DXI: New Service Provider for Data Exchange in Combined Transport

DXI is the new company for the use of a data hub that connects all players in combined transport data-wise for the first time. Shareholders include the combined operators Hupac and Kombiverkehr, the transport companies Hoyer and Paneuropa, the railway company Lokomotion, and the combined terminal Ludwigshafen.

(Frankfurt am Main) The company, founded at the end of June 2022, emerged from the research project “Digitalization of Intermodal Supply Chains – KV4.0,” which created a cross-system data platform for combined transport from 2017 to 2021. DXI GmbH now aims to further develop the system and enable all players in the intermodal transport chain to access the data hub. The managing directors are Christoph Büchner, Head of IT at Kombiverkehr, and Aldo Puglisi, Head of Digitalization at Hupac.

The future customer base includes freight forwarders and combined transport operators, terminals, and railway companies. “With the help of the DXI Hub, freight forwarders can exchange all data of their intermodal transports between the combined operators and their own systems, including railway and terminal data,” explains Aldo Puglisi. The system is based on the #EDIGES data exchange standard and allows access to schedules, bookings, terminal status, train journeys, as well as pre- and post-hauls on the road. Data exchange occurs in real-time and barrier-free, but always within an authorized distribution circle.

With the one-time technical connection to the data hub, data exchange with the respective involved intermodal companies is enabled. For example, schedule data, tracking data, or bookings from their own IT application will also be made visible to other participants in the future. “An open data approach that brings benefits to all involved players,” says Christoph Büchner. By having timely knowledge of the anticipated shipment volume, the planning of terminal slots is improved. Railway companies can allocate locomotives and drivers more flexibly when they are aware of delays. Truck arrivals and departures at the terminal can be optimized through advance information. “Ultimately, data transparency leads to higher reliability and productivity, and thus also to greater customer satisfaction,” say the DXI managing directors.

Photo: © DX Intermodal