Overview
In logistics, most of the research efforts of companies have been based on their own goods traffic. However, from the sustainability and accessibility perspective, more and more companies come to the conclusion that more radical changes must be brought about. In this project, the focus is on operational co-operation between companies, in concreto their bundling of cargo in new logistics infrastructure. Large opportunities are seen in new waterborne networks for optimising companies Supply Chain Management. The distrivaart project started in the food-sector, where the use of pallitised cargo is common.
The creation of moving networks (in which waterborne transport forms the connecting element) and the development of integral logistics services is central to this project. In view of the characteristics of the food-sector, the consortia will consist of producers, retailers and logistics service providers. In the supply chain of these partners the pallet is frequently used. The new-to-be formed networks will take the current Supply Chain Management structure as a basic model, but innovations are very well possible.
In the Distrivaart Phase 1 project, the formation of the required consortia will be provided. The consoria will be formed on the basis of a detailed action plan, in which the foreseen supply chain networks in phase 2 and 3 are already worked out and introduced. Phase 1 consists of 3 coherent project parts, in order to gain insight in the requirements of a balanced network. The three parts are:
- distribution networks,
- technical and economic aspects and
- communication.