Mathematical Optimization and Decision Support

Redefining ETA Prediction in Rail Freight – A Data Driven AI Approach

Freight trains are essential to supply chain logistics, providing a reliable, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly solution. Despite its ecological and economic advantages, rail freight transport in Germany lags far behind road freight in market share. A key reason: insufficient transparency and lack of estimated time of arrival (ETA) information in real-time. 

The challenge: Need for better ETA solutions in rail freight

Our solution: TRAC – Enhanced ETA predictions with AI

Complex crew planning meets innovative personnel management

Maritime personnel management comprises four demanding areas of crew planning. Some of these are fleet-wide and some are ship-specific.

The Fraunhofer CML has developed a range of software solutions specifically for this purpose. The SCEDAS® tools provide ship managers with decision-making support and help to optimize crew planning.

Automated damage detection and versatile inspection solutions

Computer vision opens up new possibilities for automation in the maritime industry and is revolutionizing the inspection of sea containers, for example. Experience how computer vision is changing maritime inspection!

Quantum computing for maritime logistics

Small qubits make big waves!

Quantum computing is an innovative technology that uses the properties of quantum mechanics to solve problems that would overwhelm conventional computers. With our quantum computing services, we solve optimization problems in (maritime) logistics and supply chain management.

Increased efficiency through optimized OR planning 

Operation (OR) planning in hospitals is complex, as many wheels interlock and it has to be constantly adapted due to incoming emergencies, delays or short-term absences. The SCEDAS® software from Fraunhofer CML calculates an optimal, up-to-date planning proposal at the touch of a button. This makes work easier for the OR coordinator and the entire medical staff. 

Testing Cybersecurity Safely in the Laboratory

Cyber risk in shipping has increased dramatically in recent years. In addition to the security of the individual components on board, the network topology also has a significant impact on the cybersecurity of a ship.

Due to limited resources, it is a major challenge for both integrators and shipping companies to conduct cybersecurity tests for different topologies and components.

Optimized Crew Deployment Across the Fleet  

SCEDAS® supports the generation of seafarer contracts. The algorithms automatically calculate optimized yearly crew schedules for all vessels.

It takes regulatory as well as company-specific requirements into account.

Customized Solutions for Data Sharing  

Shipping and maritime logistics are characterised by a very fragile digital landscape: We often encounter outdated and fragmented data landscapes. Due to our many years of experience and in-depth knowledge of these industries, we can quickly identify your individual problem and insert efficient interfaces into the company context. This is interesting and efficient if you are in the process of switching to web services or already offer online services but these are not optimally linked and maintenance is therefore very cost.

marFM - Innovating Maritime Radio Communication 

In shipping, a lot depends on radio communication. Especially in emergencies, communication between officers on board and those in charge in coordination centers on shore by means of VHF equipment is of crucial importance. However, there are often sources of interference of various kinds (engine noise, environmental conditions, dialects, etc.) that can severely impair the quality of radio communication and make the necessary exchange of information more difficult. 

To solve this problem, the CML has developed the marFM (short for „maritime VHF radio“) speech recognition software. marFM is therefore of interest to search and rescue services, commercial shipping companies and, in particular, Vessel Traffic Service Centers and Remote Control Centers. Learn more about marFM in the linked information.

Portmodel - Visualization of Innovative Solutions for Terminals 

The Fraunhofer CML‘s novel port model visualizes digital processes. Quay and gantry cranes demonstrate automated container handling and transport from the truck via the terminal on board the ship and vice versa. In this real-digital environment, new applications can be illustrated and discussed before they find their use in the port. 

Trucks arriving uncoordinated at terminal gates, damaged or dirty containers that have to be replaced unexpectedly - in the maritime transport chain, friction losses and ineffi ciencies can lead to avoidable costs and reduced productivity. In many cases, a targeted analysis of available information reveals weaknesses and potential for optimization. We at the Fraunhofer CML accept this challenge and develop solutions for your practice.

Maritime Data Check

Maritime companies collect an increasing amount of data every day. This is undoubtedly an important input for data-driven business models and innovative decision support systems. Making the best use of available data is therefore a crucial task for forward-looking management and gaining a competitive advantage. It helps to capture knowledge, reduce costs and increase profits.

