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TRACE Project

About EPSILON

Can you tell us a bit about your company and its core mission?

Epsilon International Ltd of Malta (EPSILON) is dedicated to advancing environmental sciences, geoinformatics, and information and communication technology (ICT). Our mission focuses on research and technological development to create innovative solutions in water resource management, environmental legislation, geographic information systems, aviation, shipping, and maritime sectors. Leveraging our international experience across multiple continents, we deliver high-quality services and cutting-edge software and hardware products that meet our clients’ needs and promote sustainable development. We actively participate in global projects and European Union Research and Innovation initiatives funded by the European Commission. Our goal is to utilize our expertise to make a positive impact on the environment and communities worldwide.

Our company offers products that contribute to various sectors, such as maritime, geoinformatics, aerosystems, and environmental protection. In the maritime sector, EPSILON’s products include an LCA Platform for the shipping industry, the design of an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Armed Forces of Malta, a UAV platform for monitoring ship emissions and fires, and the development of an efficient boarding pass system for passengers and vehicles. In car and logistics navigation, we have collaborated with companies like Google Maps and TeleAtlas/TomTom, utilizing vehicles equipped with video mapping technology. EPSILON has also introduced GIS-based products that contribute to environmental protection, such as ArcFIRE™ (Wildland & Forest Fire Management Web-Platform), FOMFIS™ (a forest fire management and prevention tool), MED-NPS™ (a solution for addressing environmental challenges), and EnviroLaw™ (a legal environmental database).

How has your company evolved since its inception?

Since our establishment in 1985 (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) and 1990 (Athens, Greece), EPSILON has significantly expanded its global presence and diversified its product offerings. We have developed a range of innovative products across various sectors, including maritime, geoinformatics, aerosystems, and environmental protection. Notable examples include an LCA Platform for the shipping industry, the design of an offshore patrol vessel for the Armed Forces of Malta, a UAV platform for monitoring ship emissions and fires, and the development of an efficient boarding pass system for passengers and vehicles. In the field of car and logistics navigation, we have collaborated with companies like Google Maps and TeleAtlas/TomTom, utilizing vehicles equipped with video mapping technology. Additionally, we have delivered GIS-based products such as ArcFIRE™, FOMFIS™, MED-NPS™, and EnviroLaw™.

Over the years, EPSILON has established subsidiaries in six countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Italy, and Germany. However, we have ceased operations in Russia and the United Kingdom. Our growth reflects our commitment to innovation and our dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and communities worldwide.

Contribution to TRACE

In TRACE, how does EPSILON contribute?

In TRACE, EPSILON plays a key role in the development and implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), network logistics, and routing optimization methods. Our role involves designing KPIs that monitor and enhance various aspects of the supply chain, including efficiency, timeliness, and resource utilization, with a focus on optimizing advanced routing algorithms to ensure efficient and resilient delivery processes. By integrating these elements into the TRACE platform, EPSILON facilitates real-time performance assessment and decision-making, offering a universal platform with functionalities related to planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management.

How did your company get involved with the TRACE project?

EPSILON’s involvement in the TRACE project stems from our longstanding collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) since 2000 in the fields of logistics, navigation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This partnership has been instrumental in integrating advanced geospatial technologies into logistics operations, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Our shared expertise with NKUA naturally extended to the TRACE project, which aims to develop a universal platform for planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management in logistics. By leveraging our combined experience, we contribute to the project’s goal of harmonizing and orchestrating independent logistics operations across diverse processes.

What specific role does your company play in the TRACE project?

In the TRACE project, Epsilon International Ltd plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) within the modeling framework to optimize delivery processes. Our expertise in logistics, navigation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enables us to design KPIs that monitor and enhance various aspects of the supply chain, including efficiency, timeliness, and resource utilization. By integrating these KPIs into the TRACE platform, we facilitate real-time performance assessment and decision-making, ensuring that logistics operations are both efficient and resilient. This approach aligns with TRACE’s objective to offer a universal platform with functionalities related to planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management, ultimately contributing to the harmonization and orchestration of independent logistics operations across diverse processes.

Can you describe any unique contributions or innovations your company has brought to the project?

