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Assessment of transport and logistics digitalization maturity based on the UN/CEFACT methodology and development of roadmaps
Introduction: the need for harmonization of digital infrastructure
The development of essential elements of national digital infrastructure within the transport and logistics sector (TLS) of Eurasian countries is a key factor in harmonizing and aligning the levels of digitalization across existing transport systems and technologies. Such infrastructure is intended to ensure seamless information exchange between transport modes and end-to-end connectivity among countries participating in international freight transportation.
At the turn of 2019–2020, a simplified methodology was used to assess the level of transport and logistics digitalization in the EU and Eastern Partnership countries. The assessment was based on the analysis of the use of standardized electronic documents (eCMR, eCIM/SMGS, eBill of Lading, eAir Waybill, etc.) and the related technological systems supporting them.
Based on this approach, the Completesoft expert group developed an enhanced methodology in 2023–2024 featuring an expanded set of core indicators for assessing the current level of transport and logistics sector (TLS) digitalization, as well as the level of implementation of international standards (UN/CEFACT) in the digitalization of key transport and logistics processes and documents. This set of indicators is presented in Table 1.
Table 1. basic indicators of tls digitalization level
Core indicators according to UNECE UN/CEFACT recommendations
The list of baseline indicators, in accordance with UN/CEFACT recommendations, was expanded to include fundamental elements and stages of trade facilitation (TF) in supply chains. Without these elements, digitalization initiatives in transport and logistics processes lack a solid regulatory, administrative, and sectoral foundation.
In particular:

a) the existence of an effective national trade facilitation body with sufficient mandate and authority;
b) the existence of a national transport and logistics sector (TLS) development strategy or program;
c) the presence of an adequate legal framework, including laws on electronic trade/e-commerce, electronic documents and digital signatures, customs codes, and related regulations;
d) the adoption of key regulatory acts and programs supporting digital transformation of the economy and individual sectors;
e) the ratification of relevant international treaties and conventions governing the use and exchange of electronic documents and data in TLS;
f) the existence of sectoral institutions or organizations responsible for the analysis, harmonization, standardization, and digital transformation of transport and logistics processes and documentation.
Application of the methodology in UNECE and Asian Development Bank projects
This methodology was effectively applied by the Completesoft expert group in projects implemented with UNECE and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to assess the level of transport and logistics sector (TLS) digitalization and multimodal data exchange in countries such as Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

In particular, based on the collected data in Belarus, a gap analysis was conducted regarding the current level of digitalization of multimodal data and document exchange in the country. As a result, a detailed roadmap was developed to address the identified gaps and to implement the UN/CEFACT methodology and standards package within TLS digitalization processes.

An example of such a roadmap is shown in Figure 1. According to the applied methodology, the developed roadmap consisted of the following main stages:

1. Regulatory stage. This stage involves amendments to a range of Belarusian legislative acts, as well as harmonization of national standards with UN/CEFACT, EAEU, and EU norms and regulations. It also includes changes to customs legislation and the Tax Code of the Republic of Belarus.

2. Organizational stage. This stage includes the establishment of an interagency trade facilitation body under the Council of Ministers of Belarus, as well as the creation of dedicated project offices within relevant authorized organizations.

3. Practical implementation stage. This stage covers coordinated implementation activities carried out by project offices, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. In particular, it includes the implementation of the National Electronic Logistics System (NELS) in Belarus, as well as pilot deployment and rollout of key electronic documents such as eSMGS, eCMR, eAir Waybill, and eInland Water Waybill.

As a result of applying this approach and methodology, government authorities and the business community gain a clear understanding of the current level of TLS digitalization in the country, along with a practical action plan to eliminate identified gaps and advance the next stages of digital transformation.
Figure 1. roadmap for implementing UN/CEFACT standards in the digitalization of the transport and logistics sector of the Republic of Belarus