Digitalization as a strategic priority
Digitalization is a strategic course for Ekol Logistics. Given the large volume of shipments, digital tools are not just a convenience for the company — they are a necessity.
Before testing eTTN, the company was already actively using electronic document management in its interactions with clients, contractors, and partners. The following were transitioned to digital format:
- orders;
- contracts;
- service completion certificates.
Using the «Vchasno.ODE» service, the company connected over 1,000 carriers to its electronic document workflow. Today, 97% of shipments are processed digitally.
The only remaining paper document in transportation was the consignment note. Therefore, the next step in digitalization was testing eTTN.
Preparing for the transition to eTTN: a proactive approach instead of waiting
Ukraine plans to introduce a mandatory transition to electronic consignment notes in 2027. Ekol Logistics chose not to wait, but to prepare for these changes in advance.
The company actively participates in professional discussions between businesses and government regarding the implementation of eTTN. Its hands-on experience in transport digitalization allows Ekol Logistics to formulate proposals that can simplify the transition to electronic consignment notes for the entire logistics market.
Despite its advanced digitalization, the company will be fully ready to transition to eTTN once electronic document exchange with clients is fully established. To achieve this, Ekol Logistics identified several key focus areas:
- Alignment of accompanying documents and service completion certificates. Clients of Ekol Logistics work with different eTTN providers. System interoperability partially addresses this issue. However, challenges may arise with accompanying documents and service certificates, which must be aligned among all participants in the process.
- Alignment of business processes with clients. Depending on the role in the transportation process, it is necessary to define responsibility areas and assign signatories.
- Digital data exchange. Not all client orders are currently received in digital format. As a result, part of the process remains manual, creating additional workload for the IT team.
Stages of the pilot eTTN implementation project
The project started in June 2025 and consisted of several key stages:
- Configuration of new business processes.
- Integration of the «Vchasno.TTN» service with the company’s accounting systems.
- Training for employees and drivers.
Ekol Logistics performs all roles in the transportation process — consignor, carrier, and consignee. Therefore, preparation for working with eTTN covered business processes for each of these roles.
Working with carriers
- For in-house drivers: devices for electronic signatures were purchased, and «Vchasno.TTN» was selected as a provider with a convenient mobile application.
- For contracted carriers: step-by-step guides were prepared, and training sessions on using the application were conducted.
Working with consignors and consignees
- System integration. Data exchange was configured between WMS, TMS, and the provider’s service to ensure automatic document creation and transfer.
- Qualified electronic signature (QES). Responsible employees obtained QES to ensure legally compliant document signing.
- Team training. The company trained its employees and provided technical support during the transition to new processes.
Responsible persons were assigned for all project stages. The technical support team accompanied the implementation and quickly resolved technical issues. Regular meetings were also held with «Vchasno.TTN» managers and partners.
Implementing eTTN is true teamwork. The most important thing is that our team was open to new approaches and not afraid to experiment. It is crucial to support the team and show that everyone’s ideas and contributions matter. This motivates people to act proactively.
Challenges during the project and how they were addressed
During the project, the company encountered several challenges related to changes in usual processes:
- Drivers: many had no prior experience working with electronic documents and signatures.
- Warehouse managers: their business processes changed with the introduction of eTTN.
These challenges were overcome through training sessions for drivers and managers conducted jointly with the Vchasno team.
Recommendations for companies preparing to implement eTTN
Based on its experience, Ekol Logistics recommends:
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1Analyze your processesBefore implementation, it is essential to thoroughly review current business processes, identify bottlenecks, and uncover opportunities for improvement.
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2Start with a pilot projectIt is better to first test the solution on a smaller project and then scale it across the company.
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3Assign a responsible teamEnsure that dedicated people are accountable for implementation and can quickly respond to issues.
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4Invest in trainingEmployee reactions to change may vary — from enthusiasm to resistance. It is therefore important to provide clear instructions, training, and support for all roles.
Digitalization opens up new opportunities for business growth. But real results appear only when the team is ready for change and works on it together.
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