“An industry-wide initiative in Europe which aims to set a standard for digital communication across all outbound delivery processes from factory to dealer”
Automotive Logistics Digital, 2020
A successful cross-sector collaboration resulted in June 2020 in the creation of a recommended standard for digital messages which cover all outbound logistics processes.
Two years of collaboration between ECG, Odette International and the VDA – Verband der Automobilindustrie has led to the development of a set of recommended standard EDIFACT and XML messages covering digital communication across all outbound logistics processes. The joint ECG, Odette, VDA recommendation is available and free to use for all interested parties.
The recommended standard EDIFACT and XML messages will allow vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and Finished Vehicle Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to communicate with each other in a more efficient way. They will also avoid a proliferation of many different message types across the finished vehicle supply chain, significantly reducing IT development costs for individual companies. The joint document gives a process description and information model which develop a digital twin for the entire outbound logistics chain. EDI experts have developed both EDIFACT and XML messages in order to provide alternative electronic communication solutions. Example use cases and sample messages are also provided. All messages and process models have been consolidated and added as an annex to the recommendation.
After the initial development in 2020 the messages started to be implemented by the OEMs which resulted in change requests so that the messages better reflect the current and evolving operational reality. An on-going review process is thus ensured by the three associations and the OEMs. Version 1.2 of the messages and an updated process description was published in December 2023.
The developed messages in release 1.2 cover the below business processes. The messages can be downloaded in XML and EDIFACT formats, in their most updated version, from the Odette website.
OEMs and LSPs worked together to develop these messages: Antwerp Euroterminal, AFG, Audi AG, Avtologistika, BLG Automobile Logistics GmbH & Co. KG, BMW AG, Daimler AG, DB Cargo Logistics GmbH, FCA N.V., Ford Europe AG, GEFCO, Grimaldi Group Spa, Groupe CAT, MOSOLF SE & Co. KG, Neptune Lines S.A., NVD Ltd, Porsche AG, Groupe PSA, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, UECC B.V., Volvo Cars Corporation, Volvo Group AB and Volkswagen AG, supported by technology providers Fracht SIA, ICL Systems Inc, Inform GmbH, LABAL and ProAct International, with full technical expertise being supplied by GEFEG.
This link will take you to the Odette website, where you will need to log in or create your account to access the FVL message templates. After having done this, you should choose the ‘FVL messages’ heading on the left.