Logica builds intelligent cargo system for secure freight transportation in Europe

Logica, a leading IT and business services company, today announced that it has begun work on the project EURIDICE, an intelligent cargo system that will establish the most advanced information services for freight transportation in Europe. EURIDICE, which stands for European interdisciplinary Research on Intelligent Cargo for Efficient Safe and Environmentally-Friendly logistics, is cofunded by the European Commission and the current phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by 2011.

The EURIDICE system will address the various challenges around the logistics, business and public policy aspects of freight transportation. Once completed, it will enable cargo (from complete shipments to individual items) to interact with its surrounding environment and actively notify its presence and identity requirements. The intelligent cargo item will be an active provider of information services, notifying interested users and systems of its details, position and related events as they occur.

The solution will provide enhanced security to international trade users’ consignments. It harnesses information from a range of track and trace technologies such as RFID, GPRS and satellite positioning to provide information about goods in transit.

EURIDICE is backed by 22 organisations in the IT and freight transport sector. Logica is responsible for the concept, technological solutions and business models to ensure the success of the project.

Cees de Wijs, Group Director Intelligent Transport Systems at Logica, commented: “Logica is proud to be involved in the EURIDICE project. Once completely defined, intelligent cargo will have a significant impact in terms of the deployment and effectiveness of technology support for freight transportation. It will increase the competitiveness of Europe as one of the most important economies in the world. In addition, it will improve the quality of life by streamlining distribution networks around large city areas which helps reducing traffic congestion as well as pollution.”

Outcomes from the EURIDICE project will include a better understanding of, and support for, track and trace activities in multi-modal transportation, as information about the movement of cargo will be available across different modes such as rail, road and sea. It will be of particular benefit to producers and transporters of fresh food as full traceability will be possible across the supply chain.

Commenting on this project, Wolfgang Höfs, EURIDICE’s project officer in the European Commission, said: “EURIDICE addresses important issues in our information and communication technology research programme related to mobility services for goods. Currently inefficient handling of cargo and its related information hampers the efficiency of freight movement, thereby limiting the possibility to reduce traffic congestion and pollution caused by moving goods. The Intelligent Cargo concept to be implemented by EURIDICE is supposed to contribute significantly to safer, more secure and efficient freight transport in Europe.”

Cees de Wijs concludes: “With EURIDICE, Logica is striving to implement a worldwide standard for companies involved in the freight transportation business. This leading edge solution will improve the quality of container tracking, thus providing greater security for transported goods.”

Logica will report about the progress of the EURIDICE project in a Special Interest Session during the 7th European Congress and Exhibition on ITS, Geneva, 4-6 June 2008. You can find more information here http://www.itsineurope.com

About Logica

Logica is a leading IT and business services company, employing 39,000 people across 36 countries. It provides business consulting, systems integration, and IT and business process outsourcing services. Logica works closely with its customers to release their potential - enabling change that increases their efficiency, accelerates growth and manages risk. It applies its deep industry knowledge, technical excellence and global delivery expertise to help its customers build leadership positions in their markets. Logica is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext (Amsterdam) (LSE: LOG; Euronext: LOG). More information is available at www.logica.com.

About Logica’s ITS solutions

Logica enables private and public sector organisations to deploy and manage modern transport infrastructure through intelligent use of technology. This accelerates the large scale deployment of intelligent transport systems and services and drives seamless and sustainable mobility. Logica develops and delivers solutions in the areas of Road Charging, E-Ticketing, Dynamic Traffic Management, Smart Logistics and Eco-Mobility. In the European road pricing arena Logica will play off its key capabilities on mobile messaging, Galileo-based location based services and large-scale billing and payment clearing systems. Via its memberships in the national Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) communities in the UK, Netherlands and Sweden and its prominent position within several long term ERTICO programmes Logica will drive future innovations together with clients from both the public and private sector. To find out more about our capabilities and track record please contact its@logica.com

About ITS in Europe 2008

The 7th European Congress and Exhibition on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) will be held 4-6 June 2008 at the Palexpo Convention Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The Congress is organised by the ITS Congress Association in co-operation with ITS Switzerland, the Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Geneva on behalf of ERTICO - ITS Europe. The event expects to attract delegates from all over Europe and the Middle East. http://www.itsineurope.com/

Press contact

Isabell Horvath
+ 49 (0) 171 6546152
Isabell.horvath@logica.com