AEB and shipcloud join forces

AEB and Hamburg-based shipping service provider shipcloud are joining forces in what is being called a a cooperation and development partnership. 

The move is aimed at creating solutions for the digitization of shipping logistics in the e-Commerce sector. The two companies already have a joint pilot customer signed on and in operation.

"The cooperation between AEB and shipcloud creates a unique shipping platform that enables online merchants to connect their ERP, shop or merchandise management systems to the systems of more than 150 CEP service providers and forwarding agents via an easily integrated, uniform interface," said Steffen Frey, a member of AEB's Board of Directors. 

Frey said online retailers will be enabled by the ''high performance'' platform ''even with very high shipment volumes".

Stefan Hollmann, founder and managing director of shipcloud, said both firms bring considerable core competencies to the table that compliment each other.

''AEB has sound know-how in the field of logistics and customs software for industrial and commercial customers,'' he said. ''And shipcloud has sound know-how in interface development and in the integration of shipping solutions into the systems of online retailers.''

Hollmann said solutions from both companies play to market trends, such as the want from many customers to choose a delivery service.

"Online merchants need software support to deliver the multi-carrier connectivity customers want,'' he said.  ''Today, more than 50 plug-ins or integrations are available via shipcloud, with which your own shop, ERP or merchandise management system can be connected to all major shipping service providers.''

The same attributes apply to fulfillment service providers, looking for an uncomplicated integration of as many relevant logistics providers as possible into their own e-commerce solution. And this is also true for forwarders and CEP service providers, who want to integrate small and medium-sized customers.

AEB's Frey noted that more and more industrial companies are discovering the e-commerce market for themselves,  selling goods online especially in the B2B sector.

"Industrial customers have high demands on tracking, returns management and immediate on-boarding of new logistics service providers, especially in the B2B business, which we are able to map excellently together with shipcloud," he said.

With its Carrier Connect solution, AEB already has many years of experience in high-performance printing of shipping labels or in returns logistics.

As a leading provider of IT solutions for customs and foreign trade, AEB, together with shipcloud, intends to develop holistic solution packages in the medium term that support eCommerce companies in international shipping.

The partners see a high demand with the corresponding requirements, such as customs clearance, integration of international carriers and the prescribed sanction list check.

An advantage here is AEB's presence at 18 locations in 10 countries. In addition, shipcloud and AEB see a growing demand for data-driven analysis and optimization services. 

"There is great potential in the market for a comprehensive offering that is now being jointly created," said Hollmann.