In the future, DB Schenker will connect and analyze the data of its entire supply chain from warehouse to goods transport. An IoT ("Internet of Things")-platform for all data points will provide customers with real-time transparency of their entire ordering and delivery process. In addition to tracking a consignment in real time, this will improve the efficiency of route planning and increase the safety and quality of goods transport.
DB Schenker is looking for start-up partners at the Paris innovation trade fair Vivatech to collaborate in the development of the corresponding IoT architecture and develop new business models on the basis of the networked data obtained.
"Data has now become an essential component of the logistics business," says Markus Sontheimer, Chief IT & Digitalization Officer of DB Schenker, regarding the start-up challenge in Paris. "We are therefore consistently focusing on new technologies such as Blockchain and Internet of Things in order to further improve the quality and convenience of our logistics services and perhaps be able to offer completely new services in the future".
With regard to the Internet of Things (IoT), DB Schenker intends to equip classic logistics infrastructure such as freight containers, trucks or department stores with the appropriate sensor technology. In the future, this will be used in order to systematically record all data points of a logistics shipment such as position, temperature, humidity, incidence of light or vibration. All data is to be bundled centrally via a separate IoT platform. DB Schenker is implementing the next step in its digitalization strategy through a cooperation with start-ups, in order to set new digital standards in global logistics through the integration of innovative partners and the use of many years of logistics experience.
Vivatech will take place this year from May 16-18 in Paris. Start-ups and managers from all over the world will meet there to present and test innovations. A total of over 100,000 visitors from 125 countries, 9,000 startups and 1,900 investors and journalists are expected.
