As we move through the corridors of Digital India, data accessibility for business decisions needs to be more accessible. In the complex world of logistics, especially in EXIM logistics with multiple stakeholders, businesses incur costs and operating inefficiencies like delays when there is no timely availability of Data. The increasing demand for global trade, the emergence of e-commerce, and the mandates of sustainable and green logistics have made it necessary to have a digitally enabled logistics ecosystem for cargo movement, storage and delivery. The benefits of a digital logistics ecosystem are thus the creation of smart logistics, be it automation of operating systems, paperless transactions, or data integration which are all part of new-age logistics where information systems are connected and speak to each other, resulting in faster decision-making.
It was in the background of this necessity that the National Logistics Policy (NLP) was launched in September 2022. One of the themes of the policy is digital enablement. How are these efficiencies developed? That is the question we need to understand first. Just-in-time inventory management, monitoring of cargo movements, and identifying the best logistics routes and options are all things that will improve the performance of the trade, reduce cost, and make products competitive in this march towards digitalisation, where the first step is integration of existing systems through APIs.
The ULIP initiative
Conceptualised by Niti Aayog and operated by National Logistics Data Services (a joint venture between Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust, a Government of India initiative with NEC Corporation of Japan), the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) is the first step towards a digital gateway that enables industry players to use logistics data from government sources through API integration. The platform currently integrates 38 systems from 11 Ministries via 121 APIs, with private participation. Private sector participation in ULIP has been instrumental in amplifying its impact, with over 1,000+ companies registered on the ULIP portal i.e. www.goulip.in. Additionally, 100+ applications have been developed by these companies, leading to more than 45 crore API transactions by industry players.
Beyond private players, ULIP is amplifying the effectiveness of government decision-making by delivering synthesised data to Ministries and Departments like Coal, Food Corporation of India (FCI), and States. State Public Distribution Systems have also integrated with ULIP APIs for vehicle compliance. These include Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Telangana, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
ULIP enables the user to register, login and access the API-integrated data for decision-making. While this is a beginning, the integration of the digital systems of Ministries that handle logistics is contemplated, which will enable the creation of a National Single Window Logistics Portal. This will facilitate faster and standardised processing of data. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has already launched the NLP Marine Portal, called Sagar Setu, where exporters, importers and service providers exchange data seamlessly and transact business. Tracking of shipments and exchange of documents can be made more efficient when more database systems get integrated.
Thus, ULIP is the beginning of a long journey towards a completely digitalised logistics environment which is expected to further bring down costs and improve efficiencies. With more logistics technology start-ups coming up and getting integrated, it is the country’s desire to see its position move further up in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.