A systematic literature review on physical internet containers : Empirical evidence and research opportunities

The Physical Internet is an emerging concept that seeks to improve the efficiency and sustainability of global logistics by creating a network under a common structure. Containers are a key tool for implementing this concept, as they enable the efficient and secure transport of goods along standardized hubs. This systematic literature review aims to identify and analyze existing research on the use of containers in the Physical Internet and their contributions to the efficiency and sustainability of global logistics. This review emphasizes the growing significance and empirical evidence supporting the usefulness and benefits of adopting container systems, including improved cargo optimization, logistics operations, and the sustainability of the logistics network. To solve difficulties like standardization, cost implementation, privacy, and integration of technology, more study is required. Regarding the methodology used, first a qualitative study of the articles is made, which will allow us to have a vision of the evolution that has taken place in recent years. Next, a study of the findings and conclusions will be made, which will allow for the classification of the research approaches and contributions. By giving a thorough overview, it provides insightful information for supply chain management, logistics, and other professionals. Furthermore, limitations and unanswered questions will be discussed in order to guide future studies with the identified research opportunities, emphasizing areas that need attention to progress this field’s research. In the last instance, these gaps offer chances to improve our comprehension and use of containers in the supply chain networ

5G enabled Freeports:A conceptual framework

A novel conceptual framework is developed that depicts a generic Freeport model underpinned by 5G technology. The framework is based on preliminary findings from a 5G testbed project and secondary 5G use cases from both practice and academic literature. We first provide a descriptive model of the current state of a port without 5G and Freeport status, identify the challenges and opportunities for logistics flows if Freeport status is attained and then prescribe how 5G may enable seamless logistics flows. With multiple challenges for ports generally, Freeport status increases the level of complexity of the core and support business processes that deliver goods from origin to destination. Despite that increased complexity, Freeports can attract investment and generate revenue, thus the enablement of Freeports is notionally beneficial in the long run. As complexity is anathema to smooth logistics flows, we develop a prescriptive model to exploit 5G to improve efficiency and effectiveness within a Freeport. We demonstrate the application of the prescriptive model with a 5G Freeport use case supported by simulation results, from which we aim to contribute to the overall adoption of 5G in Freeports

A Review of Blockchain Technology Implementation in Shipping Industry

This article presents a comprehensive review of the current and rising trends of blockchain technology usage in shipping industry. The definition and features of blockchain technology are provided, as well as the potential usage of blockchain technology in various areas (financial services, Internet of Things, medicine, government, etc.), in order to better understand its complexity and application. Furthermore, the major challenges of blockchain technology are shown, and the most prominent examples of blockchain applications in shipping industry are provided. The application and advantages of blockchain technology in seaports are demonstrated through several examples

Improving the seaport service quality by implementing digital technologies

The process of digitalization i.e. implementation of digital technologies is widely present in the seaports. Digitalization encourages seaports to adjust and implement digital technologies in providing their services, while constantly striving to stay efficient, profitable and competitive. The implementation of digital technologies results in altered perspective of seaport service quality. Since seaport service quality is not prescribed and strictly defined, the importance of digitalization should be taken into consideration, which includes redefining the seaport service quality factors. Worlds’ leading seaports, especially leading European seaports, recognized the possibilities of digital technologies in providing quality seaport services and are investing in their implementation. In this paper, seaport service quality is analysed in the context of digitalization i.e. the implementation of digital technologies. The purpose of this paper is to define the quality factors and opportunities for improving seaport service quality based on the analysis of digital technologies implemented in seaports

Smart ports: towards a high performance, increased productivity, and a better environment

Ports are currently competing fiercely for capital and global investments in order to improve revenues, mostly by improving performance and lowering labor costs. Smart ports are a fantastic approach to realize these elements since they integrate information and communication technologies within smart applications, ultimately contributing to port management improvement. This leads to greater performance and lower operational expenses. As a result, several ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America have gone smart. However, there are a lot of critical factors to consider when automating port operations, such as greenhouse gas emissions, which have reached alarming proportions. The purpose of this study is to define the most essential tasks conducted by smart ports, such as the smart ship industry, smart gantry and quayside container cranes, transport automation, smart containers, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, it gives a model of the smart port concept and highlights the critical current technologies on which the ports are based. Each technology’s most significant contributions to its development are noted. This technology is compared to more traditional technologies. It is hoped that this effort would pique the curiosity of fresh researchers in this sector

