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Digitally connected logistics – the key to more efficient freight transportation systems

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Increased digitalization and internet connectivity in logistics, as well as the transition to renewable fuels for freight transportation, are the starting points for several feasibility studies that have now concluded as part of the government’s innovation partnership program for “The next generation’s travel and transport.”

The transport industry is facing two major paradigm shifts: the digitalization and connection of vehicles and infrastructure – which creates new types of solutions and services for more efficient processes in freight transportation systems and increased automation – and the transition to fossil-independent energy sources. Digitally connected logistics is key to achieving a more efficient freight transportation system, and the transition to more climate-smart energy sources for freight transportation is a prerequisite for achieving environmental and energy political goals.

This has been the background for the five feasibility studies undertaken between December 2017 and August 2018, together with the establishment of a strategic work group for Digitalized and Connected Logistics. There is great potential, but at the same time many challenges that must be addressed, which has led to this collaborative initiative based on the needs and driving forces within the business, academic and public sectors to create more efficient and sustainable supply chains.

The feasibility studies included everything from logistical arrangements for electric-powered freight vehicles and standardized interfaces for sharing digitalized information in supply chains to autonomous loading and unloading of load carriers,” says Hannes Lindkvist, Project Manager at CLOSER. “The investment has demonstrated a commitment to driving development within several areas where the long-term goal has been to move closer to implementation,” continues Hannes.

Several of the planned projects are now in the next phase, where the concept is tested and validated to establish the effects and potential estimated in the feasibility studies. At the same time, work is continuing with the strategic work groups within Digitalized and Connected Logistics that were designed and established during the spring, when new initiatives and collaborative projects were expected to arise.

We see that the established work group for strategic collaboration within Digitalization and Connected Logistics can identify needs and possibilities where collaboration helps increase transportation efficiency and to meet the changing behavior patterns and customer and consumer requirements related to increased transparency, quality and sustainability,” says Lina Olsson, Project Manager at CLOSER.

Read more about the different subprojects via the links below.

The project is part of the government’s innovation partnership program “The next generation’s travel and transport” and is funded in part by Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency, within the framework of Drive Sweden. Through this innovation partnership program, the government designates five Swedish areas of strength in which, together with our partners, we invest in the future. These programs involve new ways of traveling, residing, doing business, living, communicating, and using and preserving the world’s resources and ecosystems.

Sweden needs a more transport-efficient society, where transportation is used in a smarter way and uses more resource-efficient vehicles. The innovation partnership program “The next generation’s travel and transport” includes all means of transport and has an overarching perspective in which all modes of transportation collaborate to provide personal travel solutions and the need to transport freight. The total investment amounts to SEK 11.7 million from 28 project participants in the business, academic and public sectors.

For more information:
Hannes Lindkvist
Project Manager, CLOSER
hannes.lindkvist@lindholmen.se

Link to:
Feasibility study for digitalization of logistics chains
Logistics solutions that speed up the transition to a sustainable transport sector