Open eBL is a non-profit initiative dedicated to transforming supply chain operations and trade document management by establishing open-source, standards-based electronic bill of lading (eBL) solutions.
Our Mission
Our goal is to unlock significant value for all stakeholders across supply chains and propel international trade into a new era of faster processing, reduced costs, improved efficiency, greater data security, less fraud, and environmental sustainability.
Backed by founders BlueX Trade, Azarc, BT, The Center for Global Enterprise, and the Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI), Open eBL is managed by the non-profit DSCI, offering benefits to all participants in the supply chain who rely on bills of lading for conducting international trade.
Our Objectives
Bring Standards-Based, Open-Source Trade Documentation
Bring standards-based, open-source trade documentation under a non-profit structure to enable seamless exchange in a digital format across all supply chain stakeholders.
Drive Broad Adoption of the Technology
Drive broad adoption of the technology by building a one-stop source for supply chain services and marketplace of open-source eBL workflows with all stakeholders including global buyers, manufacturers, shipping and logistics operators, supply chain services providers and financiers.
Foster and Coordinate a Community of Developers
Foster and coordinate a community of developers creating digital supply chain workflows based upon the open-source digital trade technology connecting all stakeholders.
Advocate for the Use and Adoption of Open-Source eBL
Advocate for the use and adoption of an open-source electronic bill of lading and other trade documentation through marketing, education, and outreach; and work with other aligned organizations to accelerate implementation and public acceptance.
Become the Primary Trade Documentation Digitization Hub
Become the primary trade documentation digitization hub of global supply chains, including ongoing operation, maintenance, and promotion of an open-source electronic trade documentation platform.
Demonstrate Working Implementations of Open eBL
Demonstrate working implementations of Open eBL within 6-9 months.
Why Open eBL Initiative?
The Open eBL Initiative aims to address several key challenges and capitalize on opportunities within the global trade ecosystem:
Faster Processing and Visibility
Electronic processing accelerates customs clearance and cargo release, while real-time tracking enhances visibility and transparency.
Reduced Costs and Risks
The initiative eliminates printing, shipping, and storage costs associated with paper documents, establishes an immutable audit trail, and reduces the risk of document loss, damage, and fraud.
Improved Efficiency and Trade Facilitation
By streamlining trade processes and enhancing integration with supply chain and finance platforms, the initiative facilitates standardization and data sharing for increased efficiency.
Environmental Benefits
By reducing paper consumption and the carbon footprint associated with physical document transportation, the initiative promotes environmental sustainability.
Additional Advantages
Open eBL simplifies dispute resolution, claims processing, and access to trade finance solutions through electronic documentation.
Why Open Source?
The decision to embrace open-source principles stems from the recognition of several advantages:
Greater Transparency
Open standards and protocols foster trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
Increased Flexibility
Open-source solutions are adaptable to specific needs and complex workflows.
Reduced Costs
Lower fees or even free access to software helps avoid vendor lock-in.
Faster Innovation
Community-driven development leads to rapid improvements and innovation.
Long-term Sustainability
A strong community ensures ongoing maintenance and support.
Promotion of Open Standards
Open standards enhance interoperability and data exchange across platforms.
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Challenges of Earlier Efforts
The failure of earlier initiatives, such as TradeLens, to achieve widespread adoption can be attributed to several factors:
- Competitive Concerns: TradeLens, backed by Maersk and IBM, faced resistance due to concerns about competitive advantage and control over data.
- Data Sharing Concerns: The success of platforms like TradeLens depends on open data sharing, but concerns about privacy, competition, and control hindered adoption.
- Complexity and Risk Tolerance: Complex innovations may stall progress and adoption, as seen with TradeLens.
Strategies for Success
The Open eBL Initiative is positioned to overcome these challenges and drive market adoption through the following strategies:
- Competitive Concerns: Establishing a non-profit under DSCI mitigates concerns about control and competition.
- Data Sharing and Privacy Concerns: Open-source platforms empower participants to control their own data, supported by DSCI’s expertise in security and privacy.
- Wider Industry Adoption: Actively engaging major players, embracing industry initiatives, and developing an open governance model encourage industry-wide participation.
- Compelling Value Propositions: By focusing on concrete benefits like eBL, demonstrating ROI, and creating a marketplace for third-party enhancements, the initiative aims to attract users.
- Flexible and Scalable Models: Tiered subscription plans, usage-based pricing, and partnerships with technology providers facilitate adoption.
- Legacy Systems and Paper Dependence: Robust integrations, user support, and partnerships ease the transition from paper-based processes to digital solutions.
- Strong Ecosystem: Attracting early adopters, encouraging collaboration, and enabling third-party development to create a valuable network effect.
- Adapting and Evolving: Agility and responsiveness to market feedback ensure continuous improvement and relevance.
Founding Sponsors
