I just got back from IT Arena, where I attended an interesting meetup called “Building Innovative GovTech Products That Go Global.” It was about how Ukraine is creating tech solutions for government services, with support from USAID and its Digital Transformation Activity program. This initiative is focused on helping Ukraine rebuild and modernize its digital services with funding from the U.S.
I was particularly impressed by a presentation on digitalization in the logistics and transportation sectors.
How Digitalization is Changing Transportation
Why is going digital in transportation such a big deal? It’s not just about using cool tech. It’s about making things smoother, faster, and more reliable for everyone involved. Here’s why it matters:
- It saves time and reduces stress: Think of all the paperwork involved in shipping or crossing borders. Now imagine most of that being handled automatically by computers. Digital systems speed things up and reduce mistakes.
- It saves money: Automating processes and using real-time data helps with better planning, reducing waste and costs, which means more savings for everyone.
- It increases transparency: Digital systems make it harder for anyone to cheat or mess with the numbers because everything is tracked, ensuring more accountability.
- It improves security: Good digital systems protect important data much better than paper records ever could. Some even use biometrics (like fingerprint scanning) to ensure only the right people have access.
- It helps with regulations: Keeping up with laws in transportation can be a headache. Digital tools make it easier to comply with rules and prove you’re doing things the right way.
- It’s eco-friendly: Going digital means less paper and more efficient transport routes, helping reduce environmental impact.
- It keeps things running during tough times: During crises, like the pandemic, digital systems helped keep transportation moving, even when people couldn’t be there in person.
- It’s convenient: Imagine handling all your transportation needs from your phone or computer, anytime, anywhere. That’s the kind of ease digitalization brings.
- It boosts business and the economy: When transportation runs smoothly, it helps businesses grow and attracts more investment to the country.
Ukraine’s Digital Transformation in Transportation
Ukraine is embracing digitalization in transportation through systems like eQueue for border crossings, e-services for seafarers, and e-TTN (electronic consignment note). These innovations aim to make logistics more transparent, reduce human errors, and improve efficiency.
eQueue System for Border Crossings
The eQueue system helps manage border crossings more efficiently by allowing drivers and transport companies to register their vehicles digitally. This reduces the time spent waiting at border checkpoints. Key features include:
- Launched in December 2022 at the “Yahodyn-Dorohusk” border checkpoint.
- Accessible via web and mobile apps (for both iOS and Android).
- Goals: To organize transportation near the border and make crossings more predictable and transparent.
- Current reach: The system is operational at 28 border crossing points with the EU and Moldova, handling over 150,000 calls. It supports buses, trucks, and cargo vehicles.
E-services for Seafarers
Seafarers in Ukraine now have easier access to important documents and certifications through digital services on the government’s Diia portal. These services include:
- Applying for qualification documents and registering for exams to verify their professional skills.
- Receiving Seafarer’s Books and paying online.
- Biometric identity registration for more secure documentation.
By 2024-2025, additional services like the Seafarers’ Record Book and public registries for maritime transport are planned, helping to further modernize Ukraine’s maritime sector. The system aims to handle over 29,000 applications each year, in line with global standards.
e-TTN (Electronic Consignment Note)
The e-TTN system digitizes freight transportation documents, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing the risk of corruption. It allows for:
- Quick and transparent information exchange between all stakeholders in the logistics chain.
- Direct connections between providers and customers, modernizing the freight industry in Ukraine.
For 2024-2025, the plan is to further develop the legislative framework supporting e-TTN and ensure its seamless administration. This system speeds up operations while increasing the integrity of freight management.
Conclusion
At Gart Solutions, we recognize the immense potential that digital transformation holds for revolutionizing the transportation and logistics sectors. As a leading provider of digital transformation services, including DevOps, cloud, and infrastructure solutions, we are excited to explore opportunities to collaborate with the government sector. Our goal is to leverage our expertise to help build even better, more efficient products that will further enhance the country’s digital infrastructure, ensuring smoother operations and a brighter future for Ukraine.
