DOCTAG Knowledge
Federated Platform for Trustworthy Business Documents
Simple analogy: like email, each organization can run its own server. With DOCTAG, PDF business documents are exchanged and signed across companies.
The goal is not only transfer, but a shared, verifiable document state across multiple parties without a central document cloud.
Clear practical model
- Email principle: independent instances, still one interoperable network.
- PDF-first: existing documents can remain in use.
- Signature chain: each signature references the previous state and reveals later changes.
Comparison with transport-specific platforms
In transport, many solutions are designed as centralized platforms or networks. DOCTAG follows a federated model by design.
| Criterion | DOCTAG (federated) | Central transport platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Operating model | Multiple independent instances | Single central platform instance |
| Document control | Stays with each organization | Primarily in central platform process |
| External partner onboarding | Signature via link/QR possible | Often participant account/network onboarding |
| Start with existing PDFs | Yes, directly | Depends on platform workflow |
| Multi-party process | Native across instances | Native within central platform |
| Dependency profile | Distributed across instances | Stronger dependency on central availability |
Transport sector examples
- TransFollow (eCMR network approach)
- Transporeon (transport collaboration platform)
- Alpega and similar transport-centered TMS platforms
- Trans.eu (transport network with central services)
Note: capabilities and integration depth vary by product and contract model. This comparison describes the common architecture pattern.
Why this can be a differentiator
- Most market communication is centered on central platforms. Federation opens a distinct category.
- It fits inter-organizational processes where not all parties want one shared platform account.
- It combines long-term collaboration with document ownership control.
DOCTAG technical basis
The technical rationale is documented in the DOCTAG documentation.