Marcel Huschebeck
A few weeks ago we interviewed Marcel Huschebeck, coordinator of CLUSTER 2.0, from PTV group, who discussed the changes in the world of logistics, the project’s ambitions and expectations, and also in which ways it differs from other projects.
To begin with, it is necessary to define what a logistic cluster is: an agglomeration of several types of firms and operations: logistics service providers (transportation, 3PL), logistics operations (such as warehousing) and linked logistics industries (for example, ICT).
Well established clusters allow each member to benefit “as if it had a greater scale”, and that is what CLUSTERS 2.0 is all about.
Regarding the problems and ambitions faced by the project, Huschebek highlighted the advances in collaborative logistics at all levels: supply chain collaboration and collaboration within and across logistics clusters. How will it do that? By applying core elements from Physical Internet: modularisation and asset sharing. Collaboration, digitalisation and sustainability are the main concepts, which will lead the way of future logistics.
The main results expected from CLUSTERS 2.0 are three: to achieve advances in the implementation of CargoStream, a shippers driven Data Collaboration Platform; to implement a Cluster community System comparable to port community systems among co-operating cluster partners; and to develop a transport New Modular Loading Unit (NMLU) towards a standard for transport shipment.
Huschebeck believes the key differences with other projects is that CLUSTERS 2.0 is considered as a follow up of MODULUSHCA having the exploitation of “low hanging fruits” of the Physical Internet. CLUSTERS 2.0 follows the vision to transport shipments in open interconnected logistics networks using shared hubs, assets and loading units. For that, it will implement three Living Labs: on Symbiotic network of logistic clusters (CargoStream); Proximity terminal network and cluster community system; and innovation cluster handling technology (NMLU) to develop and boost core developments towards the Physical Internet vision and asses the benefits on business and societal level.
The new markets and services that will drive the advances in logistics are not far away: when the project is finished, it will mean for all its members simplified trust creation, tacit exchange of knowledge, collaboration incubation and R&D and supplier’s attraction.