Machine Learning in Maritime Logistics

Machine Learning (ML) is an application of artificial intelligence. Based on the evaluation of large amounts of data, ML can be used to optimize or automate processes and to support decisions in complex tasks. Exemplary applications in maritime logistics are the improvement of operational processes and maintenance forecasts.

SCEDAS^® Timekeeper

The analysis of all tasks on board, their durations and the qualifications of involved crew is the prerequisite for the assessment of crew demands. Furthermore, analyses of the gathered data provide insights into the work processes on board and give valuable support for business decisions.

Intelligent Algorithms for Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)

High cost pressure in merchant shipping and increasing availability requirements on the part of charterers require reliable maintenance of ships and their systems. This challenge can be met with optimized maintenance planning and more efficient maintenance processes. At present, time-based, preventive maintenance processes are predominantly carried out. Condition-based maintenance has so far mainly been used for ship propulsion. Significant potential cost savings could be realized in maintenance and spare parts procurement. To this end, the CML has developed a methodology for condition-based maintenance (CBM) of other ship systems.

Safe Ship Operations with SCEDAS

SCEDAS^® is a decision support system which assists the planner to calculate detailed work schedules for every seaman.

Solutions for the Maritime Aftermarket: Taking After Sales Services to the Next Level

Nowadays, after sales services are more and more important. They satisfy customer needs, such as the excellent availability of spare parts, offer services across individual departments and induce a high customer loyalty. This results in the outcome that today’s service champions earn up to 50 percent of profits in the aftermarket.

Cost-Efficient Procurement with Supply Chain Optimization (SCO)

Procurement of vessel spare parts causes about ten percent of vessel operating costs. An optimized supply chain, the analysis of procurement data and applied forecasting are the basis of effective procurement. All models can be customized individually to gain best possible compatibility. This flyer describes all important proceedings detailed.

Decision Support in Crewing

Crewing has among other things to deal with fix operating costs and increasing demands by new regulations. Therefore, it is a key success factor to manage crew resources effectively and to increase the company`s competitiveness. Various client requirements and human resource needs are involved in this tool and allow to determine the necessary personnel demand for a ship`s managers fleet.

Long-term Crew Scheduling with Crew Scheduling Optimizer (CSO)

The CSO creates an optimized personnel deployment plan to keep the Manning costs low and the satisfaction of the crew high. The planning parameters can be set up in detail in order to ensure a comprehensive analysis for the best possible result. The CSO generates an output, which can be implemented in an existing system.

Decision Support for Selecting Fleet Management Systems

Fleet Management Systems (FMS) support, optimize and monitor business processes. They are helpful to reduce the use of resources, such as fleet management running costs, and responds quickly and flexibly to changing market requirements. Hereby, shipping companies have the opportunity to acquire a cross-functional integrated software solution or to integrate individual modular components in their current system network.

Optimized Crew Deployment Across the Fleet  

SCEDAS® supports the generation of seafarer contracts. The algorithms automatically calculate optimized yearly crew schedules for all vessels.

It takes regulatory as well as company-specific requirements into account.

Customized Solutions for Data Sharing  

Shipping and maritime logistics are characterised by a very fragile digital landscape: We often encounter outdated and fragmented data landscapes. Due to our many years of experience and in-depth knowledge of these industries, we can quickly identify your individual problem and insert efficient interfaces into the company context. This is interesting and efficient if you are in the process of switching to web services or already offer online services but these are not optimally linked and maintenance is therefore very cost.

marFM - Innovating Maritime Radio Communication 

In shipping, a lot depends on radio communication. Especially in emergencies, communication between officers on board and those in charge in coordination centers on shore by means of VHF equipment is of crucial importance. However, there are often sources of interference of various kinds (engine noise, environmental conditions, dialects, etc.) that can severely impair the quality of radio communication and make the necessary exchange of information more difficult. 

To solve this problem, the CML has developed the marFM (short for „maritime VHF radio“) speech recognition software. marFM is therefore of interest to search and rescue services, commercial shipping companies and, in particular, Vessel Traffic Service Centers and Remote Control Centers. Learn more about marFM in the linked information.

