Smart Logistic Grids

Adaptable multimodal logistics networks through integrated logistics planning and control Realization of a supply chain operations room and a supply chain event cloud for real-time risk management

The increasing activities of companies in the globally networked procurement, production and sales markets are leading to growing complexity on the one hand and greater susceptibility to disruptions in logistics networks on the other. In this context, unforeseeable disruptions, such as the failure of a mode of transport, cause response times to become longer, while at the same time customers' demands on delivery service and delivery time are steadily increasing.

In the research project "Smart Logistic Grids", the Chair of Logistics at the Technische Universität Berlin is developing an integrated model for strategic, tactical and operational logistics planning and control in cooperation with partners from the manufacturing industry and logistics service providers. The overarching goal of the project includes the

1. Increasing the efficiency of the overall system
2. Improvement of robustness
3. Minimization of disturbance effects
4. Increase of resource efficiency

On the basis of improved information availability (near-real-time data acquisition of process and environmental events) and a process-related integration of all value-added partners, the actors of a logistics network are shown efficient action alternatives for coping with disruptions and risks. The focus of the research project is not only on cost aspects, but also on the consideration of ecological sustainability goals, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions in freight transport.

The overall goal of the project is to be realized through the development of the following:

1. Development of a holistic assessment approach for adaptive logistics networks and a concept for the continuous optimization of agile logistics networks.
2. Development of an integrated model of adaptive logistics networks for advanced strategic, tactical and operational logistics planning and control
3. Development of a supply chain operations room and a global supply chain event cloud to provide and process real-time information

Project sponsor:

• Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie

Collaboration partner:

• FIR e.V. an der RWTH 
• GS1 Germany GmbH 
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics GmbH & Co. KG 
• PSI Logistics GmbH (Konsortialführer) 
• TOP Mehrwert-Logistik GmbH & Co. KG 
• TU Berlin Fachgebiet Logistik 
• ZITEC Industrietechnik GmbH

Project duration: 

01.04.2013 - 31.12.2015