Press Release
DB Schenker and NICTA
DB Schenker and NICTA forge powerful transport and logistics alliance
(Sydney, 31 May 2011) NICTA, Australia’s ICT Research Centre of Excellence, has joined forces with leading global logistics company DB Schenker to tackle the important task of improving productivity in the transport and logistics sector. To pursue these efficiencies, Schenker Australia Pty Ltd, which belongs to Schenker AG - a privately held subsidiary of Germany’s national railway company - will engage with NICTA as a partner and project collaborator in NICTA’s Future Logistics Living Lab (FLLL) in Sydney.
NICTA and DB Schenker have identified a number of potential projects which could be worthwhile undertaking together. One of the project opportunities at hand is a study of software systems architecture for logistics, with a view to expanding the relationship to address other areas of mutual interest in the future. NICTA’s expertise in ‘constraints-based optimisation’ and traditional optimisation techniques could support the development of DB Schenker’s complex fleet management, truck routing and warehousing processes. These techniques can identify cost efficiencies and potentially lead to reductions in CO2 emissions. NICTA will also assess the capacity of DB Schenker’s IT systems and their ability to support continuity of business operations.
“We are excited to be working with NICTA to review our IT systems and processes to support growing business demands with a modern IT infrastructure and architecture,” said Ron Koehler, CEO of Schenker Australia Pty Ltd. “While we are backed by a strong global network - DB Schenker is Europe’s largest rail freight and land transport operator – it is of utmost importance to us to be innovators in our local markets in Australia and New Zealand and therefore consider significant investments in our IT systems. This initial collaborative study with NICTA will help guide us with the continuing optimisation of our business strategy. Activities like capacity planning and system interoperability across the organisation are just two of the areas we will be addressing.”
NICTA’s Acting CEO Dr Phil Robertson said: “I am proud to announce this partnership with DB Schenker. The company has a strong pedigree internationally and a growing profile in the Australian logistics industry. As a major supplier to the retail industry and manufacturers of consumer electronics products and whitegoods, DB Schenker has a large and valuable supply chain which I’m certain will benefit from NICTA’s technical expertise. I look forward to supporting DB Schenker in progressively adopting and developing new technologies in their supply chain management."
Launched in February 2011, the Future Logistics Living Lab is an innovative platform and physical ICT demonstration space where industry and some of the world’s leading scientists are already working together to address industry-identified bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the transport and logistics. The state-of-the-art facility is based at NICTA’s corporate headquarters at the Australia Technology Park in Sydney. DB Schenker’s head office is in nearby Alexandria.
The NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said the NSW Government, a funding supporter of the Future Logistics Living Lab, welcomed world-class research organisation NICTA and global leader DB Schenker partnering on projects to improve industry outcomes in critical industries like freight, transport and logistics.
"It is especially exciting to see this deal being signed at CeBIT Australia, where Germany is our Partner Country this year,” Mr Stoner said.
“The freight, transport and logistics industry is estimated to account for up to 5.2 per cent of New South Wales’ Gross State Product, equivalent to $19.5 billion per annum. This industry is particularly significant for our State due to our large population and the importance of our air and sea freight ports. The NSW Government welcomes innovation and collaboration that can make vital productivity improvements in the freight, transport and logistics industry, and for this reason we are very pleased to support NICTA and the Future Logistics Living Lab in this collaboration with DB Schenker."
About NICTA
National ICT Australia Ltd (NICTA), Australia’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Research Centre of Excellence, is developing technologies which will meet the current and future needs of the community in fields which will lead to large economic, social and environmental benefits for Australia. NICTA has five laboratories around the country. Since NICTA was founded in 2002, it has created five new companies, developed a substantial technology and intellectual property portfolio and continues to supply new talent to the ICT industry through the NICTA-enhanced PhD program.
NICTA is funded by the Australian Government as represented by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and the Australian Research Council through the ICT Centre of Excellence program. In addition to federal funding NICTA is also funded and supported by the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian Governments, The Australian National University, Griffith University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and The University of Sydney.
About DB Schenker
With over 91,000 employees and more than 2,000 locations in all the world’s major economic regions, DB Schenker holds top positions in global air and ocean freight, the densest land transportation network in Europe, and the rail competence of Europe’s largest rail freight company.
Integrated Logistics at DB Schenker, with its three business segments, Land Transport, Air/Ocean Freight and Contract Logistics/SCM, is one of the world's leading logistics service providers. The business unit offers Europe-wide land transport and worldwide air and ocean freight, as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management from a single source. The unit also holds top positions in automotive, high-tech and consumer products, as well as in trade fair forwarding, special transportation and services for major sporting events.
About the Future Logistics Living Lab
The Future Logistics Living Lab has two foundation partners - enterprise software company SAP and Europe’s largest applied research organization, Fraunhofer Gesellshacht .Initial members also include well-known global brands operating in the logistic industry such as Linfox, Hamburg Süd, Casella Wines, Ericsson, GS1 Australia, and Google. See www.futurelogisticslivinglab.com.au for more information.
Last modified: 08.07.2011