As the eFTI landscape continues to develop, we are continuing our series dedicated to the eFTI journey of our partners. After looking at Malta’s experience, this new article brings another perspective from within the eFTI4ALL consortium, highlighting what our partners are working on, where they currently stand, and what they are learning along the way.
Today, we speak with ABONA, a German software company based in Bruchsal. ABONA develops integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Transport Management System (TMS) software for logistics, trade and manufacturing. Within the eFTI4ALL project, ABONA is developing a scalable eFTI platform designed to make digital freight data accessible for companies of all sizes. The web-based solution supports road and multimodal transport, integrates eCMR, and enables seamless, standardised data exchange in both business-to-business and business-to-authority scenarios.
What is your organisation currently working on in relation to eFTI?
ABONA is currently focusing on interoperability and seamless connectivity across the eFTI ecosystem. This includes testing connections with several partners, including gate and infrastructure operators such as ASFINAG, as well as eFTI platforms such as CargoSign and GBK.
Another key area of work is enabling smooth integration between ABONA’s eFTI solution and the existing digital document management systems already used by transport companies.
Where are you currently in your eFTI journey? What have you achieved or progressed on so far?
ABONA has developed its own eFTI platform and has already tested connectivity with a range of partners and systems, including DLK, Toll Collect, OneAPP and Pionira.
The company has also made significant progress in areas such as digital signatures, B2B interoperability between eFTI platforms, version management and application lifecycle management.
These activities are helping ABONA move from technical concepts towards robust solutions that can be used in real-world transport processes.
What have you learned so far that could be useful for others?
One of the key learnings for ABONA is the importance of building on well-established standards, such as UN/CEFACT.
Using common standards makes interoperability with other systems considerably easier, both in B2B and B2A scenarios. It also supports a more harmonised and trusted exchange of information across the eFTI ecosystem.
What would you recommend to organisations that are at an earlier stage of their eFTI journey?
ABONA recommends making use of the knowledge and results that are already available. Reviewing existing deliverables from eFTI projects before starting a new implementation can save considerable time and effort. It can also help organisations avoid reinventing solutions that have already been developed, tested or discussed within the eFTI community.
What are you most looking forward to in the next phase of your eFTI work?
ABONA is particularly looking forward to seeing the discussions, concepts and technical specifications developed over the past years take shape as real, usable solutions. The date of 9 July 2027 will be an especially important milestone, as eFTI moves from preparation and implementation towards practical use in real-life transport scenarios. ABONA is excited to see how the different components of the eFTI ecosystem come together in day-to-day operations, supporting more digital, interoperable and efficient freight transport processes across Europe.
From technical readiness to real-world implementation
ABONA’s experience shows how important interoperability, standards and practical testing are in turning eFTI from a regulatory framework into operational digital services. As the 2027 milestone approaches, the work of partners like ABONA will play an important role in helping connect platforms, systems and stakeholders across the European freight transport ecosystem.
