Is it Possible to Manage and Plan Co-Modal Freight Transport Without a Centralised System?

The European Union has looked to develop ICT systems that are open and interoperable. Through the case study of the Freightwise research project a research gap was identified: Is it possible to manage and plan co-modal freight transport without a centralised system? The adoption of software methodology and business process mapping enables the development and the validation of the Freightwise Framework for co-modal freight transport. The Framework divides the freight transport domain into manageable sub-domains and defines the main roles that need to interact as well as the necessary interactions in between these domains. The main roles identified are: the Transport User and the Transport Service Provider, supported by the Transportation Network Manager and the Transport Regulator. The Framework also defines a generic specification of a transport service and a small set of sufficient and necessary information objects that need to be exchanged between the four main roles. This paper explores the goal, context, methodologies utilised, results and validation in multiple business cases. The paper ends with reflections on how the results may be developed and implemented. DOI: 10.4018/jal.2012040103 26 International Journal of Applied Logistics, 3(2), 25-39, April-June 2012 Copyright © 2012, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. by simplifying the interaction between stakeholders and by defining the minimum set of main roles that need to interact between the stakeholders. A reference model is developed and divided the freight transport domain into sub-domains defining the necessary interactions between them. The main reference roles are: Transport User and Transport Service Provider, supported by the Transportation Network Manager and the Transport Regulator. In addition a generic specification of a transport service (a Transport Service Description) and a small set of information objects that need to be exchanged between the four main roles were defined. Three information objects are defined between the Transport User and the Transport Service Provider: Transport Service, Transport Execution Plan and Transport Service Status. This paper explores the goal, context, methodologies utilised, results and validation in multiple business cases. The paper ends with reflections on how the Framework meets business needs and how it may be revised accordingly.