Led by ViDA, Europe’s mandatory e-invoicing turns compliance into an opportunity for digital efficiency and strategic growth.
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Mill power with EDI
GoodMills modernizes its processes with EDI, enabling efficient, paperless communication across the entire value chain..
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Digital waybills deliver speed, transparency and sustainability. EDITEL puts logistics on course for the future with eCMR.
Rewriting the rules of the road
As the CEO of a company that has been dedicated to the digitalization of business processes for decades, I witness every day how modern technologies are transforming entire industries. And yet, in some areas, time seems to have stood still. One prime example: the traditional consignment note (CMR) in the logistics sector – an industry where supply chains are increasingly global, processes more complex, and delivery windows tighter than ever. But transformation begins when you choose to take a closer look, and that is exactly what we did. With FreightLogs, our eCMR solution, we have developed more than just a digital version of the CMR document. It is a futureproof tool for cross-border transport
processes that delivers a whole new level of data clarity – automated, secure, and fully traceable.
This creates space for what really matters in logistics: reliable control, streamlined processes, and sustainable use of resources – all without a single sheet of paper. You’ll see this echoed in the success stories featured in this issue, which point to one clear conclusion: digitalization is not the destination. It’s the way forward – across every industry, in its own unique form.
Happy reading, Gerd Marlovits Editorial
Rethinking logistics
Digital waybills deliver, transparency and sustainability. EDITEL puts logistics on course for the future with eCMR.
Odette 2025 recap
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As General Partner of Odette 2025, EDITEL showcased digital supply chain solutions and EDI innovations for the automotive industry.
Digital invoice era
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Europe’s shift to mandatory e-invoicing under ViDA transforms compliance into a strategic advantage with streamlined processes and enhanced competitiveness.
Digital processes, better care
8 Ratiopharm Austria improves its distribution channels with EDI –for greater patient benefit and easy access to important medicines.
Mill power with EDI
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GoodMills modernizes its processes with EDI, enabling efficient, paperless communication across the entire value chain.
EDITEL presents FreightLogs as a pioneering solution for the digitization of the consignment note (eCMR). This innovation offers significant potential for the future of logistics by enabling secure and transparent processes that promote sustainability and reduce costs.
Acrumpled piece of paper, stained with coffee and often barely legible — this is, unfortunately, the reality of how the CMR consignment note frequently appears. Despite being one of the most critical documents in road freight transport across borders, the CMR has remained stuck in the analog past. While logistics has rapidly embraced digital transformation, this essential document has quite literally been “left behind.” Incredibly, as of 2025, the CMR still circulates in paper form, becoming an increasingly outdated obstacle that hampers progress. The introduction of the eFTI Regulation at the EU level offers a long-overdue light at the end of the tunnel: eCMR, the digital alternative to the traditional consignment note, promises more efficient, transparent, and eco-friendly transport operations.
Higher data quality, lower resource use
The implementation of eCMR not only ensures faster processes in the logistics industry but also enhances data quality for customers, providing deeper transpa-
rency and additional integration possibilities. This includes transport management systems (TMS), customs, billing, transport damage settlement, and archiving.
What is eCMR?
The eCMR is the digital version of the traditional consignment note under the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR). It allows for the replacement of paper-based documents with electronic formats, enabling more efficient, transparent, and environmentally friendly transport operations.
Optimize your CMR document workflow with our eCMR solution, FreightLogs.
and target systems
FreightLogs – the eCMR solution by EDITEL
eCMR offers numerous advantages –including complete documentation, automated processes, and a future-proof investment.
The eCMR is also a major step towards sustainability: the digitization of the consignment note (eCMR) could save around 400 million paper documents per year in the European Union alone, which is equivalent to around 166,000 trees. Resource consumption (paper, labor hours) is significantly reduced across the entire value chain. At the same time, data quality improves, forming the foundation for automated transport execution processes and further efficiency gains for all stakeholders involved.
Benefits across the board
Companies that use eCMR take their transport processes to the next level: thanks to end-to-end digital documentation, manual efforts for issuing and archiving CMRs become a thing of the past. High data quality and real-time availability prevent loss, theft or illegible scans, while all parties involved – from drivers to freight forwarders to shippers – have centralized access to up-to-date transport information at all times. Integration into existing IT environments requires only a
few steps and onboarding new users involves minimal training. Manual work is kept to a minimum.
Where eCMR truly excels is in automating downstream processes: customs preparation, freight cost calculations, and damage reports can be seamlessly integrated into the digital CMR platform. This leads to tangible cost savings and shorter processing times. eCMR thus becomes a key enabler for broader automation initiatives beyond the traditional CMR workflow.
