Under the purview of National Logistics Policy, Government of India has implemented Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) which aims at breaking individual silos, promotes integration among various Ministries/Departments and creates a single window thus bringing efficiency and transparency in the trade. ULIP has emerged as a digital gateway for the logistics ecosystem to access data available with various Government systems for track/trace, authentication, document digitization, process automation as well as discovery services.
ULIP has been designed as an independent virtual gateway without impacting or interfering the regulatory and operational procedure of any concerned ministry. All modes of logistics (Sea, air, road, rail, waterways) are covered under ULIP, irrespective of type of cargo. So, data exchange for any mode of logistics is feasible.
In ULIP, data is exchanged through APIs on request-response based manner. ULIP uses open standards, licenses, databases, APIs, etc. and promotes inter-operability.
But, is ULIP really a game changer? Let us know from the users!
IMZ Corporate, an IoT company, that emphasizes secure logistics, tracking, and tracing, and is dedicated to revolutionizing the IoT-enabled technological industry in India, has partnered with Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), to inclusively enhance their technical services even further. “Our business association and collaboration with ULIP is a significant milestone for us, as a technology organization. It enables us to leverage their powerful seamless Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), integrating systems like VAHAN, SARATHI, FASTag and FOIS, to name a few. By optimally utilizing these APIs, IMZ Corporate can streamline data, making it more interactive, effective, and efficient for the overall growth of its clientele, and its end user, accordingly,” informs Kush Mehrotra, CEO, IMZ Corporate.
IMZ Corporate specializes in manufacturing cutting-edge products like GPS and RFID-based Digital Electronic Locks (E -Locks), AIS 140 based Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD), and IoT Sensors like Load Sensors, Bluetooth Sensors, and Dalla Sensors, to name a few. Its advanced technology allows businesses to track and trace their shipments, ensuring secure logistics and peace of mind.
He further adds, “ULIP’s goal is to optimize transportation modes, simplify compliance processes, and facilitate seamless data exchange between government and private entities in the logistics ecosystem. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and streamline operations in the Indian logistics sector. At IMZ Corporate, we are dedicated and committed to provide innovative and cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and transform the logistics landscape. Our partnership with ULIP allows us to deliver even greater value to our prestigious clients.”
There is dedicated interface available for the trade and industry players for fetching the relevant data based on a rule-driven mechanism. ULIP ensures data security and data confidentiality while exchanging data in a secured manner. Any personally identifiable information is automatically filtered through rule-driven PII (Personally Identifiable Information) engine.
ULIP has been developed as per the National Open Data Ecosystem (NODE) guidelines of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India which ensures data-driven efficient and agile government operations to serve the needs of the citizens and stakeholders. ULIP adopts open and inclusive processes/SOPs focusing on accessibility, transparency, and accountability that promotes digital inclusion; overcomes digital divides; encourages cross-sectoral and inter-governmental coordination and collaboration.
ULIP has been integrated with 34 systems of 8 different Ministries through 112 APIs covering 1800+ fields. Within 10 months of its launch on 17th September 2022, the ULIP portal- Goulip.in has received registration from over 590+ industry players with the willingness to access data through ULIP.
There are nearly 100 million API transactions commenced so far over ULIP gateway by the industry players and one of these avid users of ULIP is Sharp Logistics. “Recognizing the need for seamless process, coordination and efficiency in the logistics industry, Sharp Logistics initial integration with ULIP has termed to be a game-changer. ULIP’s comprehensive approach to streamlining logistics operations, integrating disparate systems, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders resonated with our company’s vision of optimizing supply chain management,” shares Sarjak Sheth, CEO, Sharp Logistics.
He further adds, “Our experience using ULIP has been nothing short of exceptional. We have witnessed a remarkable transformation in our logistics efficiency and overall performance. From real-time tracking to analysing logistics processes, ULIP has aided us in making proactive decisions and mitigating potential disruptions. The extensive network of logistics partners accessible through ULIP opened doors to new collaborations and opportunities for growth. Overall, Sharp Logistics’ experience using ULIP has been a resounding success, delivering tangible improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.”
Sarjak says, “Among the numerous features offered by ULIP, one that is particularly favoured by us is the customer onboarding with GST (Goods and Services Tax) and CIN (Corporate Identification Number). These features have ensured that customers are onboarded efficiently and in compliance with the necessary regulations. Apart from these features, VAHAN and SARATHI features have enabled us to easily onboard vehicles and drivers while verifying their credentials and ensuring adherence to transport regulations. Also, LDB has proven to be a significant asset in enabling us to become better in various aspects of our operations. The availability of these features in ULIP gives us a competitive edge by significantly simplifying the onboarding process, saving time, and eliminating the complexities associated with regulatory compliance.”
ULIP has a dedicated portal that makes the process of data request simpler, faster, and transparent. The portal can be accessed through “https://goulip.in/”. A dedicated support team is working round the clock to provide support to the industry players for registration on the portal. After the registration, users need to submit their use-cases, which will then be reviewed based on the proposed usage of the requested data.
Major industry players like CJ Darcel, DHL, Safexpress, Ultratech, TCIL, Jindal Stainless, Tata Steel, Yes Bank, BOSCH, Total Group, etc. have been onboarded on ULIP to develop their use-cases which will benefit them and their stakeholders alike.
Another delighted user of ULIP is TreZix a unified B2B SaaS platform for export and import. TreZix, has integrated with ULIP to bring all modes of transportation under a single window to connect its stakeholders. With this integration, TreZix will address the reconciliation issues faced by importers, exporters, and banks related to EDPMS and IDPMS data.”
“IDPMS and EDPMS are considered to be the major pain points for exporters and importers. With the help of ULIP data, the TreZix platform will ease processes like the bill of entry and shipping, bill status, detailed data and generation of reconciliation statements for importers and exporters and the banks they are dealing with. The platform will offer real-time visibility details to its users, helping them reduce logistics expenses and improve efficiency,” explains Haresh Calcuttawala, CEO & Co-Founder, TreZix.
“The importer and exporter on the TreZix platform will be able to enhance their turnaround time with this integration, saving overall capital. The real-time assimilation of data and standardization of processes will lead to the accuracy of information. Moreover, standardization and a consistent approach will lead to a firm hold on compliance. With process integration, visibility and dynamic cost structure of ULIP, TreZix can work to improve the overall competitiveness of Indian exporters on the globe front.”
“In the first phase, TreZix integration with ULIP proceeds as follows: The integration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry APIs – DGFT will provide the stakeholders of TreZix with a real-time API link to check IEC Code. With integration with the Ministry of Finance – the ICEGATE, importer will have full details on shipment and real-time shipping bill status. The assimilation with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Civil Aviation will offer real-time tracking of vessels and containers and real-time flight cargo information with estimation time of landing, respectively.”
Awards & accolades
Within the first month of its launch, the Unified Logistics Interface Platform was awarded “Geospatial for Logistics Award,” organised by Geospatial World during the GeoSmart India 2022. It has also been awarded the Best Digital Initiative Award by Cargo Talk during the India Cargo Awards in July 2023. ULIP is one of the promising initiatives by Government of India in the direction of reducing comprehensive cost & time and increasing transparency in the logistics sector.
