cloud4log.de

What It Is

Cloud4Log is a cloud platform for digital delivery notes launched by GS1 Germany in cooperation with the German Logistics Association, BVL. Its goal is to replace the still widely used paper-based Lieferschein in domestic German freight transport with cloud-based digital documents. Rather than simply digitizing processes within a single company, it focuses on enabling shippers, logistics service providers, and recipients to exchange transport accompanying documents on the same neutral platform.

Core Features and Collaboration

The platform offers a Basic Frontend, allowing companies to upload, exchange, view, and download digital delivery notes via a browser without needing system integration from the outset. Workflow roles cover shippers, carriers/logistics service providers, and recipients, and support additional information such as loading, unloading, load carrier exchange, delivery discrepancies, and photos of damage. The Admin Panel can be used to manage company sites, users, company administrators, API Keys, and visibility/processing permissions granted to partner sites. Drivers are not registered roles; they can only view documents through an access link and cannot edit or download them.

Integration, Security, and Deployment

Cloud4Log is a cloud platform, and no self-hosting information is provided. One of its key strengths is its open API: third-party frontends, companies’ own systems, or existing IT service providers can connect to it, with API and XML/PDF-A-3 technical documentation published on GitHub. However, API access requires registration, test cases, and certification by the European EPC Competence Center. On security, the site states that it is protected and compliant with data protection requirements, and includes DSGVO consent, but it does not disclose details such as encryption, ISO certifications, or audit logs.

Pricing and Trial

Pricing is divided into different Beitragsgruppen based on a company’s annual revenue, with an additional transaction fee charged for each exchanged delivery note file. The site emphasizes that there is no base fee, lowering the barrier for pilot projects, but specific prices must be checked in the AGB/order pages. A free testing entry point and Testzugang application are available, and the site shows a 33% discount campaign valid until 2026-06-30.

Pros, Cons, and Best Fit

Its advantages include backing from GS1/BVL, industry neutrality, workflows that closely match real logistics operations, and the option to start with a no-code pilot before moving to API integration. The drawbacks are that it is mainly aimed at domestic German freight transport, with cross-border scenarios and additional transport documents still to be expanded; in principle, all parties in the chain need to register, so adoption depends on ecosystem coordination; and API certification adds to the implementation timeline. It is well suited to German consumer goods, retail, manufacturing, 3PL companies, and businesses looking to standardize electronic delivery notes.

Access from China

The site does not specify access from China, payment methods, or local compliance information, so these remain unknown. Chinese companies serving German supply chains may consider evaluating it. For businesses operating mainly within China, more practical alternatives would be local TMS/WMS/OMS systems, electronic proof of delivery, electronic signing/receipt confirmation, and logistics collaboration solutions within the DingTalk or WeCom ecosystems.