With the mandatory reporting of transport data to authorities set to begin in 2029 under the eFTI Regulation, another strategic driver is emerging, highlighting the urgent need for robust digital logistics solutions.
FreightLogs – the eCMR solution by EDITEL
FreightLogs originated from ”Blockchain Initiative Logistics“, a working group in which EDITEL explored the digitalization of consignment notes for several years.
A strategic partnership with LKW WALTER resulted in the development of a new eCMR solution. It was created by EDITEL to provide maximum data integrity and security. As a member of the Open Logistics Foundation, EDITEL is also actively involved in industry standards and adapts to future developments, ensuring 100% eFTI compliance.
”All in all, ideal conditions to expertly support and guide future eCMR adopters in implementing FreightLogs,“ says EDITEL CEO Gerd Marlovits.
Added value for customers and partners
FreightLogs is already successfully used by LKW WALTER, ensuring a fully automated eCMR process, ease of use and automatic archiving. It allowed the logistics provider to take a major step towards advanced digital logistics processes, establishing itself as an innovative pioneer in the industry.
By fully integrating the eCMR solution operated by EDITEL into our processes, we are creating a highly scalable solution for our customers that can be deployed independently of specific freight forwarders across all overland
transport.
Michael Gschwandtner, Director Digital Business at LKW WALTER
”We ensure that the necessary data for process optimization is provided in high quality and in real-time, allowing our customers to utilize it for subsequent processes. In doing so, we continue to drive process automation forward and generate added value for our customers and partners.“
One step ahead with FreightLogs and eCMR:
Efficient: saves time with automated processes and excellent data quality
Sustainable: lower paper consumption protects resources
Transparent: real-time data transmission for all participants in the value chain
Cost-effective: reduces costs for paper, printing, storage, and postage
What is eFTI?
The eFTI Regulation (EU 2020/1056) establishes the legal framework for the electronic provision and use of freight transport information. Starting in 2027, authorities in eFTI-compliant countries must accept electronic freight information. From 2029 onward, detailed transport data will be required to be reported.
The regulation aims to harmonize and digitize data exchange across the EU, with a focus on coordinated cooperation between Member States to prevent fragmented solutions and increase the efficiency of the digital supply chain.
Do you have any questions, requests, or suggestions about our services? Contact us – we‘re happy to help.
EDITEL as general partner of the Odette 2025 Conference in Bratislava
A key event for the automotive and manufacturing industry, focused on digital transformation, supply chain innovation, and EDI standardization.
Main topic
– digitalization and EDI
in the automotive sector
In May 2025, EDITEL once again took on the role of general partner at the prestigious Odette International Conference & Exhibition in Bratislava. As one of Europe’s foremost events dedicated to digitalization, automation, and supply chain efficiency in the automotive sector, the conference provided an ideal platform for EDITEL to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to driving innovation and standardization in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).
The gathering brought together global experts to exchange insights and best practices in B2B integration, EDI, and process automation. At the event, EDITEL presented its latest solutions for secure and efficient digital communication among business partners – fully aligned with the industry’s evolving trends and regulatory requirements.
Focus of the Odette Conference 2025: emerging challenges and trends in supply chain digitalization
Key topics included:
The latest EDI standards and their implications for the automotive sector
Automation and e-invoicing in compliance with European legislation
Cybersecurity and data protection within digital supply chains
Optimizing logistics processes through B2B integration
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT into supply chain management
EDITEL’s expertise in the automotive industry
For over 40 years, EDITEL has provided dependable EDI solutions to the automotive sector—supporting OEMs as well as Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers. EDITEL’s
services and technologies automate the exchange of business and logistics documents (e.g., DELFOR, DELJIT, DESADV, INVOIC, and VDA messages), ensuring seamless communication across the entire supply chain.
Active participation and product innovation
EDITEL took an active role in panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions throughout the conference. Our experts shared practical insights and best practices in automotive digitalization, proposing EDI and B2B integration solutions to streamline business processes.
A standout of EDITEL’s showcase at Odette 2025 was FreightLogs, our new CMR digitization tool. FreightLogs converts the standard international roadtransport CMR document into an intuitive electronic format – eCMR – simplifying issuance, completion, and confirmation. By digitizing the entire workflow, it minimizes the risk of loss or damage and significantly accelerates both processing and invoicing.
Importantly, eCMR is fully supported by EU legislation and is set to become mandatory across the European Union by 2026. The environmental upside is clear as well: some 377 million paper CMRs are used annually in the EU alone, a volume that eCMR will help eliminate.
