Universal middleware framework for automatic data integration used in dynamic transport operations (UMFADIDTO).

A market study of ICT solutions used in contemporary transport operations conducted within the PhD study of Valentin Carlan at the University of Antwerp shows a high heterogeneity of systems, data sources, applications and working practices. This mix leads to segregation of the logistics supply chain and hinders further optimization possibilities. In this context, there is no coordination or standardisation that ensures a straightforward approach to develop and implement cross-sector IT solutions. Additionally, based on interviews and shared experiences, gaps in current business processes are identified. Different integrative state-of-the-art solutions are currently in place, which are non-optimal, not flexible and expensive to maintain. These solutions force transport companies to lock themselves into their initial software solution, limiting any migration or integration opportunities with other third-party software. Within this, a universal middleware framework will be developed to achieve a more flexible and extended data integration of IT solutions among transport companies. The proposed framework consists of two core functions/layers, namely the data acquisition and presentation layer and the data processing and interactions layer. As a result, creating these chains of sub-systems allows designing analysis and interactions models which are able to autonomously trigger events. These chains are adaptable for each transportation company depending on their automation needs. For this , we will focus on developing two different systems in this layer, particularly an automatic safety warning information system (SWIS) and a planner's tool for fleet management (PTFM). The latter would incorporates two functionalities: a static planning tool (SPT) and a dynamic dispatching system (DDS).

Keywords:INFORMATICS, TRANSPORT ECONOMICS

Disciplines:Applied mathematics in specific fields, Automotive engineering, Transport economics