RISING examined how information about inland waterways transport can be used to create solutions and services that support complete transport chains. River Information Services (RIS) are present in European waterways in a variety of levels of sophistication. The software developed in the framework of the project was added to existing RIS systems, allowing thus transport operators to better plan their routes and track their progress. Additionally, existing transport management systems were enabled to incorporate information on route planning, execution and monitoring. A key outcome of RISING is the establishment of a coherent set of events, messages and services to provide RIS information to logistics chain operators using inland waterway transport. RISING improved existing systems through adoption rather than inventing everything from scratch.
TIGER Project developed under the 7FP addressed the issues of promoting sustainable logistics introducing innovative railway services connecting the sea ports of the European Union with the Hinterland. This is done with particular attention to the flows generated to/from the Far East and South East Asia, involving all European major Ports, suffering from traffic congestion. In particular, two North European, and three Mediterranean Ports are key actors in researching innovative logistics solutions in TIGER. The Inland distributions to/from the Ports are being completely restructured. New production concepts based on Ship to Train operations together with shuttle trains prosecution into Inland Dry ports, are adopted. By doing so, Dry Ports constitute a sizeable extension of the yards, since they are capable of executing any Customs, handling and ancillary operations, up to delivery to final destinations. Such service restructuring is being achieved through substantial investments in ports/dry ports infrastructures, handling equipment, technology innovations, new intelligent management systems, modern production processes, and lengthening of the total value chain to/from the Dry ports up to the end users.
Whilst TIGER is developed up to the pilot test phase, TIGER DEMO was based on the pilots and turned them into full scale demonstrators. In fact, the market up-take of TIGER discoveries is subject to both the partners commitment and to their demonstration over a long period of time, following the pilot phase. During TIGER Demo, the fine tuning of the service performance was achieved, and allowed the full commercial exploitation of the new Ports/Dry Ports/Inland distribution production process.
COMCIS focused on improving the integration of customs processes, improving interfaces between sea and land, as well as parts of the logistics chain. This project created an interoperability between e-freight systems developed in previous EU projects as well as in commercial undertakings. This allowed for more efficient and reliable shipping between different countries and businesses. For the purposes of this project, data were collected container security agencies, port communities, logistics network, terminal operators, etc., in order to help make decisions about logistics in the chain.
INTRANSYS provides freight and transport information to SMEs as well as cost-effective services. Transport Management Systems (TMS) provide partial solutions. To get the most out of TMS, long and expensive integration processes are required and none of the existing solutions can provide real-time data to help make optimized decisions. This project aimed at developing a new, highly competitive, and integrated platform that provides real-time integration allowing transport companies to optimize their operations in real time, 24/7. INTRANSYS provides the system as a complete package, making it easy to customize and set up, reducing thus the time and cost required to get started.
SAIL developed an integrated ICT tool that can support the flow of goods and logistics supply through a port/ dry port. This tool will be used by businesses operating in these areas. Ports are increasingly crowded, and many goods have to be stored on shore or in nearby warehouses. Many cities are running out of space to put ports, so they're building them outside of the traditional port boundaries and connecting them by rail or road. At this new terminal, operators can leave and collect their goods as if they were in the port. They can also leave and collect their goods at any other terminal in the port. By moving the time-consuming processing of containers inland, the flow of cargo among ships and land transportation networks is sped up. The dry port is a facility that can handle a lot of the logistics related to shipping goods by sea, including customs clearance, storage, and maintenance of containers. The SAIL project developed a Decision Support System (DSS) and a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to help manage port intermodal facilities in a European context, optimizing intermodal management between the terminals in order to achieve optimal transportation and improve environmental impact.
GIFTS provided applications for operating rooms (e.g., tracking and monitoring the door-to-door journey, travel management assistance, fleet management), as well as all e-commerce functions and door-to-door cargo insurance, transport chain (including the coordination of orders, electronic document management, electronic payment). The main goal of GIFTS was to develop an integrated operational platform for managing door-to-door freight transport in an intermodal environment throughout Europe. The GIFTS aim is 1. to create a system that will help freight transport operations run more efficiently and be accessible to smaller companies, 2. to set up and operate the GIFTS platform and the Freight Data Network available to all participants in the supply chain and to all users in a door-to-door mode via an Internet connection using a terrestrial/satellite mobile connection between the Service Center and the user and 3.to develop a fully functional management system for registration, authentication, audit trails, security, billing, etc.
