Cloud computing for a dynamic and synchromodal container consolidation

Abstract

Since the container became the driver of change in worldwide freight transport, the optimal utilization of container capacities has become a key challenge of the supply chain management. Often, fragments of customer orders arrive at their destination via different, sub-optimal routes which impose increased delivery times, costs and CO 2 emissions to the global supply chain. A barrier to efficient container consolidation at port terminals is the reduced visibility and limited information exchange between stakeholders on real-time location and status of a container and its contents. This is due to a multitude of reasons: the lack of a common standard for information exchange, competition matters, absence of trusted service providers collecting data, information shared on a next carrier basis without disseminating information to the rest of the stakeholders. In addition, multimodal transport involves many carriers until the goods reach their final destination. Well-defined trigger points regarding cargo will allow for better monitoring of shipments and the introduction of KPIs for route evaluation and carrier performance. This work proposes a cloud-based information portal as an ICT enabling technology used by supply chain stakeholders; the latter will use this portal to feed it with real-time information from existing platforms so that a better visibility for all parties is enabled. This portal will permit better visibility for end-customers, promote standardization of logistics processes, offer an increased profitability for cloud services providers, improve their activities expansion and accelerate customs related process handling.