The European Union is developing a common data platform for logistics within its Fenix (FEderated Network of Information eXchange in Logistics) project, using Deutsche Telekom’s data intelligence hub.

The data network links all logistics partners within the EU and connects supply chains, flows of goods and modes of transport, reducing bottlenecks in the logistical supply for EU member states. The common platform simplifies the exchange of information across European borders while protecting the environment.

Fenix is a European funded project. It links certain pilot regions and transport corridors and, for this purpose, relies on the process know-how of T-Systems. The Deutsche Telekom subsidiary was already involved in the predecessor project Aoelix, which developed the framework for a digital ecosystem and a Europe-wide platform for the exchange of information.

An important component of Fenix is the Deutsche Telekom data intelligence hub, which enables secure, encrypted and direct data exchange across national borders. As a neutral hub for data, it brings together the various logistics IT systems on a common platform.

By harmonising transport, Fenix can increase freight capacities. At the same time, the position of the EU market compared with other markets is strengthened. By establishing container based carbon footprint services for logistics stakeholders, Fenix will give strategic advice to freight operators on how to reduce fuel and greenhouse gas emissions in the most efficient way by using trip based data sets.

As in a virtual market, logistics companies provide information from their own systems to others via the hub. Standards and connectors ensure the necessary interoperability. Data traffic is handled directly and exclusively between data-providing companies and their partners in end-to-end encryption. External or central data storage is not required.

Companies retain full control over their data and can control at any time to whom, which kind and to what extent data are passed on. The hub was developed in cooperation with the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA).

“Estimated time of arrival, ETA, is the most important information in logistics,” said Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of T-Systems. “It influences all processes, prices, the attractiveness of companies and entire markets. Freight documents must be accessible to all parties at a central location. At the same time, in order to protect sensitive data and the company’s own business models, they may only be released to certain partners in a controlled manner. The Telekom data intelligence hub is a critical success factor for this.”

Until the end of March 2022, T-Systems will implement and test the intended scenarios with the hub in the Fenix project.

Fenix facilitates the planning and operation of supply chains in selected European transport corridors. Thanks to this European funded programme, all partners involved can cooperate more closely across borders, better control transport routes and adapt them dynamically, also thanks to cloud and plug-and-play technologies.

Seaports and airports, manufacturing companies and logistics providers gain transparency through real-time information and enter or request the calculated arrival times of freight via standardised interfaces. Logistics companies can integrate their own systems and get access to software and tools from the cloud. Fenix thus enables freight transport with several modes of transport within the framework of EU directives.

The project aims not only to provide arrival times, but also to digitise customs systems and monitor CO₂ emissions.