The future of global dual-use logistics: strategic resilience in a fragmented world through intelligent infrastructure and automation

The dissolution of the old certainties and the ingenious plan behind “Dual-Fair”: How the efficiency of defense logistics ensures that your packages always arrive

Dual-use logistics expert – Image: Xpert.digital

The global economy is currently experiencing a fundamental change, a broken epoch that shakes the cornerstones of global logistics. The era of hyper-globalization, which was characterized by the unshakable striving for maximum efficiency and the “just-in-time” principle, gives way to a new reality. This is characterized by profound structural breaks, geopolitical shifts and progressive economic political fragmentation. The planning of international markets and supply chains, which was once assumed as a matter of course, dissolves and is replaced by a phase of growing uncertainty.

The numbers draw a clear picture of this new inconsistency. Forecasts for 2025 indicate that 56 % of all globally operating companies will be directly affected by geopolitical disorders. 94 % of companies already report significant loss of sales that are due to interruptions in their supply chains. Analyzes show that a severe disruption statistically occurs every 3.7 years, whereby the complete recovery from such an event can take two to three years. This new volatility is not a temporary appearance, but a structural feature of the 21st century. It forces decision -makers in business and politics, the fundamental assumptions on which their strategies are based.

The rise of resilience as a strategic goal

In this new paradigm, a concept from the background comes to a strategic foreground: resilience. The ability to not only maintain supply chains according to negative events, new regulatory requirements or unforeseen shocks, but also to continue and strengthened, becomes a decisive survival and competitiveness. Resilience and the associated agility are no longer only desirable properties, but are just as important, if not more important than pure cost optimization that has dominated the thinking of the past decades.

The structure of resilience is a multi -layered undertaking. It requires a proactive and holistic approach that goes beyond traditional risk management strategies. The core components are the diversification of the supplier base and the transport routes to reduce dependencies on individual sources or routes. Companies and states have to build a wide portfolio of suppliers and transport corridors for sensitive materials, products and components in order to remain capable of acting in the event of a crisis. This realignment represents a fundamental departure from the “Lean” principle. Investments that were previously considered “redundant” or “inefficient” – as the maintenance of alternative transport routes, the development of strategic buffer camps or the qualification of second suppliers – are valued in the new context as essential “resilience insurance”. The calculation of the Return on Investment (ROI) for infrastructure and logistics projects must reflect this paradigm shift: the costs of non-availability far exceed the costs of the precaution.

Smart Logistics Backbone: Xpert.digital and his partners

According to Xpert.digital and his partners, the concept “Dual-Fair” in this new paradigm will find a profound transformation. Traditionally understood as a regulatory obstacle in export control law, Dual-Fer develops into a proactive, strategic instrument for the development of national and economic resistance. It is no longer just a matter of preventing the abuse of goods, but about specifically promoting the double usability of infrastructures, technologies and processes in order to ensure both economic prosperity and state security.

This article will explain how the intelligent and synergetic combination of civil and military logistics requirements, based on groundbreaking technological innovations, represents the decisive competitive and safety advantage of the future. He will examine how a “smart logistics backbone” as a digital nervous system enables a new generation of resilient infrastructure and how high-automated, AI-controlled logistics nodes can become the stabilizers of fragile global supply chains.

Defined dual-use logistics: From the control regime to the foundation of national and economic resilience

The traditional perspective: Dual-Fair as an export control

Historically and in common practice, the term “dual -use” is inextricably linked to the complex field of export control. Dual-use goods are products, software and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. This double usability carries the risk of abuse, which is why trade with such goods are subject to strict international and national checks.

The aim of this control regime, such as the multilateral Wassenaar arrangement, is to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (ABC weapons) and carrier systems as well as to prevent destabilizing conventional upgrades in conflict regions. The Regulation (EU) 2021/821 regulates the trade with these goods within the European Union. It contains a detailed list of controlled goods in its attachments, in particular Appendix I, which is divided into ten main categories (from category 0 "nuclear materials" to category 9 "Aerospace and drives") and five subgroups (from A "Systems" to E "Technology")).

For companies that deal with dual-use goods, this means a significant administrative and procedural effort. Export usually requires special permits that are granted by national authorities such as the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) in Germany. A distinction is made between different types of licenses, including EU-wide general export permits (Eugeas), national general export permits (NGEAS), global licenses for an exporter for several goods and countries as well as individual export permits for a specific business. Companies are obliged to carry out comprehensive DUE diligence tests to ensure that their products are not used for unauthorized purposes or for violating human rights. This traditional view primarily frames Dual-Fair as a restrictive necessity – a hurdle that needs to be managed to ensure compliance and avoid negative consequences.

