Innovative add-on solution: Leogistics Rail

As part of the Leogistics Digital Supply Chain, the software handles the planning, execution, billing, and evaluation of rail-based transports. The process solution for individual rail operations covers shunting runs in stations and sidings as well as train runs on open tracks.

Through a combination of desktop applications for office staff and work instructions on mobile devices for the crew on the track, the communication flow is digitized.

Mobile apps such as train arrival and line-up check and a shunting app are used, which can be used via smartphone, tablet or a device installed in the traction unit.

SAP add-on and integration

Unlike conventional dispatching systems in the rail environment, Leogistics Rail is based on SAP technology and can be integrated into a company's ERP, TM and EWM systems.

The SAP partner addresses shipping industries such as chemicals, paper, wood, steel, automotive, oil and gas, fertilizers as well as ports, port service providers and rail transport companies (RUs).

"Due to the renewed importance of plant railroads as the logistical backbone of many industries and the increasing complexity in production and distribution, it is necessary to increase responsiveness and transparency through integrated processes.

Many works and connecting railroads are still operated today as they were 30 years ago: There is no integration with the executing RU, wagon lists are printed out and completed by hand.

Communication within the plant railroad is done by radio, there is no integration with operational dispatch and ERP systems; track accounting and planning of railcar deliveries are done on paper.

However, by introducing a planning and scheduling system for railroads, it is easy to quickly digitize their own processes and future-proof their operations. With this in mind, we developed Leogistics Rail," explains André Käber, CEO of Leogistics.

The software enables integration with internal company areas such as enterprise resource planning, production and dispatch departments as well as connection with external IT systems of rail transport companies, rail infrastructure companies, wagon leasing companies and wagon adjusters as well as platforms and cloud services (Rail Watch).

As an SAP add-on, the Rail solution can be integrated into all SAP systems. Communication with rail transport companies can take place via standardized interfaces. The preconfigured process landscape enables short implementation times.

Factory rail logistics and augmented reality

In the area of plant rail logistics, Leogistics has already conducted initial tests with a head-mounted display. The correction of a track inventory could be done in the near future with the help of augmented reality in combination with voice control.

The connection of smart devices, which are networked via the Internet of Things, also takes a new look at process automation and safety. Together with partners, the company offers options for optical recognition of rows of cars and optical early damage detection, among other things. Tracking and visualization of individual cars on the track are also part of this solution.