Operations
Documents & OCR
GLS provides an OCR-based document intake service designed to reduce manual administration during daily transport operations.
Last updated: Jan 2026
In practical terms, documents are emailed in, automatically read, validated, and either placed directly into the correct service or routed for correction where required.
What happens in practice
Customer documents are typically submitted by email, with PDF, DOCX or image attachments.
- documents are scanned and key data is extracted
- validation checks are applied (shipper, weight, Incoterms)
- the service is identified from the document and email context
If the service can be confidently identified, all extracted data is placed into the relevant service queue awaiting operational confirmation.
Service-led routing
Document routing in GLS is service-led. Once the service is identified, all attachments are routed into that service queue.
- no manual sorting of emails
- no re-keying of consignment data
- no manual manifest preparation
OCR assists operational flow but does not replace human oversight or decision-making.
Unallocated service lane
If a document cannot be confidently matched to a service, it is placed into an unallocated service lane.
- operators review and correct missing information
- documents are manually reassigned to the correct service
- poor-quality scans are handled safely and visibly
No document is silently discarded or misfiled.
Email submission template
As part of onboarding, GLS can provide a structured email template aligned to the services agreed under Agreement A.
The template can be dropped directly into your email system and selected when sending consignment details.
“Dear Partner — [Service: MAN → BSL]. Attached are the documents required for this service.”
Once the service is selected, all attachments are routed into the correct service queue automatically.
Partner visibility
- documents are visible to both partners operating the service
- updates and POD are shared without email chains
- unallocated documents remain private until assigned
Traceability & compliance
- access is role-based
- actions are time-stamped
- documents are tenant-isolated
- audit and investigation are supported