The paradigm shift: dual -use as a strategic infrastructure concept

The geopolitical and economic faults in recent years force a fundamental paradigm shift in the consideration of dual -use. Instead of only limiting the concept to individual, sensitive goods, the core idea of the double usage purpose is increasingly expanded to entire systems and, above all, strategically relevant transport infrastructures. This expanded definition is no longer just about the control of goods, but about the conscious design and integration of logistics infrastructures and processes that meet both civil and military requirements.

This approach transforms Dual-Fuse from a reactive control mechanism into a proactive design instrument for national resilience. The central question is no longer just: "How do we prevent the abuse of this technology?", But rather: "How can we design this infrastructure in such a way that it strengthens our economy in normal operation and ensures our security in the event of crisis, disaster or defense?"

The successful implementation of such a dual-use infrastructure requires close and institutionalized cooperation, a so-called integrated governance, between the relevant actors: military agencies such as the Bundeswehr and NATO, civilian authorities such as transport and business ministries, infrastructure operators and private logistics industries. Such a procedure breaks up traditional silos and creates synergies that would be unreachable in isolated planning approaches.

Civil-military cooperation (ZMZ) as an operational foundation

The operational foundation for this strategic infrastructure concept provides civil-military cooperation (ZMZ). In Germany, the ZMZ is an established instrument that goes far beyond pure disaster relief and is considered essential for state and alliance defense. Their core principle is the bundling of civilian and military forces and means in order to be able to use them more effectively.

The national security strategy and the defense policy guidelines emphasize that overall defensive overall defense is only possible in the close interaction of military and civil partners. Military defense is not affordable without functioning civil defense, and vice versa. This includes the protection of critical infrastructures (criticism), the maintenance of state functions and the care of the population and the armed forces.

The Bundeswehr supports civilian authorities in natural disasters, serious accidents or, as during the Covid 19 pandemy, in health emergencies. It not only provides personnel, but also unique logistical skills and material, such as transport armor, changing loaders or pioneering equipment. This cooperation is not a one -way street. In the event of a defense, the military is dependent on the support of the civilian economy, for example in the case of transport capacities, maintenance or the provision of goods. The ZMZ creates the necessary structures, procedures and, above all, the basis of trust in order to ensure this interaction in an emergency.

The added value for civilian modernization

The strategic realignment of the logistics infrastructure under the dual-use idea harbors an immense added value that goes far beyond the pure safety aspect. Investments made from the perspective of national resilience are not pure military spending, but represent a profound modernization of civilian infrastructure.

An example of this is the combined traffic (KV) Schiene-Straße. The upgrading of rail networks for the transport of heavy military vehicles (e.g. increasing the load class to UIC-RANGE class D4) or the expansion of KV terminals with ramps for roro loading (roll-on/roll-off) of cycling and chain vehicles benefits civilian economy. A more robust and more powerful rail infrastructure relieves the chronically overloaded streets, reduces traffic jams, noise and, above all, CO2 emissions. A relocation of long-distance transport from the road to rail can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80 %.

These investments create a classic win-win situation. The economy benefits from more efficient, cheaper and more environmentally friendly transport chains. The company benefits from relieving traffic routes and an improved environmental balance. And the state strengthens its strategic autonomy and ability to act in the event of a crisis. The application of the dual-use principle to infrastructure projects transforms political and economic justification for the necessary, often massive investments. It is no longer a “military project” or a “civil project”, but a “national resilience project” that ensures economic prosperity, social resistance and strategic sovereignty in Germany and Europe in an increasingly insecure world.

The backbone of the future: the “Smart Logistics Backbone” as an integrated nervous system

Concept definition: What is a “smart logistics backbone”?

A “Smart Logistics Backbone” is the consistent fusion of physical infrastructure – the bones and joints of global trade such as ports, terminals, rail networks and street corridors – with a comprehensive digital system that acts as an intelligent nervous system. This digital system collects, processes and distributes data across all nodes and actors of the supply chain in real time. The goal is to create a seamless, flexible and highly efficient supply chain, which is fully integrated and synchronized on a physical, digital and operational level.

This concept goes far beyond the isolated digitization of individual companies or logistics hubs. It describes a networked ecosystem in which information flows as smoothly and standardized as the physical goods themselves. It is the backbone that enables the transition from reactive management of logistics processes to proactive, forward-looking , and ultimately self-optimizing orchestration.

