The 4-corner model as a synchromodal and digital twin enabler in the transportation sector

Delivering information timely across the logistics network is a challenge considering the diversity of entities, technologies, IT maturity and legislation. A way to overcome those challenges is to bring all the parties to a common level by providing technology able to fast and easily connect every system and a common language to allow efficient communication between logistics stakeholders. When we apply the Synchromodality and the Digital twin concepts to logistics, significant improvements can be achieved. Shippers and Integrators can act more precisely, deciding in any step of the global operation by what mode should be selected or combined and following the strict regulations and issuing the mandatory documents timely to avoid bottlenecks. This work produced one real business scenario where the 4-corner model technology-based solution enables synchromodality across the logistics network of one industry unit and its providers and the Digital twin for the process and the VGM (Verified Gross Mass) formality documents. As a solution to this scenario we propose collaboration networks between logistics stakeholders that provide interoperable, low-cost, reliable and secure data exchange, without requiring significant IT developments. To this purpose we studied and developed a demonstrator and tested our solution that consists of the adoption of the 4-corner model as described by Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) eDelivery using access points and the adoption of the standard e-Freight to exchange data over the collaboration network. The widespread use of this solution will increase global efficiency, make the inclusion of every client and provider regardless of resources available, and avoid imponderables in the logistics network.