In this interview, Pratik Sharma, COO of Automixis, discusses supply chain interconnectivity challenges and how their AI- and blockchain-driven platform streamlines key trade documents like invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
Srishti Sharma and Pratik Sharma came together with the early conceptualisation of Automaxis after they noticed the holes in the fabric of the supply chain, which made the entire process harder and tiresome than it had to be. Started in 2017 in Hyderabad’s IIIT, Automaxis recognised the challenges regarding interconnectivity and internal supply chain pretty quickly. Automaxis relies on the principle of being the “single source of truth” at all points. Their solution provides exporters, importers, financial institutions, and various chambers of commerce a secure, AI-and blockchain-powered environment to handle critical trade documents such as invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
Finding an answer for hassle
FDP Connect is an innovative product, which as the company puts it is “for the issues faced by the Exporters and Importers in the cross-border trading transactions.” The usual method of going about this procedure for exporters and importers involves running behind a lot of people, waiting for the green light, and maintaining an intensive record, almost always on paper. Automaxis integrates it all in a one-stop-solution design for the entire journey of documentation. The digitisation of bills of lading, along with Certificate of Origin and every other piece of information that should be on board ensures efficiency, and also puts forth a sustainable solution. Presently, around 95 per cent of the paperwork ends up being actually on paper; that is quite a few steps behind in this ever-moving world that lives inside the screen.
Clients and the changing landscape
Automaxis approached various Chambers of Commerce with their product, and once it was put to use, the feasibility made them switch to it. Automaxis currently works with BCIC, CICU, ASMECHEM Chamber of Commerce & Industry of India, and various others, including Chambers of Commerce in Goa and Vizag. With such names backing them up, the road ahead looks promising. As Pratik puts it, “what we are digitising and ensuring is that there is a safe and secure ownership transfer getting done.” The European Union’s CBAM and UDR frameworks are reshaping how businesses view transparency. Seeing that, Automaxis has been actively developing solutions such as the Digital Product Passport. It focuses on creating track-andtrace mechanisms that reveal the full provenance of a product. This ensures that stakeholders can access reliable data. These innovations are also closely tied to the rapid global shift toward MLETR (Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records) compliance. As more countries adopt this framework, the legal pathway for digital documentation becomes stronger. With MLETR paving the way, critical trade documents like the Bill of Lading can now be digitised and securely transferred, ushering in a new era of efficiency, legality, and sustainability in international commerce. In December 2024, Automaxis earned recognition from ULIP, a key stakeholder of Bharat Trade Net. Automaxis has relied mostly on grants and their inner circle for the funding aspect. They have a path ahead which is paved with possibility, and they are ready to take up on the challenge.
