Single wagons: what if they became a performance lever?
Rail transport plays an essential role in the routing of industrial products. Among the various modes of rail transport, single wagons are an ideal solution in certain sectors, such as the chemical industry. However, this mode of transport, which involves wagons shipped alone and redirected at different stages of their journey, presents many challenges in terms of visibility, lead-time management and coordination.
Find out how digitalization is transforming the challenges of single wagons management into levers for productivity and responsiveness.
Single wagons transport: what are the challenges, and how can you overcome them?
However, this mode of transport also presents a number of constraints that should not be overlooked:
- Lack of visibility: without a fixed itinerary, it becomes difficult to track wagons in real time and accurately anticipate their arrival, which complicates logistics planning and affects the supply chain.
- Frequent, unplanned stops: single wagons make numerous stops, sometimes prolonged and unplanned. These interruptions make it more difficult to anticipate schedules, and can cause delays in deliveries.
- Difficult management of delays and incidents: the lack of direct coordination between the various players involved in rail transport complicates the rapid handling of unforeseen events, resulting in delays that are more difficult to manage, additional delays and inefficient management of unforeseen situations.
These constraints have a direct impact on the entire logistics chain. Delivery delays become more frequent due to lack of visibility and numerous unscheduled stops, disrupting the organization of transport flows. This unpredictability makes it more difficult to manage resources, whether rail infrastructure, handling teams or transport equipment. The result: lost time and higher operating costs.
Digitization: the secret weapon to better manage your single wagons
Digitization can meet these challenges. By leveraging advanced technologies such as IoT sensors and artificial intelligence, it is now possible to track single wagons in real time and optimize the management of their routes.
Digitization provides concrete solutions to overcome these challenges, drawing on advanced technologies such as IoT sensors and artificial intelligence.
- Real-time tracking for improved visibility: There are now several solutions for tracking single wagons throughout their journey, such as the Transport Visibility Management System (TVMS), which enables precise location. This system makes it possible to reliably estimate the time of arrival (ETA), enabling better planning and reducing the uncertainties associated with delivery times.
- Instant alerts for better management of unforeseen events: In case of delays, route changes or prolonged stoppages, notifications are sent directly to fleet managers. This enhanced responsiveness means that disruptions can be anticipated and decisions taken quickly to limit their impact.
- Performance analysis to optimize journeys: Data collected during journeys can be used to identify areas for improvement. By analyzing recurring patterns, it becomes possible to optimize routes, reduce waiting times and improve the overall efficiency of rail transport.
Arkema and digitalization: an inspiring success story for rail transport
Arkema, a global leader in the specialty materials industry, faces the same challenges as many others in transporting its products by single wagons. However, Arkema has turned these challenges into a real opportunity to improve the productivity and responsiveness of its logistics process.
By digitizing the tracking of its wagon fleet, Arkema has not only improved the visibility of its deliveries, but has also been able to reduce delays, predict the arrival of its wagons, facilitate the use of its fleet and strengthen communication with its customers.
Single wagons, a key solution for flexible, efficient freight transport.
Single wagons are an ideal mode of transport for certain industries, but their management requires appropriate solutions. Digitization offers efficient, certified solutions for improving visibility, optimizing logistics flows, reducing delays and increasing train productivity. Thanks to data analysis and automated operations, companies can better anticipate unforeseen events and optimize their rail operations.
👉Learn more about how Arkema is digitalizing its rail operations.
