether the load has been collected, is in transit or has been delivered
- Compliance out of the box: digital consignment notes automatically conform to the UN/CEFACT standard format and the EU Additional Protocol
- Sustainability: no paper and no courier needed to return signed copies, a concrete contribution to your CO₂ reporting
Appfront builds the middleware that connects your existing systems to eCMR platforms, so you don't have to replace a single system to go digital.
eCMR integration options
We connect your eCMR platform to the systems you use every day. Whether you work with a cloud TMS, an on-premise ERP or a combination of both, we build the integration layer that ties it all together.
Transpas
Order data from Transpas is automatically converted into an eCMR consignment note. On delivery, the signed consignment note flows back, including POD status and any exceptions.
- Automatically create eCMR from orders
- Return POD status to Transpas
- Synchronise exceptions and damage claims
Winsped
Winsped's shipment management connected to your eCMR provider. Consignment note references are automatically sent back to the shipment, so your planners always see the current status.
- Shipment and trip data as eCMR source
- Automatic consignment note numbering
- Status updates back to the planning board
Adaption & Simacan
For carriers working with Adaption or Simacan, we connect route planning to the eCMR platform, including track & trace data and ETA calculations.
- Route planning as the trigger for consignment note creation
- Sending GPS and track and trace data along
- Linking ETA and delivery confirmation
CargoMax & other TMS
Do you use CargoMax, Ortec or another TMS? We build generic API integrations that communicate via REST or EDI with the eCMR platform of your choice.
- REST API or EDI/XML integration
- Custom field mapping
- Support for batch processing
Exact Online & AFAS
Automatically post consignment note data into your financial administration. As soon as an eCMR is signed, the corresponding invoice is created or the purchase entry is processed in Exact Online or AFAS.
- Signed eCMR as the trigger for invoicing
- Automatically assign cost centre and project code
- PDF archiving in your ERP document management
SAP & Microsoft Dynamics
For enterprise environments, we connect eCMR data to SAP S/4HANA or Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management. Consignment note data becomes part of your materials management and logistics execution.
- Integration via SAP PI/PO or Azure Integration Services
- Integration with warehouse management (WMS)
- Audit trail and compliance logging
Mobile driver workflow
The real value of eCMR lies in what happens on the loading bay and at the delivery address. Drivers work with their phone or tablet, with no more stacks of paper. We build the mobile workflow that suits your operation, or integrate with the app of your eCMR provider.
Trip received
The driver receives their trip details, including the eCMR, on their device. All details (addresses, description of goods, references) are already filled in from the TMS.
Collection and signing
On collection, the sender places a digital signature on the screen. Optionally, the driver takes photos of the load for damage documentation.
En route
GPS location and ETA are updated automatically. It also works offline: data synchronises as soon as the connection is restored. Reservations and discrepancies can be reported immediately.
Delivery and completion
The consignee signs digitally. The completed eCMR is sent straight to all parties, and your back office automatically starts the invoicing process.
Offline-first design
Many delivery locations have limited or no internet connection, such as building sites, port terrains or rural addresses. Our integrations take this into account. All data is stored locally and synchronised automatically once the connection is back, with no data loss.
Photographic documentation and reservations
Damage to goods? The driver takes photos that are linked directly to the eCMR. Reservations are recorded in a structured way (not as free text), so your back office can filter them, report on them and, where necessary, forward them to your insurer or claims system.
Technical architecture of an eCMR integration
An eCMR integration is not a point-to-point integration. It is an integration layer that connects multiple systems, transforms data and synchronises it reliably. Below is the architecture as we build it.
Systems
- TMS (Transpas, Winsped, Adaption)
- ERP (Exact, SAP, AFAS, Dynamics)
- WMS / warehouse management system
- Track and trace / telematics
Integration engine
- API gateway (REST/JSON)
- Data mapping and transformation
- Webhook listeners for events
- Queue-based processing (asynchronous)
- Error handling and retry logic
- Audit logging per transaction
Platforms and output
- TransFollow (Descartes)
- Pionira
- Transporeon / Sixfold
- LoadDocs or another platform
- PDF generation for archiving
- Digital signature and validation
API-first approach
We build every integration API-first. That means every integration gets its own REST API that is independent of the specific eCMR provider. Want to switch platforms later? Then you only replace the adapter, not the entire integration.
Webhooks and event-driven design
eCMR platforms send events when statuses change: consignment note created, collected, delivered, refused. Our middleware captures these webhooks and translates them into actions in your TMS or ERP, without you having to check manually whether a journey has been completed.
Document storage and PDF generation
Every eCMR is stored as structured data (JSON/XML) and as a PDF containing all signatures. The PDF is automatically archived in your document management system or ERP, so you always have the evidence to hand during an audit.
Monitoring and alerting
Our integrations include built-in monitoring. Failed synchronisations, time-outs or anomalous data are reported immediately. Your IT team or our service desk can intervene before a problem affects operations.
