Accelerating, associating and advancing logistics chains in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area
Seamless Connections is a programme in which the
logistics sector, government and knowledge institutes
work together to implement substantive innovations in
logistics chains in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
Seamless Connections is about removing boundaries
and obstacles between partners in the supply chain,
both literally and metaphorically. ICT solutions
(digitisation) play a signifi cant role, but equally important
is updating existing rules and practices and effi cient use
of the (multimodal) infrastructure. Seamless Connections
does what its name says, and by creating seamless
connections it enables the Amsterdam Metropolitan
region to excel now and in the future in terms of speed,
safety and reliability, low costs and sustainability.
Strengthen international competitive position
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area has an excellent basis
for processing cargo fl ows from around the world. With a
unique combination of logistics hubs (Amsterdam Airport
Schiphol, the Port of Amsterdam and Aalsmeer fl ower
auction), as well as access to an extensive air, road, water,
rail and data network (Amsterdam Internet Exchange), the
region has a strong logistics proposition.
Nevertheless, economic globalisation prompts new
orientation to trade fl ows and places increasingly high
demands on the region’s performance as a logistics hub.
Continuous innovation is essential.
1 Advance
The programme connects and initiates projects
designed to reinforce existing logistics chains (via modal
shift and combining cargo fl ows).
2 Accelerate
In addition to that, Seamless Connections focuses on
making cargo fl ow handling at the hubs increasingly
faster (and safer), particularly by improving the exchange
of digital information between parties. Previous
successful projects such as eFreight, eLink and Smartgate
Cargo serve as blueprints on which to expand.
3 Associate
Finally, Seamless Connections connects the three
main logistics platforms in the Amsterdam Metropolitan
Area: airport, seaport and greenport (Aalsmeer fl ower
auction). This is done mainly using pilots that link
the various (ICT-)systems and procedures.
Programme
Seamless Connections consists of a coherent network of pilot
projects, all designed to advance, accelerate and/or associate the
in and outbound processes within logistics chains.
Logistics is one of seven key clusters designated by the
Amsterdam Economic Board. A four-year innovation pro-
gramme, ‘Smart Logistics Amsterdam’, was established
to strengthen the international competitive position of
the logistics cluster in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
Seamless Connections is the spearhead project in this
programme. Seamless Connection also refl ects the
national government’s ambition to see the Netherlands
occupy a leading international position in logistics by
2020.
airlink Optimise and accelerate in
and outbound handling processes at
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol;
futureframing Promote a mental
shift and gain insight into the core
variables of synchro-modal transport
via serious gaming (simulation, profi t
model calculation);
smarttruck Develop a ‘smart buffer
function’ for trucks with a view to
resolving congestion at the handlers’
and preventing illegal parking;
portconnect Utilise the region’s
logistics potential to the utmost by
connecting and exchanging various
(digital) information systems between
the ports;
smartstock Optimize the distribution
logistics process by making direct
deliveries from a solid supply of
containers. Port of Amsterdam as
an intelligent, value-adding port;
greenbarge Achieve an effi cient
transport of fl owers and plants between
fl ower auction Aalsmeer and European
destinations by inland shipping;
trainlanes Achieve effi cient and
uninterrupted incoming and outgoing
fl ows of products to European
destinations by rail via Amsterdam.
securelanes Create ‘undisturbed’
logistics processes by organising more
effi cient, target-oriented inspections
(without disrupting the physical chain);
fl owerlink Achieve a 10% reduction
in the transit times of fl owers to and
from the fl ower auction;
Pilot projects
Seamless Connections aims to achieve practical and
applicable results in the short term: after proving successful,
the innovations are directly integrated in existing logistics
processes.
Network of pilot projects
The power of Seamless Connections lies in the coherent network of pilot
projects. Interventions in one pilot project create the circumstances needed to
implement another pilot project. A snowball effect is created, which ultimately
results in tangible innovation and results in the entire logistics chain.
Partners
The Seamless Connections innovation programme was made possible
by combining knowledge, expertise, implementing strength and fi nancial
means available in the ‘triple helix’ of government, logistics sector and
knowledge institutes. Partners include:
Project management for
Seamless Connections is provided
by Amsterdam Connecting Trade
(ACT).
For more information
Vivianne Blommers
t +31 (0)20 666 40
www.seamlessconnections.nl www.seamlessconnections.nl www.seamlessconnections.nl www.seamlessconnections.nl
NLIP
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