In TRACE, EPSILON contributes through the application of advanced operations research methodologies (OR), specifically linear and integer programming, to optimize logistics operations. By leveraging these mathematical techniques, we develop models that enhance decision-making processes in areas such as resource allocation, scheduling, and routing within the supply chain. This approach enables the identification of optimal solutions that balance cost efficiency with service quality, thereby improving overall logistics performance. EPSILON’s expertise in operations research complements TRACE’s objectives by providing robust analytical frameworks that drive innovation and efficiency in logistics management.

How does your company’s involvement in TRACE align with its overall goals and mission?

EPSILON’s participation in TRACE aligns seamlessly with our mission to advance environmental sciences, geoinformatics, and information and communication technology (ICT) through innovative solutions. By focusing on optimizing routing for overall and last-mile delivery, we contribute to enhancing efficiency and sustainability in logistics operations. This involvement not only addresses complex challenges in supply chain management but also reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality services and promoting sustainable development, thereby making a positive impact on the environment and communities worldwide.

Vision and Impact

What is your long-term vision for the TRACE project?
EPSILON envisions TRACE evolving into a comprehensive product that enhances the entire distribution value chain. By leveraging advanced operations research methodologies, such as linear and integer programming, we aim to deliver a software technology product designed to optimize routing for both overall and last-mile delivery. The product will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact across the supply chain. Our goal is to develop a solution that not only streamlines logistics operations but also promotes sustainability and resilience within the distribution network.

How do you see the TRACE project impacting the industry and the community?
While it’s challenging to predict the full impact of TRACE due to the presence of established international players, particularly American companies like UPS with their advanced route optimization software (e.g., ORION), TRACE aims to offer a universal platform that integrates planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management functionalities. By focusing on the integration and harmonization of logistics operations, TRACE seeks to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize emissions, thereby contributing to more sustainable logistics practices. The project’s success could lead to significant advancements in the industry and positive effects on communities by promoting environmentally friendly and efficient logistics solutions.

What are some of the key challenges you foresee in the project, and how do you plan to address them?
Implementing the TRACE system in Greece, particularly with key logistics providers like ACS and UPS, presents several challenges. One primary challenge is integrating the TRACE universal platform with the existing proprietary systems of these companies. Both ACS and UPS have established infrastructures and operational protocols, and ensuring seamless interoperability will require meticulous planning and customization.

Another significant challenge is achieving the harmonization of logistics operations among diverse stakeholders. The TRACE project aims to integrate and synchronize various logistics services to reduce carbon footprints and enhance delivery resilience. However, aligning the objectives, data-sharing practices, and operational workflows of different entities can be complex.

To address these challenges, the TRACE strategy will include:

    1. Collaborative Engagement: TRACE will work closely with ACS, UPS, and other stakeholders to understand their specific requirements and constraints. This collaboration will facilitate the customization of the TRACE platform to align with their existing systems and processes.
    2. Flexible Integration Framework: TRACE will develop adaptable integration modules that will allow the TRACE platform to interface effectively with various proprietary systems, ensuring data consistency and operational coherence.
    3. Stakeholder Alignment Workshops: TRACE will organize workshops and continuous dialogue sessions with all involved parties to help harmonize objectives, establish data-sharing agreements, and align operational procedures.
    4. Pilot Testing and Iterative Refinement: TRACE will implement pilot projects, such as the Greek pilot focusing on synchromodal logistics operations and the use of unmanned vehicles for last-mile deliveries. These pilots will provide practical insights, allowing us to test, evaluate, and refine the system in real-world conditions before full-scale deployment.

Collaboration and Experience

How has the collaboration with other partners in the TRACE project been so far?
EPSILON’s collaboration with partners in TRACE has been excellent. The consortium comprises a diverse group of organizations, including SMEs, large industrial technology providers, research institutes, universities, logistics operators, and policymakers from 11 EU countries. This diversity has fostered a multidisciplinary approach, enriching the project’s development.

Regular meetings and open communication channels have facilitated the exchange of ideas and alignment of objectives. For instance, the recent online plenary meeting on November 6, 2024, brought together partners from across Europe to review progress and coordinate next steps, ensuring the project remains on track.

This constructive collaboration has enabled us to leverage each partner’s expertise effectively, contributing to the project’s success in developing a universal platform for planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management in logistics operations.

