Freight forwarders and logistics providers who use CargoWise understand the importance of keeping shipment documentation accurate and up to date. The House Bill Number (HBL), a special identification that aids in tracking and managing shipments, is one of the most important pieces of information in the shipping process.
It can be time-consuming, laborious, and prone to errors to manually update HBLs in CargoWise. The House Bill Number Update API is useful in this situation. By automating the House Bill Number update process in CargoWise, this API reduces errors, simplifies freight documents, and does away with manual data entry.
However, how precisely does this API function, and how might it enhance your logistics processes? Let’s dissect it.
Understanding the House Bill Number (HBL) in CargoWise
Understanding the House Bill Number (HBL) and its significance is crucial before we begin the API procedure.
A freight forwarder issues a document called a House Bill of Lading (HBL), which contains information about the shipment’s origin, destination, cargo description, and handling guidelines. This document is uniquely identified by its House Bill Number, which makes it an essential point of reference for everyone engaged in the shipment.
Why Updating HBLs is Critical?
- Compliance and Accuracy: Customs authorities, carriers, and consignees rely on correct HBL details. Incorrect information can lead to costly penalties.
- Operational Efficiency: Freight forwarders must keep CargoWise updated to ensure accurate documentation and avoid shipment processing delays.
- Error Reduction: Manually entering or updating HBLs increases the chances of typos, missing information, and miscommunication.
- Seamless Tracking: Customers and internal teams need real-time HBL updates for smooth shipment tracking and visibility.
This is where the House Bill Number Update API becomes very important.
What Is the House Bill Number Update API?
The House Bill Number Update API is a CargoWise integration tool that allows freight forwarders to update house bill numbers automatically within the system. Instead of manually modifying shipment records, this API does it in real-time, ensuring smooth data synchronization and accuracy.
How Does It Work?
The API connects external logistics systems with CargoWise via an automated process. Here’s a high-level look at how it functions:
- The API receives a request with a reference number, shipment number, and updated house bill number.
- The API validates the data to ensure it matches the shipment details in CargoWise.
- CargoWise updates the shipment record with the new house bill number.
- A response is sent back to confirm that the update was successful, ensuring visibility for all stakeholders.
- By automating HBL updates, logistics companies can reduce human errors, improve efficiency, and enhance overall supply chain visibility.
How to Implement the House Bill Number Update API?
Step 1: API Authentication and Setup
Before using the API, you need access credentials. The API requires an x-api-key for authentication. You’ll also need to set the appropriate headers, including:
URL, Content-Type, Authorization;
This ensures that only authorized users can access and update CargoWise data.
Step 2: API Request Parameters
To update a house bill number in CargoWiseOne, specific details must be provided in JSON format. The API requires key input parameters, including the Reference Number (RefNumber), which is a unique shipment reference, the Shipment Number (ShipmentNo) assigned within CargoWiseOne, and the Updated House Bill Number (WayBillNumber). By sending these details, users can update multiple house bill numbers at once, significantly streamlining the process and saving time. This method ensures efficiency in shipment data management by allowing bulk updates instead of handling each request individually.
Step 3: API Processing and Validation
Once the request is submitted, the API validates the following:
Does the reference number exist in CargoWise?
Is the shipment number correct?
Is the new House Bill Number formatted correctly?
If all validations pass, the update is processed instantly. If there are errors (e.g., incorrect shipment number), the API returns an error response for correction.
Step 4: API Response and Confirmation
After successful processing, the system provides a confirmation response indicating that the house bill number has been updated. The response typically includes a status message confirming the success of the update, along with details of the updated records, such as the Reference Number (RefNumber), Shipment Number (ShipmentNo), and Updated House Bill Number (WayBillNumber). This ensures that all modifications are accurately reflected within CargoWise in real-time, improving data accuracy and operational efficiency.
How to Get Started with the House Bill Number Update API?
If you’re looking to optimize your CargoWise operations and eliminate manual data entry for HBLs, integrating this API is a must. Here’s how you can get started:
- Talk to Our API Experts: We’ll help you set up the API integration based on your business needs.
- Test the API: Implement and test it in a controlled environment to ensure smooth functionality.
- Deploy and Automate: Once tested, deploy it across your operations and enjoy seamless automation.
- Monitor and Optimize: Use real-time data to identify improvements and refine your logistics processes.
Conclusion
Manually updating House Bill Numbers is no longer an option. CargoWise users may increase operational efficiency, decrease errors, save time, and improve visibility while adhering to international shipping rules by using the House Bill Number Update API.
Are you prepared to advance your logistics operations by automating your HBL updates? Get in touch with us right now to find out how our CargoWise API solutions help maintain the smooth operation of your shipments and optimize your workflow.
