Besides using technology to automate internal business systems and workflow, PTG continues to make strides to help its customers do the same by increasing connectivity options and capabilities.
PTG has built a suite of APIs that enable its business systems to connect directly with those of its customers and border agencies, Brajkovich says. Currently, the company is ahead of the market in this regard, and border-crossing agencies also are moving toward higher levels of automation.
“As they improve, we will be able to align with them,” he says. “When border agencies are ready, we will be able to send APIs throughout the process to them. Technically, we should be paper-free at some point in time.”
Currently, when drivers arrive at the border, they must have a paper copy of the load manifest. This requirement could become more flexible, Brajkovich says, and with the new technology, PTG drivers could present an electronic load manifest on their mobile device. Border agencies could scan the document to save time.
“That’s where we are going with it,” he says.
PTG also has been working with IBM to develop a blockchain platform for transportation,and Brajkovich sees this as the next wave of business-to-business connectivity. The platform uses a “distributed ledger” on a centralized hosted environment.
The platform is in the final preparatory stages of launch and is designed to ease business transactions for PTG and its customers. “We have some ideas and partners who are interested,” he says. “Once we hook them up and start going, there is no stopping us.”