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your collaboration within the TRACE project?
As TRACE is still in its early stages, we have not yet reached significant milestones to report. However, the consortium has been actively engaging in dissemination activities to raise awareness and lay the groundwork for future success. For instance, TRACE was prominently featured at the Parcel+Post Expo 2024 in Amsterdam, where it was introduced to innovation managers from leading postal and logistics organizations, including Swiss Post, PostNord, Austria Post, and DHL.

Additionally, the TRACE consortium convened for its 4th plenary meeting in Valencia, Spain, on December 9–10, 2024. This meeting brought together partners from across Europe to review progress, align strategies, and set the course for the next phases of the project.

These activities reflect our commitment to collaboration and innovation as we work towards the successful development and implementation of the TRACE platform.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being part of the TRACE project?
Participating in the TRACE project has been exceptionally rewarding due to the outstanding collaboration among a diverse consortium of partners. Spanning 11 EU countries, the consortium includes SMEs, large industrial technology providers, research institutes, universities, logistics operators, and policymakers. This diversity has fostered a multidisciplinary approach, enriching the project’s development.

The collective enthusiasm and commitment to advancing logistics operations have been particularly inspiring. Regular meetings and open communication channels have facilitated the exchange of ideas and alignment of objectives. For instance, the recent online plenary meeting on November 6, 2024, brought together partners from across Europe to review progress and coordinate next steps, ensuring the project remains on track.

This constructive collaboration has enabled us to leverage each partner’s expertise effectively, contributing to the project’s success in developing a universal platform for planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management in logistics operations.

The shared dedication to innovation and excellence among all partners has been a key factor in the project’s progress and is anticipated to lead to significant advancements in the logistics industry.

TRACE and its Values

In your opinion, what are the most important values that the TRACE project embodies?

TRACE embodies several core values that are pivotal to its success, with leadership by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) being paramount. As the project coordinator, NKUA leads project management activities, quality management, risk analysis, and data and intellectual property rights management. Additionally, NKUA coordinates the technical implementation of the TRACE infrastructure and ecosystem, overseeing the management of resources and sensors, as well as infrastructural interfaces and communications.

This leadership fosters a culture of excellence, guiding the consortium toward achieving its objectives. NKUA’s role ensures that the project maintains a high standard of quality and integrity, reflecting the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation.

Furthermore, TRACE values collaboration, bringing together a diverse consortium of SMEs, large industrial technology providers, research institutes, universities, logistics operators, and policymakers from 11 EU countries. This multidisciplinary approach enriches the project’s development and promotes the integration of various perspectives and expertise.

Innovation is another key value, as TRACE aims to develop a universal platform for planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management in logistics operations. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, the project seeks to revolutionize smart and sustainable transport solutions.

In summary, TRACE embodies values of strong leadership, collaboration, and innovation, all of which are essential to its mission of enhancing logistics operations across Europe.

If you had to describe the TRACE project in three words, what would they be?

The TRACE project can be encapsulated in three words:

    1. Innovative: Developing a universal platform that integrates planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management to revolutionize logistics operations.
    2. Sustainable: Aiming to decrease energy consumption and cut emissions, contributing to environmentally friendly logistics solutions.
    3. Efficient: Enhancing the resilience and efficiency of last-mile deliveries through advanced technologies and optimized processes.

How do you think the TRACE project stands out from similar initiatives in the field?

While it is challenging to fully assess the TRACE project’s distinctiveness at this early stage, its foundational design and objectives suggest several innovative aspects that may set it apart from similar initiatives in the logistics field.

    • Integration of Heterogeneous Logistics Operations: TRACE aims to develop a smart, universal platform capable of seamlessly integrating diverse logistics operations. This platform is designed to support both the technical and financial management of shared resources, potentially enhancing interoperability among various stakeholders.
    • Advanced Technological Implementation: The project plans to incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. AI modules are intended to automate synchromodal services, optimizing logistics processes, while blockchain technology is expected to facilitate real-time smart contracts and financial transactions, promoting transparency and trust among participants.
    • Focus on Sustainability: TRACE is committed to reducing energy consumption and emissions within logistics operations. By optimizing the use of shared resources and enhancing the efficiency of delivery processes, the project aligns with broader environmental goals, potentially contributing to more sustainable logistics practices.

