OrGoLo

Organizational innovations with good governance in logistics networks

Development of a choice model for transport modes as part of the supply chain configurator (DST contribution to the joint project)

Background:

• In view of the capacity problems already existing in the road and rail modes of transport and the continuing significant increase in freight transport volumes in the future, the free capacities of the waterway should be used more intensively (relieving the burden on road and rail).
• To this purpose, it is necessary to create a better information basis among decision-makers (shippers, forwarders) about the performance and reliability of inland navigation.
• The relatively good environmental characteristics of inland waterways and rail should also be taken into account in future transport decisions.
• As an instrument for decision-making, all essential decision criteria should be included in a mode choice model.

The objectives are:

• Increasing the reliability of procurement and distribution networks by optimizing the use of available capacities in the respective modes of transport (especially in inland waterway transport and partly also in rail transport)
• Reduction of reluctance on the side of decision-makers with regard to intermodal transports due to their greater complexity and the resulting lower transparency

Key requirements are:

• Integration of all relevant modes of transport into a uniform model.
• Comprehensive information of the decision makers about the different transport alternatives and their relevant parameters, such as cost structures, availabilities (transport connections, trip frequency) as well as transport speeds

Among others, the project results can be used for the following purposes:

• in the context of other research projects, where e.g. comparisons of transport modes are carried out,
• as input in support of political decisions (e.g. expert reports / consulting on infrastructure projects),
• for the neutral, problem-oriented information of operational decision-makers about the possibilities of inland navigation and rail in the implementation of intermodal transports.

The EffizienzCluster LogistikRuhr consists of an association of 120 companies and 11 educational and research institutions. This strong mantle makes it possible to carry out Germany’s largest research project in the field of logistics. All partners follow the ambitious goals of conserving resources and the environment, preserving individuality and securing urban supply. The results of the 30 collaborative projects carried out are intended to make the logistics of tomorrow greener and more modern. The Metropole Ruhr will thus become a new center of innovative logistics systems and bundled competencies.