The Open Trip Model: how a visionary idea of Simacan was embraced by the logistics sector
Recently, the latest version of the Open Trip Model (OTM) was launched, with interesting extensions. With OTM 5.0 it is possible to standardise messages for logistic processes, both for vehicle tracking and -since recently- for cargo. In cooperation with SUTC, Simacan wrote an article about this new release, which can now be read on the SUTC website.
OTM is the result of a unique collaboration: Simacan developed it and released it to the logistics sector. It did so based on the conviction that the model - free from commercial interests - can best serve the entire sector. Simacan is and will remain intensively involved in the further development of the model.
OTM: data exchange and connection to systems
The Open Trip Model (OTM) is -simply put- a standardised, uniform language for the electronic exchange of logistical data. By using OTM, logistical IT systems can communicate with each other because they can interpret each other's messages correctly, without the need for customised connections.
The advantage for logistics parties is obvious: it makes it much easier for them to connect to many different systems, and to share and retrieve their data. OTM can be used to exchange planning and status updates between planning systems, on-board computers and Control Towers. Simacan defined the data format and shared it with the IT departments of the various transport companies. Only later did they decide to make it an open standard.
New features and benefits of OTM 5.0
Applications for which various logistics companies are already using the model are:
- Early sharing of transport plans with a Control Tower;
- Sharing location updates of a specific vehicle/transport with a Control Tower;
- Passing a transport order (or set of orders) by a shipper to a carrier, including the specific requirements for the transport;
- Communication between planning (TMS) and on-board computer (FMS) systems;
- Integration of logistical data from municipalities in planning systems (e.g. a planner who receives a message if he plans a trip outside the locally applicable window times). This also applies to data about: environmental zones, weight/height/width restrictions, preferred routes for freight traffic, parking spaces and parking bans for trucks.
OTM turns out to be versatile and that is why it is now included as part of the basic data infrastructure that is being developed in the Netherlands (and Europe) in public-private partnership.
OTM: open standard for transport and logistics
Alone you go faster, together you go further. The development of OTM demonstrates this in practice. The standard developed by Simacan has - in the hands of SUTC and thanks to intensive cooperation between many different parties - grown in a few years into an open standard, which is flexible and easy to implement. A growing number of companies and organisations support the further development of OTM.
Want to know more about OTM or get started?
Please visit:
- https://www.opentripmodel.org (general information)
- https://otm5.opentripmodel.org (technical information)
The full article can be read on the website of SUTC (in Dutch). Would you like more information about the operation of OTM in your organisation, in combination with the Simacan Platform? Please feel free to contact us for more information or a demo of our Control Tower.