Smart Enforcement of Transport Operations

Work Packages

The goal of SETO’s WP1, led by MFX, is to create an advanced digital solution that acts as middleware. This solution gathers and analyzes data from various sources, presenting it clearly to enforcement authorities for real-time, intelligent enforcement of transport and safety regulations. It tackles the considerable challenge of managing unstructured transport data—both paper-based and digital—coming from diverse sources and in different languages, thus reducing administrative efforts and enhancing the efficiency and uniformity of control measures.
 
Task 1.1, led by BOKU, revolves around establishing a digital solution framework. It requires a set of functional and non-functional requirements  including stakeholders’ scenarios, research demands, and final validation requirements. The outcome is a  reference architecture that aligns with the Living Lab scenarios and identifies vital KPIs for system evaluation.
 
In Task 1.2, led by MFX, the SETO project focuses on developing its digital platform. This task expands upon the groundwork laid in T1.1, facilitating seamless communication with EU authorities and integrating with existing systems such as RESPER, TACHONET, eFTI, and RIS. It aims to ensure smooth information exchange across multimodal transport vehicles while overseeing device provisioning, data collection, and application data usage. A key objective is to create a functioning prototype early in the process for utilization in pilot demonstrations.
 
Task 1.3, led by MFX, focuses on blockchain, cybersecurity, data protection, and traceability. It addresses the imperative of upholding the utmost digital information security within the SETO platform. Here, risks are assessed, and security mechanisms for GDPR compliance, database encryption, and end-to-end encryption are devised, alongside developing DLT modules to augment trust in federated data sharing.
 
Finally, Task 1.4, led by ZF-TX, is dedicated to standardization and providing ‘one-click’ access within SETO. It involves the creation of interactive dashboards and user interfaces for real-time control and visualization, ensuring all data acquisition and reporting is centralized and manageable.
 
Thus, WP1 serves as the foundation of the SETO project, setting the stage for an integrated, secure, and compliant digital solution for European transport safety and compliance.

WP2, led by RDS, focuses on creating the protocols and guidelines needed to advance Weigh-in-Motion data to the point where overload can be enforced directly.

Task 2.1, led by UGE, will develop a metrological framework, and support harmonised procedures, identifying the challenges of the ongoing revision of OIML R-134 for applying WIM systems in enforcing regulations of vehicle overloading. Moreover, this task will cross-calibrate and cross-examine variations and differences between the roadside and the onboard WIM approaches and will draft a “Blue Guide” manual for the European overload enforcement based on WIM.

Task 2.2, led by RDS, will develop a tamper-proof onboard truck weighing system that can be used to enforce cabotage regulations and has the potential to assist with the enforcement of overload.

Task 2.3, led by UGE, focuses on developing the technological requirements for enforcing the vehicle/vessel’s position and time (thus speed).

WP3, led by OHB, is the operational part of the project. SETO will deliver an innovative digital solution that allows authorities to access all the information needed for the smart enforcement of transport and safety legislation in real time, using the ‘one-click’ principle.
 
This addresses the significant challenge of processing unstructured transport data from different streams (paper and digital), sources and languages, reducing administrative burden/time while achieving greater control efficiency and consistency. SETO will use state-of-the-art information exchange technologies and expand the system to multimodal transportation. VIL is in charge of the stakeholder consultancy to support the user-centric design of the platform and software.
 
OHB and UWL will perform the daily supply chain/transportation tasks with multi-transport modes (waterway, road, etc.) that have IoT sensors and built-in hardware from the partner ZF-TX, which will provide the necessary tools and instrumentation to to be collected for smart enforcement on the general control platform. The installation of the devices will take place on fleets of at least 10 trucks, 10 trailers, 5 city ships, 2 IW ships and 5 last mile delivery vehicles, trains. Real-time transfer of tacho data to the back office streamlines administrative processes and relieves carriers of tachograph-related hassle. SETO will also develop a tool to record and control sailing and loading times, in addition to a model to control the entire logistics synchromodal flow in terms of documents, freight, etc.
 