Portmodel - Visualization of Innovative Solutions for Terminals 

The Fraunhofer CML‘s novel port model visualizes digital processes. Quay and gantry cranes demonstrate automated container handling and transport from the truck via the terminal on board the ship and vice versa. In this real-digital environment, new applications can be illustrated and discussed before they find their use in the port. 

Trucks arriving uncoordinated at terminal gates, damaged or dirty containers that have to be replaced unexpectedly - in the maritime transport chain, friction losses and ineffi ciencies can lead to avoidable costs and reduced productivity. In many cases, a targeted analysis of available information reveals weaknesses and potential for optimization. We at the Fraunhofer CML accept this challenge and develop solutions for your practice.

Maritime Data Check

Maritime companies collect an increasing amount of data every day. This is undoubtedly an important input for data-driven business models and innovative decision support systems. Making the best use of available data is therefore a crucial task for forward-looking management and gaining a competitive advantage. It helps to capture knowledge, reduce costs and increase profits.

Machine Learning in Maritime Logistics

Machine Learning (ML) is an application of artificial intelligence. Based on the evaluation of large amounts of data, ML can be used to optimize or automate processes and to support decisions in complex tasks. Exemplary applications in maritime logistics are the improvement of operational processes and maintenance forecasts.

SCEDAS^® Timekeeper

The analysis of all tasks on board, their durations and the qualifications of involved crew is the prerequisite for the assessment of crew demands. Furthermore, analyses of the gathered data provide insights into the work processes on board and give valuable support for business decisions.

Intelligent Algorithms for Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)

High cost pressure in merchant shipping and increasing availability requirements on the part of charterers require reliable maintenance of ships and their systems. This challenge can be met with optimized maintenance planning and more efficient maintenance processes. At present, time-based, preventive maintenance processes are predominantly carried out. Condition-based maintenance has so far mainly been used for ship propulsion. Significant potential cost savings could be realized in maintenance and spare parts procurement. To this end, the CML has developed a methodology for condition-based maintenance (CBM) of other ship systems.

Safe Ship Operations with SCEDAS

SCEDAS^® is a decision support system which assists the planner to calculate detailed work schedules for every seaman.

Solutions for the Maritime Aftermarket: Taking After Sales Services to the Next Level

Nowadays, after sales services are more and more important. They satisfy customer needs, such as the excellent availability of spare parts, offer services across individual departments and induce a high customer loyalty. This results in the outcome that today’s service champions earn up to 50 percent of profits in the aftermarket.

Cost-Efficient Procurement with Supply Chain Optimization (SCO)

Procurement of vessel spare parts causes about ten percent of vessel operating costs. An optimized supply chain, the analysis of procurement data and applied forecasting are the basis of effective procurement. All models can be customized individually to gain best possible compatibility. This flyer describes all important proceedings detailed.

Decision Support in Crewing

Crewing has among other things to deal with fix operating costs and increasing demands by new regulations. Therefore, it is a key success factor to manage crew resources effectively and to increase the company`s competitiveness. Various client requirements and human resource needs are involved in this tool and allow to determine the necessary personnel demand for a ship`s managers fleet.

Long-term Crew Scheduling with Crew Scheduling Optimizer (CSO)

The CSO creates an optimized personnel deployment plan to keep the Manning costs low and the satisfaction of the crew high. The planning parameters can be set up in detail in order to ensure a comprehensive analysis for the best possible result. The CSO generates an output, which can be implemented in an existing system.

Decision Support for Selecting Fleet Management Systems

Fleet Management Systems (FMS) support, optimize and monitor business processes. They are helpful to reduce the use of resources, such as fleet management running costs, and responds quickly and flexibly to changing market requirements. Hereby, shipping companies have the opportunity to acquire a cross-functional integrated software solution or to integrate individual modular components in their current system network.

marFM - Innovating Maritime Radio Communication 

In shipping, a lot depends on radio communication. Especially in emergencies, communication between officers on board and those in charge in coordination centers on shore by means of VHF equipment is of crucial importance. However, there are often sources of interference of various kinds (engine noise, environmental conditions, dialects, etc.) that can severely impair the quality of radio communication and make the necessary exchange of information more difficult. 

