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Why is this Project Relevant for ALICE & the Physical Internet?

Section outline

  • Why is this Project Relevant for ALICE & the Physical Internet?

    Development of interconnected trusted networks (horizontally and vertically) that collaborate along the entire supply chain: shippers, LSPs and intermodal operators as equal partners. To reach a high level of sustainability, NEXTRUST will not only bundle freight volumes but shift them off the road to intermodal rail and waterway. It will build trusted collaborative networks bottom up adding multiple layers of transport flows that have been de-coupled and then re-connected more effectively along the supply chain.

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    • Logistics Networks

      NEXTRUST addresses fundamental aspects for the development of optimized transport operations: vehicles load factor improvement, reducing empty journeys, and therefore the number of kilometres travelled; multimodal service design (road, rail, maritime), which allows the definition of railway services better adapted to customer needs; last mile distribution optimisation, reducing the associated costs and increasing user satisfaction. The pillar on which all the mentioned objectives and challenges are based on the active collaboration between the different agents/stakeholders involved the supply chain. This collaboration is essential for the definition/development transport services with a high level of integration, efficiency, profitability and sustainability along with the different operations that comprise them.

      In this context, the development of collaborative networks is an important step to achieve the Physical Internet paradigm.

      The business and operational models defined in the project, based on the collaboration between stakeholders in, can be shifted and adapted to multi-agent platforms in order to improve their operation (higher performance, lower costs), and thus, encourage the increase of their activity. (Generation 0)

      The definition of clear frameworks for operations in multimodal networks (road, train and maritime), in which different stakeholders involved and their tasks are identified, will enhance the development of real synchromodal networks, with high levels of integration. (Generation 1)

      The treatment of the information coming simultaneously from different agents and their activities will allow better management of the operation. To this end, some technologies such as Big Data and predictive models should be used. (Generation 2)

      The use and implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, based on the analysis of data from different operational scenarios, will allow the definition of action patterns and protocols against network incidents (congestion, unscheduled stops, etc.). (Generation 3)

      The greater the number of supply chain agents participating in the definition of collaborative models, the greatest integration will be achieved. In this context, the availability of a management and regulation framework for sharing information will be necessary, which, together with the use of technologies such as Big Data or machine learning, will allow the autonomous and dynamic configuration of the entire operation. (Generation 4)

    • Governance

      The design of operational models based on the development of interconnected collaborative networks implies the definition of protocols of action and governance among the different participating agents. In this sense, the NEXTRUST project addressed the development of a legal framework in different scenarios (e-commerce, CTIS / ICT), which represent a starting point to take into account in the definition and design of governance models in networks with a high level of Physical Internet development.

      As indicated, the establishment of legal frameworks for collaboration between agents in some specific scenarios is a starting point for defining trustworthy action/governance protocols in a wider way. (Generation 0)

      The legal frameworks defined in the project can be used as a basis for the definition of new ones related to current platforms where there are collaborative networks in operation. (Generation 1)

      Once again, and in line with the multimodal networks and legal frameworks implemented in the project, the results achieved can provide a basis for the definition of rules and governance models that include all agent profiles involved in the supply chain (from shipper to customer), with the aim of creating a trustworthy scenario that simplifies and speeds up the operation. (Generation 2)

      To this aim, it will be essential:

      • to define a new operational/business model, in a liable, secure and gain sharing environment
      • to identify and establish tasks, rights & responsibilities for each stakeholder involved, and the interactions between them
      • ratify the regulations and terms previously established

      The next step will consist in the definition of regulations and action protocols considering the interaction between agents at the horizontal level, which will require the creation of an activity framework based on the principles of trust, security, responsibility, open market, equality of opportunities and gain sharing. (Generation 3)

      Finally, it will be necessary to extrapolate the legal frameworks and protocols to all types of activities, processes and stakeholders, in a scenario of interaction between the multiple operational networks. (Generation 4).