FINest developed an Internet-enabled ICT platform that supports the optimization of international transport and logistics business networks within the network. There is a great need for new ICT solutions for optimizing collaboration and information exchange in collaborative business networks. Future Internet technologies can facilitate fundamental improvements in business efficiency in the industry and have a positive impact on society and the environment. The FInest project established solutions and provided detailed specifications for technical implementation, by identifying a representative set of real-life use cases with detailed plans to conduct large-scale experiments, and developing a suitable digital environment for traffic, transport, and logistics research.
Instant Mobility created the concept of a virtual "transportation and mobile internet", an information and service platform capable of supporting a new type of connected applications centered on stakeholder groups such as intermodal passengers, drivers and passengers, passenger operators, lorry operators, road operators and traffic managers. The project defined the requirements for future digital and smart technology tools and enablers so that all services can be used by any Internet- connected user, whether using a portable, vehicle-mounted or fixed terminal. Instant Mobility also examined the non-technical framework conditions that may support or hinder the eventual deployment of FI-enabled online services in the T&M field.
iCargo aimed to promote and extend the use of ICT to support new logistics services such as: combining freight, vehicles, infrastructure systems, and services, resources, and information. To achieve this, iCargo allowed real-world objects, new planning services including CO2 computing capabilities, and existing systems to co-exist and collaborate efficiently and affordably for logistics stakeholders. It also designed and implemented a decentralized ICT infrastructure. The iCargo infrastructure included smart charging elements to facilitate automated reactive decision-making and integrate information from ongoing execution (all modes of transportation) into planning processes to optimize environmental performance, including real-time information on traffic and transport infrastructure conditions.
TelliSys via an interdisciplinary European consortium of experts in freight forwarding, manufacturing, and science delivered concepts, prototypes, and proof of concepts via extensive test runs. A complementary set of evaluation methods, profitability calculations, and risk mitigation actions ensured the project's success. The scientific goal was to develop an intelligent transport system applicable to road, rail, coastal and inland navigation, which consists of a modular set of volume- optimized and traceable MegaSwapBoxes (MSBs), adapted trailer and tractor for road transport. An important means of reducing transport emissions is by increasing the share of essentially more resource-friendly transport modes. The ideas and contributions of this project resulted in a holistic approach towards achieving this goal.
PortForward has a holistic approach that will lead to a smarter, greener and more sustainable port ecosystem. Among other things, this includes the introduction of an Internet of Things concept for port assets (i.e., infrastructure, vehicles, cargo, staff). In order to establish the sustainable port ecosystem, PortForward will implement IoT concept for port procedures as well as socio-economic analysis of the interface of the port with the adjacent territory and the port city, and the overall logistics chain.
ADVANCE developed an innovative decision support platform that can help organizations manage their logistics operations more effectively. The software provides a two-fold view of transportation needs and decision-making based on the latest information and the best smart technology tools. Intelligent information management enables strategic planning and instant decision making to visualize large amount of data.
TransformingTransport (TT) demonstrated how Big Data can be used to improve mobility and logistics services by improving operational efficiency, delivering better customer experience, and fostering new business models. Big data have a significant impact on the economy and society in the mobility and logistics sector. Big data is expected to bring value of US $ 500 billion worldwide in the form of time and fuel savings and 380 megatons of CO2 savings in mobility and logistics. Freight transport activity is projected to increase by 40% in 2030, transforming current mobility. Significant streamlining of the logistics process will have a significant impact.
ICONET created a new networked architecture for interconnected logistics hubs that will allow for more efficient and customer-friendly shipping by using information-centric networking principles. According to this goal, cargo that is considered a smart physical packet is based on the cargo's "content" that impacts key commercial obligations such as cost, optimization, routing, efficiency, and promotion of the EU's green agenda. As a result, the consortium specifically consists of (a) warehousing as a service, (b) fulfilling e-commerce as a service, and (c) synchro modality as a service.
The project explored the use of PI-based logistic configurations in simulation, prototyping, and validation. With analysis and simulation, optimal topologies and distribution policies for PI were determined. The implementation of the project was based on a sequence of stages of modeling and design/prototyping, learning and experimentation, feedback, and interaction with the wider business community, including the ALICE logistics platform, as well as with members of other partner associations.
Transmetrics developed a new product designed for midsize businesses that help predict asset management and forecasting optimization. The platform makes it easy to scale and speed up the sales process. Transmetrics is a next-generation product that brings significant efficiency improvements to mid-sized logistics companies, which make up a significant portion of the transport industry. In the shipping industry, the storage and movement of empty containers is a costly and energy-intensive process, which also contributes to CO2 emissions. The need to track daily cargo demand and forecast potential variations due to holidays, extreme weather conditions, market fluctuations, and other factors is critical. An AI-based tool will help operators reduce carbon emissions and costs by improving efficiency.