The physical level: intelligent logistics node (smart logistics nodes)

The fundamental building blocks of the physical backbone are the logistics nodes that develop into “Smart Logistics Nodes” (SLNS). A SLN is defined as a seaport, an airport, a freight traffic center or a domestic terminal that uses advanced data exchange and information technologies in order to improve and automate its internal and external processes.

Leading ports such as Shanghai, Rotterdam, Hamburg or Los Angeles are pioneers in implementing SLN concepts. They use technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analyzes and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase their operational efficiency, their sustainability and security. The Rio Operations Center (COR) in Rio de Janeiro is an outstanding example of city -wide integration that transfers the principles of a SLN to a metropolis. There, data flows from various sources – traffic control systems, weather radar, security cameras, social media and citizen feedback systems – are merged in a central control center to create a uniform, real-time position of the city. This model of the cross-departmental data fusion for controlling complex systems is a blueprint for the functioning of a national smart logistics backbone.

The digital level: the technological foundation

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT sensors on containers, vehicles, cranes and in warehouses form the system's sensory organs. They provide continuous current of real -time data about the condition, the exact position, the temperature and the expected arrival time of programs and equipment. This creates a previously unmatched end-to-end transparency over the entire supply chain and is the basis for any further optimization.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Predictive Analytics

AI algorithms are the brain of the backbone. They analyze the huge amounts of data from the IoT sensors and other sources, recognize patterns, predict future events such as demand tips or potential disorders and propose optimal strategies for action. Predictive analyzes make it possible to pass from the pure past to actively shape the future.

Digital twins

A digital twin is a highly detailed, dynamic virtual image of a physical object or system, for example a complete port terminal or a logistics corridor. This virtual model is continuously fed with real -time data from the physical world. It makes it possible to simulate complex operating scenarios, to identify bottlenecks, to plan maintenance work with foresight (predictive maintenance) and to test the effects of strategic decisions before they are implemented in reality.

Data platforms and “neutral host” models

In order for the data exchange in an ecosystem with many different actors (shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs, military), open but secure data platforms. These platforms provide standardized interfaces and protocols. Innovative “Neutral Host” operating models, such as those tested in the Finnish Luxurrim project for 5G networks in Smart Cities, could serve as a model here. A neutral operator provides the digital basic infrastructure (the backbone), on which various service providers can offer their services. This promotes innovation and avoids the development of proprietary data silos.

The operational level: integration and orchestration

The true strength of the Smart Logistics Backbone unfolds on the operational level, where the physical and digital world merge into a seamless unit. The backbone enables the smooth, synchronized planning and control across various modes of transport, which is particularly important for the combined Schiene-Straße traffic.

Imagine a scenario: A ship that starts a port connected to the backbone automatically transmits its precise, AI-calculated arrival time (ETA) to the digital twins of the port terminal. The terminal then reserves a berth and the required container bridges. At the same time, the information is forwarded to the digital twin of a domestic train terminal, which proactively books a slot on a freight train. The system informs the shipping company of the end customer about the exact time window in which the truck can pick up the container at the destination station. Each step is transparent, automated and optimized.

This level of integration is an essential prerequisite for the vision of the “Physical Internet” (PI), in which physical goods, packaged in standardized, intelligent containers, such as data packages through a global, open logistics network. A national Smart Logistics Backbone is the crucial step to implement this future concept into reality. It creates a strategic advantage, a kind of “data gravity field” that attracts efficiency, resilience and innovation and is difficult to replicate for competitors.

Markus Becker

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

Head of Business Development

LinkedIn

Revolution in the heart of logistics: automated container terminals and container high-bay warehouse

The borders of conventional terminals

Traditional container terminals based on rubber-tired portal lifting wagons (RTGS) or Straddle Carriern are increasingly reaching their physical and operational boundaries. Their basic principle of “chaotic storage”, in which containers are stacked on top of each other in order to use the area, leads to a fundamental problem of efficiency. As soon as a container is required, which is not in the top position in the stack, all containers above it must first be implemented. These unproductive cover movements, known as “Reshuffling” or “Housekeeping”, make up 30 % to 60 % of all crane movements in a busy terminal.

This inefficiency has far -reaching consequences. The effective utilization of a conventional terminal is limited to around 70 % to 80 % of its theoretical capacity. If this threshold is exceeded, the number of necessary envelope movements increases exponentially and the performance of the terminal breaks. The handling times for ships and trucks become unpredictable, there are long waiting times and traffic jams to the gates, and operating costs increase due to the high level of energy and personnel expenses for unproductive work. In a world that requires speed and predictability, this system is a structural bottleneck.

