Descartes partners with SAP on TMS messaging

Descartes will link trade compliance data and documentation from its Global Logistics Network to SAP’s transportation management application for better shipment visibility for SAP’s TM customers.    The logistics and trade compliance software provider Descartes Systems Group has signed a software development cooperation agreement with SAP to link SAP’s Transportation Management application with Descartes’ cloud-based Global Logistics Network.
   The partnership provides customers with a content network for logistics collaboration and connectivity by creating a logistics message exchange between Descartes’ GLN and SAP’s global TMS.
   “Since global transportation management is a multi-party process involving logistics services providers, carriers and governmental agencies, effective connectivity and collaboration are critical,” Descartes said in a statement. “Descartes’ partnership with SAP is designed to provide customers with end-to-end shipment visibility and control across the logistics network and help ensure that the supporting customs security and fiscal filings are executed.”
   Descartes said its GLN is designed to take into account the unique requirements of different transportation modes and regional messaging standards linked to the flow of data and documents between companies.
   Descartes will provide GLN-based messaging and filing services for cross-border security filings such as Europe’s Import Control System, the United States’ Automated Commercial Environment, as well as transit, export and import declarations for forwarders and brokers.
   Information created by SAP’s TMS, combined with Descartes information, will provide filing status updates to SAP TM for improved shipment visibility.
   “We have enjoyed our successful collaboration providing SAP customers with global trade data,” said Edward J. Ryan, chief executive officer of Descartes. “This new relationship and our recent acquisition of denied party screening solutions provider, MK Data Services, offer us the opportunity to work together even more closely and in a more comprehensive way for customers’ betterment.”
   Descartes announced last week it acquired Columbia, Md.-based MK Data, considered a leading provider in the denied party screening solutions market, for $76.3 million.