SYNCHRO-NET is a powerful and innovative modal supply chain eco-NET that promotes the adoption of slow steam concepts and synchro modality to relieve supply chain stress and reduce emissions and costs cost-effectively. It provides a highly robust solution to improve the reliability and service level of logistics users for logistics operations. At the core of the SYNCHRO-NET solution is an integrated optimization and simulation approach that incorporates: real-time synchro modal logistics optimization (e-Freight compatible), simulation and control system for decelerated vessels, synchronized modal risk/benefit analysis statistical modeling and a dynamic stakeholder impact assessment solution.
EURIDICE is an information services platform that improves the logistics, business processes, and public policy aspects of freight transportation by combining services at different levels. The EURIDICE platform allows users to combine services from different entities, as well as to explore a variety of contexts in order to find the best possible service for any given task. This is done by using advanced technologies, such as service-oriented architectures and mobile technologies. Additionally, the platform utilizes semantic web and domain ontologies to automatically identify services and dependencies. The cargo is located in a highly secure location, with a number of intelligent agents deployed to optimize its distribution and ensure its safety. If there are any abnormalities or threats detected, the agents alert the appropriate personnel for decision making. The EURIDICE platform provides a variety of private and public sector organizations with real-time "bottom-up" monitoring of goods, logistics services providers with synchronization of schedules across multi-modal routes, public authorities for automated security and public safety control, infrastructures for emergency management, and congestion prevention.
SUPPORT worked with representatives from various stakeholders in order to develop next-generation security solutions for ports throughout Europe. Thus, benefiting both the ports themselves and the wider community, by preventing illegal immigration and trafficking of drugs, weapons, and illicit substances. SUPPORT delivered public formal specifications and open standards-based tools that can be utilized to upgrade security at EU ports. The importance of port security is clear, as any disruptions could lead to serious life-threatening consequences, as well as huge economic losses. The challenges of port security are due to the complex nature of maritime traffic and the lack of efficient connections between ports and other government agencies, such as the police and transportation logistics operators.
SMART_CM focuses on advanced technology research and implementation that would work towards overhauling the entire container transport system. They have developed new concepts for processes and technologies that can be implemented in a set of world-scale demonstrators covering different supply chain corridors. SMART_CM aims to foster co-operation between businesses in the transport of containers, in order to improve security. It developed custom security solutions for business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) containers. The solutions are compliant with international Customs operations. The project developed a neutral service platform for secure and interoperable data communications. Allowing thus, different actors in the container industry to communicate with each other more easily and efficiently. In the framework of the project, advanced applications that can help operators manage their containers more dynamically and effectively were also established.
B2B-ECOM developed content for intelligent catalogues that help electrical equipment component manufacturers, and their supply chain partners connect with their customers, including major players who serve smaller businesses. B2B-ECOM established a framework that helps organizations interoperate and reuse applications and services. B2B-ECOM is aligned with EU standards.B2B-ECOM helps businesses to connect with each other more closely, so that they can work together to improve the customer experience, feedback and services. It offers catalogues and online services designed specifically for small businesses, which revolutionize engineering.
INTEGRITY validated targeted and verifiable benefits through real operational business and customs operations in door-to-door supply chains in the main trade corridor of China to the EU through the ports of Yantian, Rotterdam and Felixstowe, using all modes of transport within the EU to various countries. A safe and efficient intermodal transport system is a common goal of all relevant stakeholders in the supply chain. INTEGRITY balances these challenges, connecting all elements of the supply chain through accurate, reliable, timely, value-added tracking and status data, enhancing trade facilitation through the use of high-quality, neutral, sophisticated equipment, including seaport scanning equipment, for all legitimate interest groups, large or small. In the framework of this project, procedures and technologies that will allow for supply chain visibility, security, and predictability were developed.
E-FREIGHT addressed 1. the difficulties that arise in trade between countries in Europe due to the logistics chains being disconnected. It also accelerates the development of EU and National Single Windows, to streamline transportation and freight reporting to authorities, in the context of joint modal transportation. In addition, safety and security issues improve the development of preventative and corrective measures and security capabilities of freight transport networks, especially to establish efficient cooperation between authorities and transport personnel to protect the environment, 2. the optimization of road, rail, and water transportation resources for coordination which require improved ways for transport stakeholders to establish cooperation and integrate processes. E-Freight introduced the Information Highway for Co-modality to establish a common end-to-end transportation process that incorporates regulatory compliance and "intelligent" monitoring and control and 3. non centralized networks, which are prevalent in transportation services, coordination is achieved through the formal structure of the network and central communications. The move to a much more open environment to achieve co-modality goals relies on transport service providers to publish their services on the Internet in an easy-to-use way with independent web-based transport management systems.