3 tips to digitise your European rail freight projects

In the dynamic world of international rail freight, embracing digital transformation is essential for efficiency and growth. Drawing from the experience Arkema shared during a RailTech Master Class in March, here are three crucial tips to help guide your digital initiatives in rail freight projects.

1. Appoint a Dedicated Project Coordinator

One of the first steps in ensuring the success of a digital rail freight project is to appoint a dedicated project coordinator. This individual should possess a comprehensive understanding of both business and IT constraints. Their role is pivotal in facilitating the project’s deployment, acting as a bridge between various departments and ensuring that all elements align seamlessly.

2. Identify Champions and Key Users

Digital transformations can be complex, and managing every question or issue across the organisation can be daunting. To address this, it's crucial to identify champions and key users within your team. These individuals will be the go-to persons for their peers, helping to manage and mitigate issues more effectively. By leveraging their expertise and influence, you can ensure a smoother implementation process and foster a supportive environment for the change.

3. Prioritise Change Management

Change management is often an underestimated aspect of digital projects. It’s essential to acknowledge that the process takes time and requires dedicated effort. For a successful transition, you need to:

- Train your teams: Comprehensive training programmes are vital to ensure that all team members are comfortable with new technologies and processes.

- Guide and support: Continuous guidance and support are necessary to help teams navigate the learning curve associated with new applications.

- Maintain availability: Being available to address concerns and provide assistance can significantly ease the transition period.

Initially, your organisation might experience a dip in efficiency as employees adjust to new systems. This phase is normal and should be anticipated. Maintaining trust and patience during this period is crucial for long-term success.

By keeping these three tips in mind, you can navigate the complexities of digitising rail freight projects more effectively. With careful planning, dedicated resources, and a strong focus on change management, your organisation can achieve a successful digital transformation, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the international rail freight sector.

Benefit from a 30-minute expert session to optimise your rail freight projects.