The Altia Control Tower® solution, which integrates with SIMPLE, has tracked the cargo from Algeciras to the Zaragoza Plaza freight terminal, owned by Adif, providing data that adds value to the transport chain.
We have successfully completed, in collaboration with Adif, a pilot project that has verified the effectiveness of the SIMPLE technological platform in the traceability of goods on rail routes.
This initiative represents the first step toward implementing freight tracking systems in the railway sector, which will significantly boost rail transport as the most sustainable alternative for moving containers.
"Until now, traceability of rail freight movements was not available to chain stakeholders, so this project with Adif and its SIMPLE platform is a very important milestone that is also aligned with the European sustainability strategy that seeks to promote rail transport for logistics."
Iago Rodríguez-Quintana · Manager of Altia Control Tower®
"This service will make it easier for customers to know the location of their merchandise at all times, know when it arrives so they can pick it up, and will help freight terminals better plan and organize their resources. Ultimately, it will facilitate greater efficiency within the multimodal transport chain."
Javier García Fortea · Commercial Deputy Director of Logistics Services at Adif
Traceability from Algeciras to Zaragoza
The pilot was carried out on a route from the port of Algeciras to the Zaragoza Plaza freight terminal , owned by Adif. The Altia Control Tower® solution, in collaboration with SIMPLE, monitored the route from the moment the cargo owner generates the rail transport order until its arrival at its destination, providing data that adds value to the transport chain.
Altia Control Tower® records complete and detailed information on every transport event that occurs along the route, as well as the time taken. The system tracks the arrival, passage, and departure of various intermediate stations , as well as the origin and destination terminals, and intermediate events related to container management at stations (train changes, track movements, etc.).
The traceability data that SIMPLE records includes the time the merchandise leaves the terminal , the route the containers take , the time they arrive at their destination, when they are unloaded and when they are received, among other things.
The project lasted seven months and also included the collaboration of Marcotran, which acted as the train contractor, and Transfesa Logistics, as the rail operator. SICSA, CSZP, and Alsa also participated as service providers at the Zaragoza Plaza terminal, the Centro Intermodal Terminal, Fesava, and the Port Authority of Algeciras. The joint collaboration of all these companies has allowed for complete control of the cargo from origin to destination.
This initiative is aligned with the national sustainability strategy called Freight by Train, which encourages large shippers to use rail for their logistics, promoting sustainable transportation.
SIMPLE, available for the entire logistics chain in 2024
The results of this pilot have demonstrated the viability of the SIMPLE platform , which will be operational in January 2024 for use by all actors in the supply chain.
SIMPLE (Simplification of Processes for a Logistic Enhancement), promoted by Adif, Puertos del Estado, and the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (Mitma), is a pioneering initiative that will enable the comprehensive digital exchange of documents, data, and information flows among all actors in the supply chain.
This technological platform will ensure interoperability between different modes and nodes of freight transport, facilitate freight management, and improve logistics competitiveness. This will contribute to reducing stocks, optimizing routes, improving processes, and reducing costs, while increasing efficiency and safety.
The platform is a strategic project that aims to place Spain at the forefront of Europe in the use of technology , harnessing the possibilities offered by digitalization to improve the efficiency and sustainability of freight transport , as promoted by the European Commission within the framework of the Digital Transport & Logistics Forum (DTLF).
Furthermore, this project is fully aligned with Mitma's Safe, Sustainable, and Connected Mobility 2030 strategy, particularly with Axis 6, and will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting decarbonization and the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly multimodal logistics chains.