To solve this problem, the CML has developed the marFM (short for „maritime VHF radio“) speech recognition software. marFM is therefore of interest to search and rescue services, commercial shipping companies and, in particular, Vessel Traffic Service Centers and Remote Control Centers. Learn more about marFM in the linked information.

Portmodel - Visualization of Innovative Solutions for Terminals 

The Fraunhofer CML‘s novel port model visualizes digital processes. Quay and gantry cranes demonstrate automated container handling and transport from the truck via the terminal on board the ship and vice versa. In this real-digital environment, new applications can be illustrated and discussed before they find their use in the port. 

Trucks arriving uncoordinated at terminal gates, damaged or dirty containers that have to be replaced unexpectedly - in the maritime transport chain, friction losses and ineffi ciencies can lead to avoidable costs and reduced productivity. In many cases, a targeted analysis of available information reveals weaknesses and potential for optimization. We at the Fraunhofer CML accept this challenge and develop solutions for your practice.

Maritime Data Check

Maritime companies collect an increasing amount of data every day. This is undoubtedly an important input for data-driven business models and innovative decision support systems. Making the best use of available data is therefore a crucial task for forward-looking management and gaining a competitive advantage. It helps to capture knowledge, reduce costs and increase profits.

Machine Learning in Maritime Logistics

Machine Learning (ML) is an application of artificial intelligence. Based on the evaluation of large amounts of data, ML can be used to optimize or automate processes and to support decisions in complex tasks. Exemplary applications in maritime logistics are the improvement of operational processes and maintenance forecasts.

SCEDAS^® Timekeeper

The analysis of all tasks on board, their durations and the qualifications of involved crew is the prerequisite for the assessment of crew demands. Furthermore, analyses of the gathered data provide insights into the work processes on board and give valuable support for business decisions.

Intelligent Algorithms for Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)

High cost pressure in merchant shipping and increasing availability requirements on the part of charterers require reliable maintenance of ships and their systems. This challenge can be met with optimized maintenance planning and more efficient maintenance processes. At present, time-based, preventive maintenance processes are predominantly carried out. Condition-based maintenance has so far mainly been used for ship propulsion. Significant potential cost savings could be realized in maintenance and spare parts procurement. To this end, the CML has developed a methodology for condition-based maintenance (CBM) of other ship systems.

Safe Ship Operations with SCEDAS

SCEDAS^® is a decision support system which assists the planner to calculate detailed work schedules for every seaman.

Solutions for the Maritime Aftermarket: Taking After Sales Services to the Next Level

Nowadays, after sales services are more and more important. They satisfy customer needs, such as the excellent availability of spare parts, offer services across individual departments and induce a high customer loyalty. This results in the outcome that today’s service champions earn up to 50 percent of profits in the aftermarket.

Cost-Efficient Procurement with Supply Chain Optimization (SCO)

Procurement of vessel spare parts causes about ten percent of vessel operating costs. An optimized supply chain, the analysis of procurement data and applied forecasting are the basis of effective procurement. All models can be customized individually to gain best possible compatibility. This flyer describes all important proceedings detailed.

Decision Support in Crewing

Crewing has among other things to deal with fix operating costs and increasing demands by new regulations. Therefore, it is a key success factor to manage crew resources effectively and to increase the company`s competitiveness. Various client requirements and human resource needs are involved in this tool and allow to determine the necessary personnel demand for a ship`s managers fleet.

Long-term Crew Scheduling with Crew Scheduling Optimizer (CSO)

The CSO creates an optimized personnel deployment plan to keep the Manning costs low and the satisfaction of the crew high. The planning parameters can be set up in detail in order to ensure a comprehensive analysis for the best possible result. The CSO generates an output, which can be implemented in an existing system.

Decision Support for Selecting Fleet Management Systems

Fleet Management Systems (FMS) support, optimize and monitor business processes. They are helpful to reduce the use of resources, such as fleet management running costs, and responds quickly and flexibly to changing market requirements. Hereby, shipping companies have the opportunity to acquire a cross-functional integrated software solution or to integrate individual modular components in their current system network.