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The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly drastic worldwide. One contributing factor is the relentlessly growing volume of freight traffic on the roads. This article by Lisa Reitz shows how digitalization can help companies make their transport processes more climate- and environmentally friendly, while also being more efficient. The effort required is relatively low in both monetary and time terms and paves the way for a more sustainable future while simultaneously increasing competitiveness.
By Lisa Reitz
(Dortmund) Years ago, the government set the goal of reducing nationwide greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. But to what extent is this ambitious plan succeeding? The figures from the Federal Environment Agency are sobering: While cars and trucks today emit less CO2 than they did 25 years ago, the absolute carbon dioxide emissions in this sector are now 21 percent higher due to increased traffic performance and, consequently, more trucks on the roads.
This development cannot be compensated for by improved fuel quality, alternative drives, or new hydrogen-based technologies. The necessary increased shift of freight transport to the more environmentally friendly rail transport is also not taking off to the desired or required extent. But is it really essential to keep the so-called “Big Picture” in mind? Even smaller steps often show more impact than expected. With the help of digitalization, this is quite simple, as it has great potential to make a significant contribution to climate protection in the transport sector.
Smart Software Solutions for Connected Order Communication
Platforms play an important role in this context. The primary focus is on optimizing the planning and control of transports based on digitized processes – with sustainability and efficiency in mind. Here, especially modern, mature logistics platforms for connected order processing and communication have the decisive advantage of being able to flexibly and barrier-free integrate entire partner networks. They enable real-time process monitoring and adjustments at the operational level in case of deviations. This also implies an efficient design of resource utilization.
There are already cloud-based software solutions that meet the conceptual idea of an open ecosystem in practice – such as catkin. This platform, provided by the eponymous provider, is accessible to logistics service providers, freight forwarders, and shippers, allowing them to operate interconnectedly within the framework of order processing. As a result, relevant information can be communicated and shared quickly and securely, in real-time. Additionally, truck drivers, other mobile personnel, dispatchers, and customers are involved in the dialogue.
Agility, Resilience, and Resource Efficiency – No Contradiction
Ultimately, it is about creating continuous transparency and not only collecting and preserving data but using it efficiently. Users and stakeholders benefit in many ways: Transport processes can be planned better and are executed faster, more cost-effectively, and with less resource consumption. The possibility of software-supported shipment consolidation is not only sensible from an economic perspective. Multiple trips, which are often common in a half-loaded state, are minimized, as are empty trips. Thus, when broken down to the loading units, energy consumption and the emission of climate- and environmentally harmful carbon dioxide emissions are significantly reduced.
Moreover, the ability to respond much faster and more purposefully to changes along the supply chain should not be underestimated. Just think of the lockdowns due to COVID-19 in the past two years or the grounding of a container ship in the Suez Canal. Supply chains had to be redirected, and transport capacities adjusted simultaneously – a stress test not only for shippers and dispatchers but ultimately also for the climate. Even in such situations, which will likely occur more frequently in the future, digitalization and automation based on connected platforms according to the principle of Transport Logistics 4.0 help. Users always have the entire supply chain in view and are continuously responsive, even when unexpected structural problems arise. The investment required is relatively low, while the effect in terms of sustainability, which goes hand in hand with a balance of ecology and economy, is all the greater.
Complementing Potentials in Combined Transport (KV)
Another way to act more sustainably not only in times of crisis but also in the long term is to increasingly involve rail freight transport – keyword Combined Transport (KV). Rail transport is known to be significantly more environmentally friendly than truck transport and helps to prevent the impending traffic collapse on the roads. It is essential to optimally link all available transport modes. The planning required for efficient control is automated and simplified by the cloud-based forwarding software cTRANS from Dortmund’s catkin GmbH, specifically tailored to Combined Transport. The clever part: The integrated rail booking module allows rail freight transports to be created directly and reported in real-time to the railway companies (EVU) via an interface. Thus, rail booking services no longer need to be procured through cumbersome email traffic but can be directly integrated into the planning process digitally. This significantly lowers the entry barriers to rail booking, enabling customers to increasingly utilize these transport routes.
Implementing and Demanding Sustainability Stringently
To ensure that “sustainability” does not become a buzzword, it is crucial to anchor the topic in the business strategy and to rally all employees around it. The same applies to digitalization. A platform-based ecosystem in transport logistics is only successful if it is supported by everyone with great commitment. Apps in conjunction with mobile work make such applications particularly attractive for mobile workers – and thus also for the employer who uses such an ecosystem. Speaking of strategy: There are plenty of platform providers. But how are they positioned? Do they not only offer solutions that make transport logistics “greener” but also live the sustainability concept within their own organization? Companies that prioritize consistency and expect both from their partners should also consider to what extent their data is not only secure but also climate-friendly hosted.
This also brings the operators of data centers and their activities regarding increased sustainability and climate efficiency into focus for assessment and evaluation. Because massive energy is required there. The use of green electricity consisting of 100 percent renewable energy should not only be an option in data centers but a reality. Ideally, the provider also relies on a cold-hot aisle concept that prevents the outflow of warm air caused by servers into cooled areas. This guarantees not only maximum security for business data, which may arise when using catkin and/or cTRANS, but also a responsible corporate-wide handling of finite resources.
Digitally Adjusting and Collaboratively Addressing Challenges
Aside from this small but certainly not insignificant excursion, there are numerous levers that transport logisticians can use to make a significant contribution to climate and environmental protection without having to invest in expensive capital goods, such as electric or hydrogen-powered tractors. While these reduce CO2 emissions, they do not (yet) compensate for the increased transport volume on the roads. The digitalization of order processing is significantly more cost-effective. The possibilities of Combined Transport should also be increasingly considered. Tailored software solutions or portals for connected work, such as catkin, are available. The entry is possible with just a few clicks, independent of space and time, thanks to open interfaces. Thus, the entry barriers are remarkably low.
Lisa Reitz is the Marketing Manager at the Dortmund logistics software company catkin. She is particularly interested in the area of Combined Transport and enjoys focusing on the positive influences of new innovative logistics technologies. In her articles, she primarily addresses the questions of what logistics of the future might look like, what advantages digitalization offers, and how companies can leverage these advantages.
