Efficient document and report management is key in any logistics and freight forwarding business. In the day to day export workflows, users require fast access to reports when dealing with a booking, particularly when creating export documents that are required for shipping, such as the VGM Declaration Report.
To help with this process, Jupiter Business Manager (JBM) has added the new On Screen Report Popup Enhancement feature and automated VGM reporting features to the Maintain Booking screen.
This update is a simple one that aims to minimize the amount of manual work, increase the accuracy, and make it easier for users to access reports.
What Is the JBM On Screen Report Popup Enhancement?
In the past, report access in JBM was more of a button driven approach. It's fine for the most part, but sometimes needed extra clicks when using it to work on shipment documentation.
The new enhancement allows for a more dynamic and scalable report popup interface directly within the booking workflow, which is available to JBM now.
This improvement helps users:
Access reports faster
Reduce unnecessary clicks
Generate documents directly from the active screen
Improve overall usability during shipment processing
This kind of small change in usability can be significant from the JBM point of view to cut down on operational delays during busy export activities.
Changes Introduced in the Maintain Booking Screen
This is one of the significant enhancements in this update that is dedicated to VGM management while booking.
Enabled VGM Field in Container List
Users can now enter the VGM field inside the Container List.
The system will still utilize the same VGM calculation logic:
VGM = Tare Weight + Cargo Weight
This will provide a constant verified container weight, in accordance with the current operational requirements.
In shipping, it's essential to have accurate cargo weight details because wrong weight declarations can cause port compliance problems, vessel loading risks, and shipment delays.
Understanding the New VGM Method Field
Next to the field VGM (KGS), there is now a new dropdown field, VGM Method.
Users can select one of two approved methods:
SM1 (Method 1)
SM2 (Method 2)
SM1 (Method 1)
This technique involves direct measurement of the weight of a packed container with certified weighing equipment, such as:
Weighbridges
Load cell systems
One of the most frequently used methods is where direct container weighing facilities are available.
SM2 (Method 2)
In SM2, the total verified weight is calculated using:
Individual cargo item weights
Packaging materials
Pallets
Dunnage
Securing materials
Container tare weight
This method is carried out according to an approved certified method that is approved by the relevant authorities.
The choice of the VGM method used depends on many factors for exporters, including operational procedures, warehouse configuration, and regulations.
New VGM Declaration Report in JBM
The VGM Declaration Report has undergone significant enhancements through automation, marking one of the most substantial changes in this release.
Previously, numerous companies manually prepared this document before submitting it to ports for shipment approval.
Users can now generate the report directly from the Maintain Booking screen within JBM
This helps reduce:
Manual paperwork
Data duplication
Human calculation errors
Export document preparation time
What Information Is Included in the VGM Declaration Report?
The system generated PDF report includes important shipment and container details such as:
AE name and address
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) Declaration title
Carrier information
Booking number
Container number
Seal number
Tare weight
Verified weight
Weight unit
Selected VGM method
Declarant details
Declaration date
The process is more reliable and consistent since the information is generated directly from the booking and container information data.
Why Accurate VGM Weight Calculation Matters
VGM is not only a shipment field in global shipping operations. Sea export cargo is regulated to be mandatory.
Incorrect VGM weight calculation can result in:
Port rejection
Container loading delays
Compliance penalties
Operational risks during vessel loading
Integrating the process into logistics software can help companies to boost shipment accuracy and eliminate the need for manual spreadsheets and paper.
Improving Operational Efficiency in Logistics
As far as logistics operations are concerned, the importance of documentation speed and accuracy in the real world is directly related to shipment timing.
JBM is integrated directly into the booking process, which helps the operation teams:
Work faster
Minimize repetitive manual activities
Improve report consistency
Ensure compliance readiness
Smooth export documentation procedures
Such workflow enhancements are particularly useful when dealing with freight forwarders and export teams with heavy volumes of shipments to process daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VGM in shipping?
VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the actual gross weight of a shipment in a shipping container, including the weight of the cargo, packaging, and the empty container.
How is VGM calculation done in JBM?
The system follows this formula:
VGM = Tare Weight + Cargo Weight
This automatic calculation of VGM is helpful to ensure consistency and minimize manual errors.
What is the VGM Method field?
The users can choose the VGM Method field, which indicates whether the verified container weight has been calculated according to the SM1 or SM2 method.
What is the difference between SM1 and SM2?
The direct container weighing equipment is used for SM1, and the total weight is calculated by the cargo items, packaging material, and the tare weight for SM2.
Why is the VGM Declaration Report important?
The VGM declaration report is a shipping document that is required before loading of sea export containers at ports.
How does automation improve the booking process?
It saves manual data entry, enhances accuracy, accelerates shipment documentation, and streamlines shipment reporting for logistics teams.
Final Thoughts
The newly introduced JBM On Screen Report Popup Enhancement is designed to make daily booking and reporting tasks simpler and more user-friendly.
This system automates the management of VGM data, enhances report accessibility, and streamlines documentation processes, thereby alleviating the manual workload for logistics teams while promoting greater operational accuracy.
The automated creation of the VGM declaration report and the optimized VGM calculation processes can greatly enhance efficiency and compliance management for businesses involved in regular sea export shipments.