E-invoicing in Europe: from obligation to opportunity
The digitalization of invoicing is impacting businesses across Europe. On the one hand, companies must prepare for forthcoming regulations; on the other hand, these changes open up a wealth of new opportunities.
Just a few years ago, e-invoicing seemed like a distant prospect. Today it is clear that the future has arrived faster than expected. Regulations mandating digital invoicing are being rolled out across Europe, forcing businesses to adapt.
The European Commission’s ViDA initiative (“VAT in the Digital Age”) provides the legal framework. Adopted on March 11, 2025, ViDA makes electronic invoicing mandatory EU-wide. Many European countries have already deployed national e-invoicing platforms – an essential step toward a unified digital solution. Naturally, there are concerns: new compliance requirements, IT system upgrades, and staff training all pose challenges. Yet it’s crucial not to overlook the immense potential of digital invoicing. Companies that have implemented e-invoicing report concrete benefits: process automation, tighter control over documentation, fewer errors, and faster information flow.
Different paths, one shared goal
A glance at the European map shows that, while each country is moving at its own pace, they’re all headed in the same direction.
Reducing bureaucracy and achieving successful digital transformation can’t be decreed overnight – it requires phased roll-outs with measurable milestones. Since ViDA came into effect, EU Member States may make e-invoicing compulsory for domestic transactions without requiring EU Council approval. In July 2028, a unified EU VAT registration system for crossborder sales will be introduced. ViDA sets the standard while offering flexibility – culminating in full alignment of national reporting systems with ViDA standards by 2035.
Partnership & professionalism –global & local
Implementing e-invoicing delivers lasting competitive advantages and is far more than a simple technology
upgrade. It marks a strategic commitment and the start of a dynamic transformation process. Complex projects like these succeed only with an experienced, trusted partner. As an international group with deep regional expertise, EDITEL supports businesses across Europe in meeting legal obligations and adopting digital invoicing workflows.
A time of collaboration
What may initially appear as a technological hurdle will, over time, evolve into a cultural shift. E-invoicing isn’t just a new way to send documents – it is a fresh approach to data management, partner collaboration, and the daily work of finance and administrative teams. Companies that invest time and resources now to prepare for these changes will be better positioned to respond swiftly to future challenges and to leverage data that today often remains fragmented and underused.
We face years of profound change. For many organizations, the moment has come to decide when and how to ready themselves for these new requirements. EDITEL Group sees this as an opportunity to foster even closer collaboration among our teams across different countries – sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and building collective expertise. This collaborative spirit will benefit not only our clients but also our own journey through the digital transformation ahead.
A speedy recovery with EDI
Since introducing EDI into ratiopharm Austria’s pharmaceutical distribution, the benefits have been palpable both in the company‘s collaboration with pharmaceutical wholesalers and in easing the workload of its team members.
”Good prices, good recovery“ is the slogan of ratiopharm Arzneimittel Vertriebs-GmbH — part of the global Teva family and one of the leading providers of generics and biopharmaceuticals. It reflects the company’s core mission: to improve patients’ lives by giving them simple, costeffective access to medication. A critical component of that mission is seamless distribution through wholesalers and pharmacies. While ratiopharm’s German headquarters has relied on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for over 20 years, it was only last year – thanks to EDITEL’s support – that EDI operations were launched in Austria.
From four to one
Thomas Vieira Miranda, Head of Customer Service and project lead at ratiopharm, sums up the transformation succinctly: ”What used to require four employees at our Vienna office – working plenty of overtime – can now be handled by just one person. The team can finally devote their time to other important tasks.“ That single employee now processes some 20 to 30 often hefty orders from wholesalers each day –completely automated. Mr. Miranda adds that EDI hasn’t just freed up staff resources; it’s also driven order volume: ”We’re receiving noticeably more
What used to require four employees at our Vienna office – working plenty of overtime – can now be handled by just one person. The team can finally devote their time to other important tasks.
Thomas Vieira Miranda, Head of Customer Service
Digitalization of the ordering process with pharmaceutical wholesalers
Bundling and conversion of EDIFACT ORDERS into a harmonized format
Consulting by EDITEL during the entire setup and rollout phase
Efficient onboarding of multiple trading partners
orders than before, likely because eliminating manual entry has made the process much easier for our partners.“
Hassle-free support
With the upcoming SAP migration scheduled for August, Thomas Vieira Miranda expects EDI to get even simpler: ”We’ll be able to automate ’remitter‘ transactions – where the manufacturer instructs a wholesaler to deliver agreed goods to a pharmacy –over EDI as well.“ To date, four wholesalers are already connected; a fifth is on the way. ratiopharm has nothing but praise for EDITEL’s partnership: ”Everything runs flawlessly, and they always accommodate our special requests – there’s simply no complaining! For us, the takeaway is clear: good recovery needs great EDI!
ratiopharm Austria
The history of ratiopharm in Austria dates back to 1958. Over the past ten decades, the brand has become the country’s leading provider of generics and pharmaceutical products. Since 2010, ratiopharm has been part of the global pharmaceutical group Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, the world market leader among generics companies.
