Objective of GeestLine
GeestLine is a renowned shipping company that has been building trade links between the UK and the Caribbean for over 60 years. It transports cargo, from eastbound bananas to small packages and large machinery, connecting communities across the Atlantic.
Today, GeestLine is the top cargo transporter between Europe and the Windward and Leeward Islands, providing unmatched adaptability in shipping options. The company is dedicated to effectively moving break-bulk and containerised cargo by operating weekly westbound departures from Portsmouth, UK, and Le Havre, France.
GeestLine’s primary objective was to automate the integration and transformation of EDIFACT messages like COARRI and CODECO into XML to submit in their ERP system. Manual management of EDI files led to delays, errors and data inefficiencies in container tracking and operational workflows. They also sought a solution to automate email distribution to correct agents and extraction of XML files from Dynamics 365 Message Queue. To ensure that Dynamics 365 ERP messages were effectively routed to billing agents, GeestLine required a streamlined Bill of Lading process. GeestLine aimed to enhance overall data processing, improve real-time container visibility, and achieve seamless EDI integration into their shipping operations.
Need for COARRI and CODECO Integration in Shipping Industry
1. Container Discharge Report or COARRI
When the containers are uploaded from a vessel, COARRI messages are sent by terminals to notify shipping lines and stakeholders. This data is necessary to
- Track container movement and ensure all stakeholders—cargo owners, freight forwarders, and transport providers—have real-time updates.
- Help reduce dwell time at ports by helping logistics pick up containers on time and reducing unnecessary storage fees.
- Enhance supply chain visibility with an accurate update and record of discharged containers.
2. Container Gate-In/Gate-Out Report or CODECO
When a container enters or exits a terminal, depot or inland facility, CODECO messages notify the relevant parties. This update is necessary to:
- Optimise terminal management container storage, gate movements and allocation of equipment.
- Improve container utilisation by repositioning and empty returns.
- To enhance compliance with customs and regulatory requirements by accurately reporting container movements for the import/export process.
Challenges Faced by GeestLine
- The manual management of EDI files increased the risk of errors and delays.
- Facing issues in converting EDIFACT formats (COARRI & CODECO) into XML.
- Inefficient scheduling process to extract data from emails and identify relevant attachments.
- Facing challenges to manage varying file sizes and volumes.
- A reliable system is required to process outbound messages posted to the D365 Message Queue.
- Struggling to extract the XML files attached to these messages and then email them to the correct agent.
- Looking for an easily extensible solution to maintain the agent email addresses as the number of agents increases.
How NeosAlpha Helped?
Problem 1 – Manual EDI Processing Leading to Delays and Data Inconsistencies
GeestLine relied on manual efforts to track and extract the EDIFACT (COARRI and CODECO) messages, which resulted in inconsistency and delays in the ERP. Data transformation of key information, like container status (full/empty) and movement direction (in/out), must be done according to specific business rules. The EDIFACT files needed to be in XML format to be shared with the ERP system. Tracking the container movement without real-time integration between EDI processing and Dynamics ERP was challenging and resulted in inaccurate reporting. GeestLine sought a scalable solution to streamline the EDI integration, ensure real-time ERP updates, and optimise email-based processing to enhance decision-making.
Solution – Automated EDI Integration and Real-Time ERP Updates
We implemented end-to-end Boomi integration to streamline EDI processing, transformation, and ERP updates.
- Automated to meet the ERP submission requirements EDI Integration – Our team used Boomi integration to retrieve COARRI and CODECO messages from emails and converted them into XML to upload on GeestLine’s ERP system for real-time data.
- Improved Email-Based Processing—To enhance email-based processing, we used an IMAP connector to filter and retrieve emails based on subject and test/production status, ensuring the processing of relevant messages.
- Data Transformation – We leveraged the Boomi Map Component and Custom Mapping Logic to map the fields to classify container status and movement direction.
- Optimised Data Formatting for ERP – To ensure compatibility with Microsoft Dynamics, we wrapped XML files in JSON and encoded them in Base64 before submission.
- Real-Time ERP Updates – We integrated Microsoft Dynamics Connector to enable instant status flag updates, improving data visibility and reporting.
Problem 2 – Inefficient Bill of Lading Processing and Queue Management in ERP
GeestLine struggled to manage its message processing, file extraction, and queue automation in its ERP system. They manually identified and processed the Bill of Lading messages. As the process was manual, extracting XML files based on Party ID was time-consuming and error-prone, resulting in inaccurate delivery documents. GeestLine required a scalable agent mapping system to accommodate new agents without disrupting ongoing operations. Additionally, the inconsistent message queue affected the overall workflow accuracy and speed of down transaction processing.
Solution – Streamlined Bill of Lading Processing and Optimized Queue Management
We have deployed Boomi-powered automation to streamline message processing, optimise document delivery and enhance queue management.
- Automated Bill of Lading (BOL) Messages—Using the Boomi integration and D365 Connector, our team automated the identification and processing of BOL messages from queue IDs. Based on the predefined mapping rules, the system extracted BOL data and routed it to the respective billing agents.
- File Extraction and Delivery—To automate XML file extraction, we implemented Boomi integration with XML Parsing and Email Automation. We also introduced a Party ID-based mapping to ensure the files are sent only to the correct agent.
- Agent Mapping System—Using Boomi Data Mapping, we designed a scalable mapping table that allows GeestLine to accommodate new agents as their operations expand seamlessly.
- Message Queue Management—We incorporated an automated queue management system within Dynamics 365 ERP to prevent duplication and ensure message accuracy. Once messages are completed, they will be marked as “Processed.”
Key Technologies Used
- Boomi – This is for EDI file handling and transformation. To schedule and automate the integration process.
- EDIFACT to XML Transformation – To map rules for COARRI and CODECO messages.
- MS Dynamics 365– To retrieve data and integrate it for ERP submission.
- Base64 Encoding and JSON Wrapping – To ensure compatibility with ERP system demands.
- PROTICO – Source system to generate EDIFACT files.
Results
- Our team improved efficiency by automating the schedule and retrieval.
- Reduced manual efforts and errors with automation.
- Processed 300+ weekly CODECO files and ensured timely processing of COAARI files.
- Improved data accuracy through seamless transformation and mapping, reducing data submission discrepancies.
- We have prepared the integration for the future, including dynamic data retrieval from Microsoft Dynamics.
- Eliminated manual intervention by automating extraction and email distribution of XML files with timely delivery to agents.
- Optimised message queue management with automation and reduced duplication and inconsistency.
- Automated BOL messages routing from Dynamics 365 to correct billing agents.