An architecture for reliable transportation of delicate goods

Adequate conditions are critical to avoiding damage or degradation of products during transportation, especially in the case of delicate goods like food products, live animals, precision machinery or art items, among others. The damages are not always readily identified: sometimes they are only detected several days or weeks after the merchandise has been delivered. Moreover, it may be hard to assess if the problems resulted from the transport conditions, and it may be even harder to prove it, making it difficult to determine and assign responsibilities. Also, transport is a global business, typically involving different companies and means (truck, train, plane, ship, …). Usually, customers hire the service to a single commercial entity, but the service is performed by several companies, like transporters, stockists and dispatchers. To know whether the transport requirements are fulfilled or not is thus essential to assessing responsibilities and encouraging compliance by all the players in the process. In this paper, the authors propose an architecture that allows certifying, in an exempt manner, the conditions under which the transport of sensitive goods are carried out. In case of compliance, it protects the entities of the transport chain and ensures the customer that the merchandise has not been subject to conditions that may have affected its integrity or quality. If problems are detected, it allows to identify the non‐compliant players and to assign responsibilities. The solution is based on ultra‐low‐power, low‐cost devices (equipped with several sensors, a real‐time clock, and Bluetooth Low Energy services), a mobile application and several cloud services (including a Coordinated Universal Time service)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Industry 4.0 technologies within the logistics sector: the key role of innovative start-ups

The goal of the study is to analyze the 4.0 innovation in the logistics sector. First, it is provided a view of Industry 4.0 technologies, followed by a focus on Logistics 4.0 technologies as theoretical background. Then, through a patent analysis, the study analyzes in details the logistics sector in order to pursue and to demonstrate where is the origin of innovation in the sector

Applications of AI, IoT, and Cloud Computing in Smart Transportation: A Review

Smart transportation systems have emerged as a promising solution for improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transportation. The integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cloud Computing has enabled the development of intelligent transportation systems that can optimize traffic flow, enhance driver safety, and reduce transportation costs. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to explore the applications of AI, IoT, and Cloud Computing in smart transportation systems. Our findings indicate that AI can be used for autonomous vehicles, traffic management, predictive maintenance, driver assistance, and demand forecasting. IoT can enable connected vehicles, real-time fleet management, smart parking, traffic monitoring, and remote diagnostics. Cloud Computing can facilitate vehicle-to-cloud communication, scalable infrastructure, data analytics, mobility-as-a-service, and predictive maintenance. The integration of these technologies can result in a comprehensive smart transportation system that can improve the overall efficiency of transportation systems. Our study provides insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers on the potential applications of AI, IoT, and Cloud Computing in smart transportation systems

Performance evaluation of a tracking system for intermodal traffic: an experimentation in the Tyrrhenian area

Monitoring shipments along intermodal chains is crucial to ensuring the fast, reliable and secure transport of goods. In this regard, the paper describes the results of a real-life tracking experimentation carried out in June 2018 in the Tyrrhenian area with a twofold objective: 1) to evaluate the performance of a state-of-art tracking system to effectively monitor Ro-Ro freight units moving along intermodal chains; 2) to get an objective view of the intermodal chains currently connecting the two main Italian islands to the mainland. The experimentation was performed by means of a tracking device using the GSM network for data connection and geographical position detection. In addition, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) data were used to improve positioning during navigation. Quantitative analyses carried out on the recorded tracking data revealed that a significant share of the total transport time of the monitored transport chains is unproductive time that goods spend waiting at the port and logistics nodes. From a technical point of view, the experimentation raised several problems of the tracking technology employed vis-à-vis real-time tracking, continuous monitoring, signal coverage and positioning accuracy. A discussion of the main detected limitations is provided in the paper along with some possible solutions to overcome them