Tests show KASSETTS will save SMEs money, make transport more efficient 25/10/2010 Initial tests of the KASSETTS programme demonstrated dramatic cost savings in transport for small/medium enterprises (SME). The success of KASSETTS in Poland may lead to more efficient, cheaper and greener transport for all of Europe.
Initial tests of the KASSETTS programme by pharmaceutical distributers in Poland demonstrated dramatic cost savings in transport for small/medium enterprises (SME). These trials, following two years of research and development, also prove the KASSETTS research team is ready to offer its transport solutions to companies throughout Europe, implementing an ICT network that optimises transport and logistics for SMEs. Four pharmaceutical distributers in Poznan, Poland, participated in the pilot tests, which began in May 2010. Deliveries made by the companies using their standard shipping methods - with no cooperation - were compared with the same deliveries made using the cooperative KASSETTS system. The Institute of Logistics and Warehousing (ILIM) reported a savings of 18,7-29,5% under the KASSETTS system. In addition, only one truck was needed with KASSETTS, instead of the standard four - cutting down emissions and road traffic congestion. Transport, logistics and related ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services play a fundamental - but costly - role for SMEs and manufacturers. KASSETS (Knowledge-enabled Access of Central Europe SMEs to Efficient Transnational Transport Solutions)aims to cut down these costs, increase the competitiveness of SMEs in their local systems, sustain the environment and preserve regional territories through the formation of an EU operative ICT network of logistics brokers. KASSETTS does this by implementing an ICT network platform that enables a broker to organise, combine and execute the transport demands of multiple SMEs using the most efficient means available and applying economies of scale. Merging the transport needs of multiple companies cuts costs and significantly reduces the kilometres run by vehicles. KASSETTS' coordinator, The Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation (ITL), reports, "Preliminary results from our studies and researches at local level show cost saving over 20% by user SMEs, 30% less kilometres run by vehicles and number of transport routes reduced by 37%". The KASSETTS research project relies on a multidisciplinary partnership with public PRESS4TRANSPORT is funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)
institutions in Italy, Poland, Slovenia, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund
KASSETTS Project Manager: Stefano Dondi Istituto sui Trasporti e la Logistica (ITL) Web site: www.fondazioneitl.org Tel.: +39 051 527 3737 E-mail: sdondi@regione.emilia-romagna.it
PRESS4TRANSPORT is funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)