Air Cargo Management Systems

Hermes does much more than just manage air cargo.

Designed by our team of air cargo experts, Hermes is a state-of-the art cargo management system, that has been built with the specific needs of air cargo handlers in mind, and which provides a complete and integrated IT solution that encompasses all the physical handling, documentation and messaging in real-time.

We have been at the forefront of our industry for the last ten years, and with over 200 years of combined cargo handling experience, our cargo team really do understand this industry.

Hermes streamlines ground handling processes by integrating a realtime paperless warehouse with back-office documentation and billing that will typically increase operational throughput without increasing costs. It also embraces the latest technology allowing the use of iPads and iPhones as well as the standard hand-held terminals and barcode RFID technology.

Used by air cargo ground handlers worldwide, Hermes operates in more than 70 cargo terminals, warehouses and hubs. It is one of the most versatile and sophisticated systems on the market readily handling anything from perishables to dangerous goods whilst reporting revenue with real-time information.

Hermes already processes over 5 million tons of cargo every year and is proven to handle terminals with volumes, varying from the small ‘local’ operation handling in the region of 10,000 tons per annum, to some of the largest cargo facilities in the world handling over 1.5 million tons per annum – a true testament to the robust strength and flexibility of the Hermes System.

Hermes: inbuilt expertise.

• Complete and Integrated Solution: encompasses all physical and documentary handling processes
• Real-time Warehousing: controls and compresses handling time
• Service Level Profiling & Monitoring: tailors services to customer’s products
• Service Failure Prevention: alerts to imminent service failures
• Paperless Operation: increases accuracy C-IMP Messages and Integrated
• Communications: keeps customers fully informed Integration & Automation of All Process
• Elements: never key in the same information twice
• End-User Guidance: reduces training costs
• Intelligent Tariff Profiling: accurate, automated billing prevents revenue leakage
• Analysis, Audit Trail and Reports: provides all relevant information necessary for complete business knowledge
• Future-proof: technology driven with ability to respond to new industry developments without new IT investment
• Cargo 2000 and e-Freight Compliant


Customers:

• Aviapartner
• Bresica Airport
• Brunei International Air Cargo Centre
• Cairo Airport Cargo Company
• Celebi Cargo Frankfurt
• Celebi Cargo Delhi
• FCS – Fraport Cargo Services
• Groundforce Portugal
• ICCS (international Cargo Centre Shenzhen)
• Icelandair Cargo
• LUG Air Cargo Handling
• Lodige Asia Ltd
• Menzies Aviation
• NAHCo – Nigerian Aviation Handling Co
• PACTL (Shanghai Pudong Int. Airport Cargo Terminal)
• Perishable Centre Frankfurt
• SCSC
• Talma
• Toll Dnata Airport Services Pty Ltd
• VG Cargo
• Zagreb Airport


CHANGE MANAGEMENT White Paper

Change Management covers a multitude of sins. Here, we attempt to give an overview of our experience of business process change, relevant mainly to the world of Air Cargo and specific to our industry; Air Cargo Handling Providers.

The implementation of any new IT system will impose changes in existing business processes with the operations. The team at HERMES has been involved in the process of change management with Customers since 2001 and, as a consequence, have gained valuable experience. Installations of the HERMES System will soon exceed 70 warehouses across the world with the HERMES cargo team having been personally involved in the majority of these implementations giving us a unique insight into how different companies in different countries address the major challenges of change imposed on day-to-day business by a new Cargo Management System (CMS).

This Change Management document was prompted by our experience during these implementations, both positive and less so thus allowing us to pass on this knowledge and be able to offer ‘lessons learned’ support in many different cargo operations.

While Change Management Professionals may provide an academic in-depth analysis of Change, we hope to show a practical and useful approach for our industry.

To read more download the pdf: CHANGE MANAGEMENT White Paper

ACCOUNTS White Paper

In the highly competitive world of air cargo shed operations, operators are under constant pressure to agree seemingly lower and lower rates with their customers and thus the ability to design and implement more focussed and flexible customer and service tariff profile designs is becoming key in maintaining a financially viable operation.

Gone are the days when cargo shed operators can simply increase their rates by a certain percentage each year to cope with changing demands. Instead, the ability to re- structure a tariff profile in line with individual service changes or bespoke customer needs is a valuable advantage. However, full flexibility usually brings complexity and thus a fine balance between an apparent customer benefit, an ease of tariff implementation and a valid revenue stream model must be struck in order to maximise revenue potential and minimise revenue leakage.

This document details some of the problems that face cargo shed operators in their struggle to keep up with getting value for their service provision as well as providing some options on how to design or implement certain tariff models to cater for individual customer needs or to restructure internal processes to create new or more valid revenue streams.

To read more download the pdf: ACCOUNTS White Paper

CARGO SECURITY White Paper

Not long ago aviation security we took for granted. Whether travelling for a family holiday or working as part of a company that ships consignments to all corners of the globe, security processes were usually basic and as unobtrusive as possible. However, aviation security needs and procedure have drastically changed since the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the truth is that security practices will probably never return to the way they used to be.

Aircraft have always been a prime target for terrorists and it is now becoming apparent that Cargo sheds are being targeted. Security within cargo handling areas are not as strict as requirments at the passenger terminal and thus the appeal to the terrorist is obvious. The process to regulate freight forwarders and shippers has meant a lot of cargo can now pass through the cargo handler's premises without any need for a physical security check. However, the volumes of unknown cargo are still great and the need to fulfill airline booking requests have not diminished. Identifying and dealing with unsecured cargo is now part and parcel of the everyday way of life for a ground handling staff member.

To read more download the pdf: CARGO SECURITY White Paper

ULD (Unit Load Device) BUILD UP White Paper
Everyday hundreds of aircraft are in transit carrying thousands of passengers and tons of freight all over the world. As customers we put our trust in the airlines and expect they will deliver our freight and mail to the required destination without delay and, most importantly, in good condition. In order to achieve this there is a process that needs to occur and securing the safe transit of all cargo is hinged around a rigorous build-up process that needs to be adhered to.

This document provides important information on the build up of the Unit Load Device (ULD), their characteristics and the dangers caused by incorrect procedures, or oversights in the process of build-up.

The basics of what, why, where and when questions are addressed, from the arrival of a shipment at the door, to it’s final point of leaving the shed fully built up and ready to fly securely and safely.

To read more download the pdf: ULD (Unit Load Device) BUILD UP White Paper