The challenge: complex connections and a heavy manual workload
Samsung SDS uses logistics platform Cello Square that connects dozens of carriers across multiple branches and regions. Like much of the industry today, its external connections rely heavily on EDIFACT messages through EDI exchanges. The operational impact of this is significant: tailor-made integrations, manual processes and heavy reliance on Excel spreadsheets create high workloads for operators. What’s more, teams also have to manually check vendor websites and carrier portals to confirm updates and changes.The result was a story that is all too familiar to forwarders and logistics providers throughout the industry: too many grey areas, too many manual steps, and too many opportunities for data mismatch.Samsung SDS had already mapped its internal systems to DCSA standards, but the missing piece was the external layer. If carriers could implement the APIs and make them available for their customers, the entire flow would become aligned. Everyone in the chain would be speaking the same language.
A quick word about EDIFACT (and why it’s no longer enough)
EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) is one of the most widely used standards for EDI-based data exchange in shipping. However, it has an inherent limitation: it is not real-time. Instead, EDI operates in batches, meaning updates are transmitted at preset intervals. This creates latency of information and reduces visibility.
APIs, on the other hand, provide the most up-to-date data available. This speeds up numerous processes, bringing operational efficiency and cost savings to various links along the supply chain.
While full replacement from EDIFACT to APIs is not yet realistic across the industry, the direction is clear: step-by-step adoption is the only viable route to standardisation at scale.
First Conformance, then pilot
DCSA standards offered a solution to that problem: a single shared digital language for the industry. As Samsung SDS put it simply: “DCSA rocks!” Behind the humour is a serious point: credibility matters. A trusted standards body creates a foundation that companies can build on, simultaneously reducing risks and improving efficiency.The pilot focused on DCSA’s Booking and Bill of Lading standards, with Samsung SDS first completing Conformance Testing before moving to live data exchange with HMM.Carrying out conformance testing in advance gave Samsung SDS the opportunity to understand the standards, and fix any issues, before engaging with HMM. This ultimately made the pilot smoother, faster and more predictable.For industry stakeholders, this is an important message: pilots succeed faster when Conformance is treated as preparation, not an afterthought.Tangible benefits of DCSA’s Booking and Bill of Lading pilot project
Reduced inefficiencies
The shift from manual integrations and spreadsheet-heavy workflows toward standardised APIs reduced operational complexity and manual effort. Instead of relying on fragmented processes, the pilot introduced a standardised approach that is easier to maintain and scale. Instead of chasing emails and refreshing multiple portals, operators could now spend more time solving real logistics problems.
Improved visibility and fewer grey areas
Operators gained clearer visibility into the status of bookings, shipping instructions and bills of lading, especially during updates and amendments. This marks a clear improvement on EDI exchanges.
Stronger coverage for complex cargo
The pilot also demonstrated that DCSA standards capture more detailed operational data than EDIFACT, particularly for Dangerous Goods (DG) and Reefer cargo. This reduces the need for back-and-forth clarification via email and helps prevent missing or incomplete information. As a result, operators spend less time switching between portals and inboxes to fill in the gaps of missing information.
Enhanced data verification with GET
One feature Samsung SDS highlighted as particularly valuable was the ability to verify data through the GET method. After submitting information, operators could retrieve the record directly from the carrier’s system to confirm that it had been created or updated correctly. Compared to working with EDI, this provides a more robust and transparent confirmation mechanism.
A change that users will benefit from – but may not even notice
An interesting observation from the pilot was the minimal level of disruption experienced by operators during the transition to DCSA’s API. The user interface on the Samsung SDS side required no dramatic changes. Instead, what changes is the method of exchange behind the scenes. This reduces the burden of retraining, while users experience smoother workflows and fewer manual interventions.“From the perspective of a forwarder that needs to integrate data with various carriers, the 'Conformance first, then HMM pilot' strategy was very useful. Experiencing the Conformance environment enabled us to develop our system, Cello Square, to meet DCSA standard requirements. Following that, the pilot with HMM allowed us to verify and make adjustments based on the standards in real operational workflows. It was worthwhile investing the time. I believe this will help reduce issues, time, and resources when we establish integration with the other DCSA member carriers in the future. “Charles Choi, Group Leader, Global Operation Group at Samsung SDS “Working on this DCSA pilot project with Samsung SDS showed the value of testing standards in a real-world environment. The pilot helped validate the workflows, highlight improvements, and build a stronger foundation for future digital connections.”John Kim, Senior Manager, Digitalization Team at HMMWhat’s next: scaling beyond the pilot
Following the success of the pilot, Samsung SDS plans to upgrade its operational environment, with the intention to achieve direct API-based integration with additional global carriers including Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. In addition, we are pleased to note that Samsung SDS has become a DCSA partner. This reinforces our joint strategic alignment and our shared commitment to standardised digital trade. You can read more about Samsung SDS’ side of the story here.Why this pilot matters
The HMM–Samsung SDS pilot is a powerful signal for the wider industry. It shows that standardised Booking and Bill of Lading APIs are not theoretical – they can be implemented, validated and used in real workflows at scale.More importantly, it proves that standardisation is not just a technical upgrade. It is a productivity driver. It reduces manual workload, improves visibility, strengthens data quality, and builds the foundation for a more transparent and interoperable global shipping ecosystem.For carriers, forwarders, cargo owners, and solution providers, the message is clear: the future is not built through bespoke connections – it’s built through shared standards.
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