Imagine the possibility of contracting international cargo transport that is restricted to price and service requirements, giving the logistics operator the freedom to choose the modes to the final destination.
The Synchromodality concept promotes this dynamic process of logistic optimization. This is multimodality as it should work, integrating the various modes of transport available in a decision-making process that allocates the most appropriate one at any time along the route.
Video 1 – The concept of Synchromodality
Source: You Tube
TKI-Dinalog, the Netherlands Advanced Logistics Institute, has been leading this and other innovation initiatives on the European continent. This Synchromodality project addresses three major challenges:
- establish the integration of the European logistics network;
- improve the efficiency and sustainability of logistics services;
- change the mentality of shippers and logistics operators towards a holistic and synchronized multimodality approach, which introduces the concept of postponement in the decision of the transport modal to be used in each stage of the route until the last moment, allowing maximum flexibility in routing, improvement service and sustainability (eg reduction of CO2 emissions).
It is interesting to point out that Syncromodality, by increasing the degree of freedom of the logistics operator in the use of available modes, incorporates the benefit of a potentially relevant intrinsic risk management, by enabling the mitigation of impacts of uncertainties and ruptures in the Supply Chain, almost In real time.
The important thing about this project is the establishment of a vision of the future that guides the development of the necessary conditions to compose and make a common objective a reality that aims, ultimately, at the prosperity of society.
Far from it, Brazil's logistics infrastructure lacks basic prerequisites to pursue the “dream” of Syncromodality. More important than reaching the final objective would be to have it clearly defined to strategically guide the government in establishing a promising path, prioritizing and developing consistent and relevant projects for its realization.
Video 2 – See more about Synchromodality
Source: You Tube
Reference:
http://www.dinalog.nl/en/project/synchromodalit/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146516302228
