RCG and voestalpine site Donawitz jointly launch pioneering digitalisation project

The aim is to pilot an integrated logistics solution for the digitalisation and optimisation of the rail-bound supply chain at the Donawitz site, including supply and process control. To this end, a contract was signed between the BMK and Schieneninfrastruktur-Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH (SCHIGmbH).

voestalpine Stahl Donawitz operates one of the largest rail sidings in Austria and is also the “pilot site” for the new digitalisation project. RCG subsidiary Rail Cargo Logistics - Austria is a leading logistics provider and proven partner of Austrian industry in the field of rail logistics. As part of the project, it will work on the conception and development of scalable interface solutions. These will enable the sustainable digitalisation of logistics processes along the value chain.

The aim is to significantly improve efficiency in terms of the environment, profitability, site security and employee satisfaction. The knowledge gained will subsequently be used as a basis for other customers. A funding agreement has now been signed with SCHIGmbH to pilot the implementation.

Optimisation through digitalisation

The digital optimisation of processes is based on current, jointly identified challenges at the Donawitz site and in cooperation with (rail) logistics companies, such as resource-intensive empty runs, under-utilised loading capacities and high manual effort in processing. The digitalisation project aims to address these challenges. Specifically, this means further developing the location management tool, implementing innovative data collection systems such as a video checkpoint system and creating cross-supply-chain interfaces for process integration. In this way, the transport and information chain of all relevant players at the site will be digitalised end-to-end, creating information and data transparency and saving energy and resources.

Broad benefits for the economy

Not only will voestalpine Stahl Donawitz and RCG benefit from the improvements, but the joint project will also make a pioneering contribution to Austrian industry through CO2 reduction, increased efficiency in the use of resources and the creation of modern jobs, in addition to the cross-site voestalpine-internal scaling potential of the interface solution, in particular that of Logistik Service GmbH (LogServ) in Linz. The project also makes a significant contribution to increasing the competitiveness of rail in the transport mix.

This project is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) and implemented by Schieneninfrastruktur-Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH (SCHIG mbH) as part of the logistics funding programme.

09.10.2024