The TRACE project continues to advance the digital transformation of freight transport by developing an innovative platform architecture that enables secure, scalable, and interoperable synchromodal logistics across Europe.
Designed to seamlessly coordinate first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile operations, the TRACE platform integrates cutting-edge communication technologies, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, and real-time data management into a unified ecosystem capable of supporting the future of sustainable logistics.
A Multi-Layer Platform for Intelligent Logistics
At the heart of TRACE lies a robust four-layer architecture that brings together connectivity, data processing, optimization services, and user applications.
The platform combines 4G/5G mobile communications, Wi-Fi, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) connectivity to ensure reliable communication across diverse transport environments. Data generated by logistics operators, vehicles, sensors, and external services are processed in real time through an Apache Kafka-based streaming infrastructure before being stored securely in cloud-based databases.
Advanced optimisation modules—including scheduling, route optimisation, and resource management—enable intelligent decision-making, while intuitive dashboards and REST APIs provide operators with easy access to platform services.
Seamless Integration Across the Entire Logistics Ecosystem
One of the key strengths of TRACE is its interoperability.
The platform successfully integrates all major system components through 17 validated integration points, enabling secure and efficient communication using REST APIs and event-driven messaging. This architecture allows heterogeneous logistics systems to exchange information in real time while maintaining scalability and flexibility for future expansion.
A comprehensive interoperability layer standardises logistics information through a common TRACE Data Model, covering core entities such as vehicles, shipments, journeys, depots, sensors, events, batteries, transportation modes, and pricing information. This common language allows different platforms and technologies to work together seamlessly.
Secure, Trusted and Data-Driven Operations
Security has been embedded into the TRACE architecture from the outset.
The platform protects information through dual-layer encryption for both data in transit and data at rest, while an Intrusion Detection System continuously analyses vehicle and sensor data to identify anomalies and potential cybersecurity threats.
TRACE also leverages blockchain technology to create dynamic Non-Fungible Tokens (dNFTs) that provide immutable and transparent records of transportation operations, enhancing traceability and trust throughout the logistics chain.
Intelligent Decisions Through Real-Time Data
Real-time intelligence is another cornerstone of the TRACE platform.
Integrated Weather and Traffic Management Systems continuously provide environmental and traffic information to optimisation services. Weather conditions—including rain, snow, wind, and temperature—are automatically assessed to determine vehicle suitability before route optimisation takes place, while live traffic information enables dynamic route adjustments and improved operational efficiency.
These capabilities allow logistics operators to make better-informed decisions while increasing resilience against changing environmental and operational conditions.
Validated Across Three European Demonstration Sites
The TRACE architecture has already been successfully validated through large-scale demonstrations in Greece, Slovenia, and Italy.
The platform supports multiple transportation modes, including conventional freight vehicles, cargo bikes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), demonstrating its flexibility across diverse logistics scenarios. Validation activities confirmed successful data exchange across all platform components while achieving highly reliable communication through advanced network architectures and edge computing capabilities.
Building the Future of Synchromodal Logistics
By combining advanced communication infrastructures, real-time data processing, artificial intelligence, interoperability standards, blockchain technologies, and secure cloud services, TRACE is delivering a next-generation logistics platform capable of supporting smarter, greener, and more resilient freight transport.
As development progresses, the project continues to demonstrate how digital innovation can enhance operational efficiency, improve sustainability, and accelerate the adoption of intelligent synchromodal logistics solutions across Europe.
Discover the Technical Details
Interested in learning more about the innovative architecture behind the TRACE platform?
Download the TRACE Technical Brochure to explore the platform’s architecture, interoperability framework, communication infrastructure, security mechanisms, blockchain integration, data management, and deployment across the project’s pilot sites.
Click on the brochure below to discover how TRACE is building the next generation of intelligent, secure, and sustainable synchromodal logistics solutions.
