We investigate digital interoperability (DI) issues in logistics and SCM.
We discuss new and important DI challenges under the Physical Internet (PI) Paradigm.
Bibliometric review shows the current solutions are not fully aligned with PI.
Interdisciplinary approaches and solutions are studied for new research perspectives.
New research avenues are suggested to advance the research and application for PI.
Towards freight
transport system unification: reviewing and combining the advancements
in the physical internet and synchromodal transport research. Pages 1606-1623 | Published online: 05 Jul 2018 (access the paper source)
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Tomas Ambra, An Caris & Cathy Macharis
See other publications from: Tomas Ambra, An Caris & Cathy Macharis
Christian Landschutzer, Florian Ehrentraut, Dirk Jodin
One of the main key enablers for a successful realization of the Physical Internet (PI) scenario is a modular box that meets all requirements of an interconnected logistical network. To address all these requirements, a holistic approach including all needs of the shipping network is integrated in the methodical development process that leads to the modular box prototypes. This paper describes the methodological engineering process for the first approach to develop a modular and multifunctional load unit to implement a first real PI scenario in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. From the identified research questions, three different layers to point out in detail arise. Following the presentation of the sizing approach, engineering design is the main part. A technical view on loading PI unit loads completes this work. Several methods are applied on these different layers, and final results are presented. By highlighting the significance of technical aspects and introducing a methodological approach, the reader can pick out additional benefit from this work to use in familiar topics from engineering design in logistics.
The Physical Internet (PI) concept gets more and more traction within the logistics community. There is a strong belief that similar to the internet we know today, the Physical Internet will become a core element of our day to day lives in the future. Additionally, the physical supply chains lag far behind regarding the desired improvements needed to meet the required “sustainability” targets, indicating that something has to change.