Future Prospects

What are the next steps for your company within the TRACE project?

As part of the TRACE project, EPSILON is committed to acquiring and integrating advanced knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies. EPSILON’s objective is to apply these innovations to enhance operations within the shipping sector.

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI offers significant potential in optimizing various aspects of maritime operations. By analyzing vast datasets, AI can improve route planning, predictive maintenance, and cargo management, leading to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. For instance, AI algorithms can predict optimal shipping routes by considering factors such as weather conditions, sea currents, and port congestion. This predictive capability not only enhances fuel efficiency but also ensures timely deliveries. Additionally, AI-driven predictive maintenance can foresee equipment failures, allowing for proactive interventions that minimize downtime and maintenance expenses.
    • Blockchain Technology: Blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent framework for recording transactions and tracking assets in the shipping industry. Its decentralized ledger ensures that all stakeholders have access to a single source of truth, enhancing trust and collaboration. Incorporating blockchain can streamline processes such as cargo tracking, documentation, and payment settlements. For example, digitizing bills of lading on a blockchain can reduce paperwork, prevent fraud, and expedite the transfer of ownership. Furthermore, smart contracts can automate payment settlements, releasing funds upon the fulfillment of predefined conditions, thereby reducing delays and disputes.

Integration into the Shipping Sector
By leveraging insights gained from the TRACE project, we plan to develop solutions that integrate AI and blockchain to address specific challenges in the shipping industry. This includes creating platforms that offer real-time tracking of shipments, predictive analytics for maintenance, and automated contract execution. Our goal is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainability within maritime logistics.

How do you see your company’s involvement in the TRACE project evolving in the future?

Our future involvement in the TRACE project will largely depend on the project’s final outcomes and the guidance provided by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), the project coordinator. As the project progresses, we anticipate that the development of a universal platform for planning, scheduling, optimization, and event management in logistics operations will offer valuable insights and tools. We aim to leverage these advancements to enhance our services in environmental sciences, geoinformatics, and information and communication technology (ICT). Our continued collaboration with NKUA and other partners will be instrumental in aligning the project’s deliverables with our strategic objectives, ensuring that we effectively integrate TRACE’s innovations into our operations.

What new opportunities do you believe the TRACE project will open up for your company?

Participating in TRACE presents EPSILON with significant opportunities to apply advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, to the maritime sector. By leveraging the project’s innovations, we can enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in maritime logistics. For instance, AI can optimize route planning and predictive maintenance, while blockchain can facilitate secure and transparent transactions. These advancements align with our commitment to delivering high-quality services and promoting sustainable development in the maritime industry.

Personal Insights

What personally excites you the most about the TRACE project?

Participation in TRACE offers the opportunity to adapt its innovative models and technologies to the maritime sector. By leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain developed within TRACE, we can enhance maritime operations. This cross-sector application not only aligns with our mission to promote sustainable development but also positions us at the forefront of technological innovation in maritime logistics.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your work with the TRACE project?

Staying motivated and inspired in the TRACE project is closely linked to the enthusiasm and commitment of our partners, as well as the successful delivery of project milestones. The TRACE consortium comprises 28 partners from 11 countries, including Greece, Luxembourg, Spain, Austria, Estonia, the UK, Cyprus, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, and Switzerland, providing extensive European coverage and international reach.

The diverse expertise and collaborative spirit within this consortium foster a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and shared learning. Regular interactions and the collective drive toward common goals significantly contribute to maintaining high levels of motivation.

Additionally, witnessing the tangible progress of the project through the successful completion of deliverables reinforces our commitment. Clear, specific, and measurable deliverables serve as milestones that showcase progress and demonstrate the successful completion of various project phases.

Do you have any advice for other companies considering participating in collaborative projects like TRACE?

Participating in collaborative projects like TRACE can be highly beneficial for companies aiming to innovate and address complex challenges. It is essential to focus on developing practical solutions that meet market needs rather than pursuing research for its own sake. This approach ensures that the outcomes of the collaboration have tangible value and applicability.

To achieve this, it is crucial to establish clear goals and expectations at the outset of the project. Defining the problem you aim to solve, setting realistic timelines, and articulating desired outcomes can guide the collaborative effort effectively.