With 43,000 employees in 60 countries worldwide, Teva provides patient-oriented healthcare solutions of the highest quality to 200 million people in 100 markets every day.
www.ratiopharm.at
In brief
The mills are turning ...
… and they’re doing so at the GoodMills Group! Not only do our 24 mills in Central and Eastern Europe process around three million tons of grain each year, but we’re also successfully expanding our EDI operations with EDITEL across Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, and Austria.
To put three million tons into perspective, picture lining up millions of 500 g loaves of bread –enough to circle the Earth 37 times. As part of
Good to know: what is an “EDI relation”?
In EDI technology, a “relation” refers to the electronic connection between two partners exchanging data – such as a manufacturer and a retailer or a supplier and a logistics provider.
A relation is established once both parties agree to exchange specific EDI message types – ORDERS (purchase orders), DESADV (despatch advices), or INVOIC (invoices) – regardless of the number of messages exchanged.
The agreement also specifies the message types and their formats (e.g., EDIFACT, XML, etc.)
the Austrian Raiffeisen Group, GoodMills, the leading milling company in Central and Eastern Europe, combines the strength of an international network with deep local expertise in European markets. This blend of knowledge, experience, and regional roots lets us seize market opportunities effectively – especially through continuous technological innovation designed to streamline internal processes.
A prime example of that innovation is our EDI transformation in four countries, carried out as part of the companywide SAP rollout in close collaboration with EDITEL.
Building connections
Bulgaria led the way in 2021 by launching SAP and fully migrating its Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) with EDITEL – seamlessly and without disrupting daily operations. This “best practice” model then served as the blueprint for broader EDI adoption. In 2023, Hungary followed suit, and in 2024 both Germany and Austria came on board – culminating in over 100 EDI connections (see info box below).
Despite the considerable scope, the internal workload at GoodMills stayed light. As Christian Schmidt, SAP Application Manager SD/LE, explains:
EDITEL already maintained connections with nearly all of our major customers in each country, which made the rollout far smoother.
Christian Schmidt, SAP Application Manager
“EDITEL managed everything for us, so we could concentrate entirely on our internal priorities throughout the project.”
He also emphasizes a key advantage: “EDITEL already maintained connections with nearly all of our major customers in each country, which made the rollout far smoother.”
All’s well that ends well
Now that the rollout across four countries is complete, Christian Schmidt is delighted with the results: “Following a demanding project phase, our EDI operations now run flawlessly, with a simultaneous go-live for all customers in every country. On the rare occasions we require assistance, EDITEL is consistently responsive and solution-focused.”
While there are no immediate plans for additional SAP rollouts, GoodMills continues to onboard new customers onto EDI:
“So boredom is definitely off the table,” Mr. Schmidt adds.
Indeed, the mills are still turning –especially in the world of EDI.
In
brief
SAP rollout with simultaneous EDI connection renewals and expansions
Countries implemented: Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany and Austria
EDI processes with retail partners: ORDERS, DESADV and INVOIC
Coordination and testing of EDI message formats with customers
Ongoing support and consultation provided by EDITEL
GoodMills Group
Processing around three million tons of grain and generating €1,157 billion in revenue in FY 2023/24, the GoodMills Group is Europe’s leading milling company. Headquartered in Vienna, the holding company oversees seven national subsidiaries operating a total of 24 mills. In addition to its Austrian branch in nearby Schwechat, the group maintains subsidiaries in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
EDITEL Austria GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GS1 Austria GmbH. The corporate objective of EDITEL Austria GmbH is the electronic data exchange between business partners, the sale of the required software and support services.
Management and responsible for the content: Gerd Marlovits
Disclosure pursuant to Austrian Media Law as amended in March 2009: the purpose of this newsletter is the promotion and support of EDITEL Austria‘s business activities.
Publication frequency: twice a year in English language with a circulation of 150 copies. The EDITEL Journal is also published in German, Czech, Slovak, Hungarian, Croatian and Polish languages. All issues are available as e-papers at www.issuu.com/editel_group.