This task will test other devices in the cross-border logistics flow, such as the Flex tool, which is designed to simplify collaboration with freelancers or subcontracted drivers. With this tool, in addition to tracking & tracing, employees can perform necessary activities such as messaging, scheduling, pallet processing, barcode and document scanning, photo transfer and problem reporting. 
 
During the trial period, data will be collected by the Living Lab partners; data will be collected by operators who are customers for ZF-TX. Therefore, all data from the ZF-TX database is agreed with the customers and securely connected to the enforcement platform, in accordance with GDPR regulations.

WP4 Impact Groundwork, led by DIC, aims to create and assess the project’s impact during SETO’s operation.

It will start with Task 4.1, led by VIL, which will develop a framework to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for transportation technologies through real-world testing. It will define guidelines for data management, stakeholder consultation processes, and KPIs in areas such as technology, economics, society, and the environment. These KPIs will evaluate digital adoption, costs, safety, working conditions and emissions.

Task 4.2, led by ISIG, emphasises the social impacts that will be examined through studies of behaviours, workshops and a data collection tool assessing issues like acceptance and privacy. Potential incentives and rewards for participation will be explored to encourage the uptake of solutions.

Task 4.3, led by UCD, focuses on developing concepts for safer automated driving through optimised energy use, vehicle interaction modelling and multi-criteria impact assessments. The effects of enforcement on weights and loads will be evaluated for energy consumption, safety and infrastructure degradation over time.

Task 4.4, led by DIC, will create a business case that lays out market potential and alternative operating models for an information exchange system. Financial projections will account for capital requirements, revenues, investor returns and total cost of ownership. Partnerships will be pursued to bring technical expertise to new transportation sectors.

WP5, led by ISIG, is aimed at ensuring the successful outreach and dissemination of SETO project’s activities and results.

Task 5.1, led by ISIG, involves context analysis and stakeholder mapping, utilizing a structured approach to engage stakeholders through various channels, aiming to drive early adoption and future scaling of project technologies.

Task 5.2, led by DIC, focuses on open and FAIR data management, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and emphasizing data security throughout the project.

Task 5.3, led by ISIG, develops a comprehensive communication strategy, employing both one-way and two-way communication methods to engage stakeholders effectively.

Task 5.4, led by DIC, outlines an exploitation plan to achieve societal, scientific, and commercial impact, including market analysis, reimbursement strategy, and the formation of an Advisory Board to provide guidance on exploitation efforts.

Task 5.5, led by ISIG, aims to bridge the gap between research and policy/practice in transport operations by providing concrete recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.

Lastly, Task 5.6, led by UCD, ensures effective engagement of the Advisory Board throughout the project’s duration, leveraging their expertise to support project operations and achieve desired impacts.

WP6, led by UCD, fulfils the following goals:

  1. Ensure smooth project coordination and participation of all partners in the work activities.
  2. Achieve high-quality results and implementation.
  3. Manage risks and ensure the timely execution of the tasks according to the time and financial plans.
  4. Interact with the European Commission authorities to deliver the required documentation such as progress and financial reports and other deliverables.

A series of tasks have been defined within the WP to achieve these objectives. These tasks are Project Administration, Financial Management, Risk Management, Quality Management, and Intellectual Property (IP) Management.

The SETO project management team aims for a successful implementation of the project and for delivering high-quality results. For that purpose, UCD leads a Steering Committee (SC) that includes all partners and a Project Management Group (PMG) where all WP leaders are represented. The SC makes strategic decisions and collaborates with the Quality Management Team (QMT) while the PMG handles day-to-day tasks and monitors implementation.

UCD has also designated a financial manager to handle payments and ensure compliance with the Grant Agreement.

A dynamic Risk Management Plan has been designed and will be periodically updated to address potential issues. Risks will be evaluated based on probability and impact severity, allowing for prioritization and effective corrective actions.

A dedicated QMT, comprising three internal members from participating partners and two external stakeholders, will oversee Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures.

Finally, continuous IP monitoring in SETO will ensure the protection and identification of new opportunities to secure knowledge.