Our research project “DataKV” sought to answer this question! We used qualitative interview studies to investigate the requirements and potential for the development of a digital data space in Hesse. The aim? To promote the exchange of information and the efficiency of processes in and around combined transport terminals.

Why is this important? Combined road/rail freight transport is key to achieving the climate targets in the transport sector. With the rapid growth in freight transport, the demands on infrastructure and the efficiency of operational processes are also increasing. Terminals in particular, which serve as hubs between road and rail, are currently a bottleneck. This is where we come in: improved information exchange can make the entire transport chain more efficient.

The project results show that a digital data room at CT terminals has the potential to significantly improve the exchange of information. An ideal data room would cover the entire transport chain, increase system compatibility and information security and enable functions such as live tracking and automation. To achieve this, it is important to promote dialogue in the industry and to drive digitization, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises, through government programs to remove barriers to information exchange. Improved information sharing could help players to react more quickly to changes, optimize their planning and reduce manual effort.

Special thanks go to our project partner catkin, our associated partners Contargo Rhein-Main GmbH, TFG Transfracht GmbH, NP Transport & Logistik GmbH and AI Quality & Testing Hub GmbH for their excellent cooperation and to the Hessian Ministry of Economics for its research funding.

The project has shown how digitalization and smart data exchange can shape the future of combined transport.