Smart solution for the last mile problem in urban areas

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive solution proposed in response to the last mile problem tackled in freight
transport. This specific part of the supply chain requires considerable funding, particularly in urban areas, as well
as organisational solutions specifically matching the needs of the given territory. One of the measures
undertaken under of the S-mile project was implementation of an ICT solution enabling integration of large
transport companies (system clients, in this case) with carriers along with reduction of negative environmental
impact of freight transport. Basic modules of the extended S-mileSys system are as follows: S-mile Market Tool
(supporting contacts between an urban carrier and customers), S-mile Freighter Tool, S-mile Fleet Management
Tool and S-mile Simulation Tool (supporting fleet management by means of such features as e.g. vehicle
assignment optimisation algorithms, route planning etc.), S-mile Transport Planner Tool (used for route planning
optimisation) as well as S-mile Visualizer Tool (Big Data base addressing local authorities, enabling them to
generate a concise review of the overall impact of freight transport on the given area, of the emission distribution
as well as of the freight transport distribution against the transport network for spatial planning). The article also
provides a description illustrating individual phases of interaction between clients/users and the system.