Foliated Transportation Networks

Paper in proceeding, 2006

By using current information technology to identify the goods and thereafter redesign the transportation network, combining distribution strategies, possibilities for efficient transportation of goods arise. This paper describes and analyses a mixed transportation concept, the foliated transportation network, and the possibilities and restrictions that apply. The first part of the paper describes the theoretical background and previous research. The second part is a case study of a European transportation company, analysing the possibilities that arise from using a mixed transportation strategy and how this will affect the operations and outcomes of the activities of the company. The purpose of foliated transport systems is to efficiently handle goods in a distribution system in order to maintain high customer service at the same time as the movement of goods is made more efficient. Identification technologies and sharing of information are key components of the strategy. In the paper we argue that by integrating and using the characteristics of the goods as an active parameter in the goods-handling processes, transportation can indeed be made more efficient while maintaining customer service.