Sustainability in the business field Logistics Software

Eco-friendly transport, reliable transport chains and cost-saving concepts - acting sustainably is also an important issue in the logistics sector. PTV's range of software products and its knowledge and expertise in this field assist its clients in reaching their economic and ecological goals.

Avoiding unnecessary trips makes sense if we are to achieve the vision of sustainable development. With PTV SmarTour and PTV Intertour companies can optimise their trips and routes, meaning they reduce driving times and trip lengths, saving both emissions and costs. At the same time, these optimised trips make each step in the supply chain even more reliable and transparent and help users deliver higher quality of service.

Setting standards for green logistics

Since 2009, PTV has been setting the standards for green logistics with its transport route planner map&guide professional: it is the first software for transport route planning which allows users to calculate and offset transport emissions. In 2010, it was certifed by TÜV Süd, a recognized German inspection authority.

PTV is currently involved in the development of emissions calculation standards in road freight transport (DIN/CEN). The first European standard is expected to be introduced in 2012.

"map&guide automatically calculates CO2 emissions for a transport run automatically. All it takes is the touch of a button. This carbon footprint can be offset by paying someone to make an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere in the world."

Three questions to Vincent Kobesen, member of the Board of Directors of PTV, responsible for the business field Logistics Software

Emissions calculation with map&guide

What data does map&guide use for its emissions calculation?

Vincent Kobesen: "The emissions calculator of our transport route planner map&guide professional calculates emissions on the basis of the Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport (HBEFA), which is based on emission surveys carried out by German, Austrian, Swiss, Norwegian and Swedish Environment Agencies. At the touch of a button, the software calculates concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulates (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and many other pollutants. Users simply have to enter their parameters, such as weight, transport and emission class, and type of fuel. With just another click they can offset their transport emissions. This means that CO2 can be compensated for by paying a certain amount of money which is used for climate-relieving measures that comply with the WWF Gold Standard, the standard with the highest quality criteria. These climate protection projects ensure that the tonnes of CO2 emitted in Germany are saved somewhere else. To this end, fossil energy sources that are detrimental to the climate are substituted by renewable energies."

Trip optimisation with PTV SmarTour and PTV Intertour

What kind of sustainable options do PTV SmarTour and PTV Intertour offer?

Vincent Kobesen: "With PTV SmarTour and PTV Intertour it is possible to minimise carbon emissions and at the same time cut costs. These software solutions for trip planning and trip optimisation assist logistics and transport companies in optimising their transport operations in terms of costs, time and efficiency. They also help them to avoid empty runs.“

Individual solutions thanks to PTV's xServers

Do you also offer the technologies behind PTV products as smaller components?

Vincent Kobesen: "With our so-called xServers we also offer PTV technology as powerful software components. Companies can thus extend their applications or internal company networks according to their individual needs and act in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner."

Advanced distribution concepts

PTV is involved in numerous research projects on intermodal and multimodal transport chains, forging new paths for the logistics industry. The software solutions developed within the scope of these projects help logistics companies to plan and manage transports in an eco-friendly manner: shifting freight from road to rail or inland waterway reduces road traffic. Thanks to advanced distribution concepts cities can breathe again. Advanced city logistics reduces traffic, noise and pollutants.

PTV provides pioneering and future-proof logistics solutions.

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