Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are technologies, applications or platforms that improve the quality of transport or achieve other outcomes that control, manage or improve transport systems. ITS are very well considered due to the role they play in increasing operational efficiency of supply chain management, as they provide essential insights that can have a positive impact on every step of the supply chain.
Why do we need ITS?
The increasing complexity of logistics and its importance as a major economic activity globally have highlighted the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) as a mean to improve visibility, responsiveness and efficiency in supply chains that rely on transport operations. The increasing number of retail channels, especially online, means that logistics operations are being called on to have the ability to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere.
Who uses ITS?
Intelligent Transport Systems can be used for all modes of transport: air, sea, rail and road, and for all elements of the transport system. ITS systems are applied to the field of road transport, for example, for infrastructure, vehicles and users. They collect data and analyse it, and the results are then used to control, manage and plan transportation.
The more information that can be collected and shared, the more efficient the transportation operations can be. Ecommerce and the increasingly global nature of business have forced the transportation industry to innovate and adapt rapidly and efficiently in order to keep up with changes, and ITS have played an important role there. ITS technology is being adopted globally to improve mobility, safety and efficiency.
Types of ITS
In fact, mobility, safety and the environment are key elements of transportation, and are the basis for the three main types of Intelligent Transport Systems:
- Mobility ITS, which aim to provide the shortest route, using data about distance, time, energy consumption, etc.
- Safety ITS, which reduce collisions, incidents and delays through warnings and alerts.
- Environment ITS, which aim to make journeys more environmentally-friendly.
What are the benefits of using ITS?
There is no doubt that logistics companies have a huge amount to gain from Intelligent Transport Systems, as they provide an opportunity to make their operations more efficient, safer and better for the environment. As a result, improvements in these three areas have benefits for the company, for the consumer and for the planet.
But how do ITS work?
Data is the star of the show when it comes to Intelligent Transport Systems. Data collection provides information regarding locations, travel times, travels speeds, vehicle weight, etc. Data transmission ensures that both companies and the end consumer have real-time information about their products. Finally, data analysis offers the opportunity to fine-tune operations, improve efficiency, anticipate demand and foresee possible complications.
ITS have the potential to shape the future of logistics.
Experts in the field of logistics say that the future of logistics will be guided by data, analysed by artificial intelligence and controlled by machines, and these aspects, without a doubt, will all be implemented using ITS.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are key to the future sustainability of the transport sector. In order to meet demands, increase road safety and tackle rising emissions and congestion problems, they can make transport safer, more efficient and sustainable by applying various information and communication technologies to all modes of passenger and freight transport. As well as the positive impact on customer satisfaction due to the real-time information companies are able to provide their customers with, it is likely that ITS will also revolutionize the transport industry inside and out, with subsequent benefits for companies, consumers and the planet.
