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Multimodal information sharing for more efficient logistics chains

Friday, April 13, 2018

Increased sharing of information and data between different players and types of transportation in industrial transportation flows is expected to greatly impact the aim of further streamlining the logistics operations Sharing logistics data creates opportunities for greater capacity utilization, which can reduce costs and lower the environmental impact of transportation.

These objectives are the underlying reason for initiating the ongoing feasibility study led by CLOSER – Multimodal Information Sharing. The study is being conducted by applying a bottom-up approach whereby two specific transportation flows were analyzed based on current information flows from manufacturing to recipient, exported through Gävle Port. The goods owners driving the flows are Sandvik AB and SSAB that currently use a combination of road, rail and sea transport to distribute their goods to the global market.

The analysis identified gaps in information sharing between the players involved in supporting Sandvik and SSAB in their exports. To fill these information gaps, a prototype for an open system platform is being produced to facilitate the sharing of relevant and correct data between all stakeholders in the logistics chain.

A potential dead-breaker that could restrict the future development and implementation of an information sharing service is finding a successful business model. The aims of the business model must seek to generate profit for all stakeholders, while also covering development costs, not to mention costs for operating the service.

Discussing and finding answers to whether a possible business model exists that meets the requirements of all players involved was the aim of the workshop held on April 5 in Gävle. The workshop, attended by representatives by the majority of relevant stakeholders for the two analyzed logistics flows, discussed today’s frustration with the lack of information and how new technology and better cooperation can relieve and support more efficient future flows.

The project, financed by the government’s innovation partnership program under the “next generation’s travel and transport” program, is being carried out between December 2017 and August 2018. Project participants are Sandvik AB, Ericsson AB, the Swedish Transport Administration, the Swedish Maritime Administration, RISE and CLOSER. SSAB and Gävle Port are also reference partners in the project.