Compliance and legal validity
A digital consignment note is only valuable if it is legally as strong as its paper equivalent. The good news: it is, provided your eCMR implementation meets the correct standards.
EU Additional Protocol (2008)
The Additional Protocol to the CMR Convention makes digital consignment notes legally equivalent to paper copies. The Netherlands ratified this protocol in 2017. More than 30 countries have now signed the protocol, making cross-border eCMR use increasingly widespread.
- Legally equivalent to the paper CMR
- Valid for international road transport
- Recognised by customs and regulators
Digital signature and evidential value
eCMR platforms use qualified or advanced electronic signatures in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation. This gives your consignment notes the same evidential value as a handwritten signature on paper.
- eIDAS-compliant electronic signature
- Non-repudiation through cryptographic recording
- Timestamps for the exact moment of signing
Standards and interoperability
We build to UN/CEFACT standards for electronic transport documents. This guarantees that your eCMR data can be exchanged with other platforms and supply chain partners, regardless of which eCMR system they use.
- UN/CEFACT Cross Industry Invoice (CII)
- ISO 17712 for container seal verification
- Platform-independent data formats
GDPR and data security
Consignment notes contain personal data (driver names, signatures). Our integrations are built with privacy by design: data is stored encrypted, access is role-based and retention periods are enforced automatically. You can read more about our policy on our information security page.
- Encryption in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256)
- Role-based access control
- Automatic retention and clean-up policy
Our approach to your eCMR integration
Every haulage company is different. Whether you run 50 or 5,000 journeys a day, operate domestically or across borders, or use one TMS or three, the integration has to fit your reality. Our approach always starts with your existing IT landscape, not with a standard solution.
Assessment and mapping
We map out your current IT landscape: which systems communicate with each other, where the consignment note data currently lives, and which eCMR provider suits your operation. The result is an integration blueprint with exact data mappings.
Phased implementation
We build iteratively: first the core integration (TMS to eCMR), then the feedback loop (proof of delivery to back office), then the edge cases (damage reports, reservations, cross-border documents). Each phase can be tested and taken live independently.
Operations and ongoing development
After go-live, we monitor the integration, handle error reports and keep building as your operation changes: a new depot, an additional eCMR platform or an integration with a new back-office system.
Curious what an eCMR integration would look like for your situation? Get in touch for a no-obligation assessment. We'll tell you which integration will deliver value fastest and where you can eliminate the most manual work.
Read our article on eFTI 2027 and digital transport documents to find out what the eFTI Regulation changes from 2027 and why waiting comes at a cost.
Frequently asked questions about eCMR integration
eCMR is the electronic version of the CMR consignment note, the standard document for international road haulage. The abbreviation stands for Convention relative au contrat de transport international de Marchandises par Route. An eCMR contains the same information as a paper consignment note (sender, consignee, carrier, description of goods, weight and delivery address), but is created, signed and archived digitally.
Yes. The Netherlands ratified the e-CMR Additional Protocol in 2017. Digital consignment notes are therefore legally equivalent to paper CMR documents, provided they meet the protocol's requirements, including a reliable electronic signature and storing the data in an unalterable format.
We are platform-independent and build integrations with all major eCMR providers, including TransFollow (Descartes), Pionira, LoadDocs, Transporeon and Sixfold. Already under contract with a provider? Then we'll build the integration with your existing platform. Haven't chosen one yet? We'll advise you based on your operation and supply chain partners.
A standard TMS-to-eCMR integration is typically operational within a few weeks. The lead time depends on the complexity of your IT landscape, the number of systems to be connected and the availability of API documentation from your TMS and eCMR providers. We work in sprints and deliver each phase separately.
Costs are determined by the number of systems being connected, the complexity of the data flows (one-way vs. bidirectional), whether a mobile driver app is needed, and whether you operate across borders under different regulations. We always provide a fixed price estimate after the assessment phase, so you know exactly where you stand upfront.
Yes. Our integrations support offline-first workflows. Drivers can view, sign and add photos to consignment notes without an internet connection. Once the device is back online, all data is automatically synchronised with the eCMR platform and your back-office systems. No information is lost.
No. We build an integration layer on top of your existing systems. Your TMS, ERP and other software keep running as normal. The eCMR integration retrieves data via APIs and sends results back, without changing anything in your core systems. That is precisely the strength of a middleware approach.
Yes, and that is one of its biggest advantages. Because more than 30 countries have ratified the e-CMR Additional Protocol, you can cross borders with a single digital consignment note. We build the integration so that language versions, local regulations and customs requirements are taken into account automatically based on the country of delivery.
Ready to digitise your consignment notes?
From initial inventory to live integration, we build the integration between your TMS, ERP and eCMR platform. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about the possibilities for your transport operation.