The principle of the automated high -shelf system (AHRS / HBS)

Automated high-rack systems (AHRS), often also referred to as high-bay storage (HBS), represent a radical break with the old paradigm. Instead of stacking containers chaotically, each individual container is stored in an individual, firmly assigned and digitally addressable shelf – similar to a gigantic shoe carton shelf. The storage and outsourcing takes place fully automatically by rail operated shelves (RBG) or autonomous shuttles, which range between the rows of shelves up to 50 meters high.

The decisive advantage of this system is the direct and immediate access to each individual container at any time. The time and energy-intensive reshuffling is completely eliminated. This means that 100 % of all crane movements are – they serve exclusively to put a container on or to outsource. This transition from “chaotic storage” to “deterministic storage” is the actual quantum leap. The time and energy expenditure for access to any container are no longer variable and unpredictable, but constant and precise. This predictability is the basic requirement for effective digitization and AI-based optimization of the entire port logistics.

Quantifiable advantages of automation

Space efficiency

By consistently using the third dimension, AHRS can reduce the storage capacity on the same base area to quadruple times or the space required for the same number of containers by up to 90 %. A practical example shows that 250 containers who need a conventional 9,000 m² can find space in an AHRS on only 950 m². This enables ports in densely populated areas to massively increase their capacity without having to open up expensive and tight land.

Operating costs (opex) & investment costs (Capex)

The initial investment costs (Capex) for an AHRS are undoubtedly high. However, they are more than compensated for than the lifespan of the system by massive savings on the property costs and ongoing operating costs (Opex). Analyzes indicate a reduction in opex by 25 % to 55 %, which is mainly due to a reduction in personnel costs by up to 70 %. In addition, the systems are more energy -efficient; Pilot projects showed energy costs, which were 29 % lower than expected, with significantly reduced maintenance.

Throughput & efficiency

The elimination of unproductive movements leads to a dramatic increase in the envelope speed. Performance indicators show up to 31.8 movements per hour on the land side. The truck handling times (“turnaround time”) can be shortened over 30 minutes, even in optimized systems, to a few minutes, which prevents traffic jams at the terminals and drastically improves the efficiency of the logistics.

Security & sustainability

Ahrs are fully encapsulated, automated systems. The actual storage area is not entered by humans, which drastically reduces the risk of work accidents. The operation is completely electrical and can be carried out with certified green electricity. Many concepts integrate photovoltaic systems on the large roof areas and use systems for energy recovery (recuperation) when braking or lowering loads. This enables CO₂-neutral or even energy-positive operation and reduces noise and light emissions to a minimum, which significantly improves acceptance in urban areas.

The following table summarizes the paradigm shift in container storage and emphasizes the strategic implications of the technological advantages.

Paradigm shift in container storage

Paradigm shift in container storage – Image: Xpert.digital

The paradigm shift in container storage is clearly shown in comparison between conventional RTG yards and automated high-rack systems (AHRS). While the area efficiency in conventional systems with around 800 to 1,200 TEU per hectare is rather low, the AHR's values of up to 3,800 TEU and more reaches valuable port areas or enables massive capacity extensions on existing areas. The storage capacity on the same area is multiplied by three to four times, with which capacity bottlenecks are solved in land shortages and growth without physical expansion is made possible. Another advantage is shown in the productive movements: With conventional yard, these are only 40 to 70 percent, while in the AHRS they are 100 percent, which drastically lowers the energy consumption and wear per container and enormously increases the overall efficiency.

The access time to containers is variable and unpredictable in conventional systems, but in the automated system constant and planable, for example under five minutes. This forms the basis for the digitization of the entire supply chain and enables AI optimization with the same high service quality. The predictability of the handling is low in conventional yards and depends on the occupancy, while it is very high and independent of the load on the AHRS. This allows reliable slot allocation and synchronized planning with downstream transport companies such as railway and truck.

There are also big differences in the truck replacement period: it is long and variable with conventional yards with over 60 minutes, while it is short and constant under 30 minutes at AHRS. This reduces traffic jams in and at the terminal, increases the utilization of the truck fleets and lowers the logistics costs for freight forwarders. Energy consumption and emissions are high in conventional systems, often diesel-based, while the automated system is low, fully electrically, recuperative and solarable, which makes CO₂-neutral terminal operation possible, fulfills strict environmental requirements and improves public acceptance. In the area of personnel deployment and security, the effort for conventional yards and the risk of accidents is high, while the AHRS offers low personnel costs with a very high level of security and relocates human work from dangerous tasks to surveillance and control tasks.

Finally, the cost structure shows a difference between lower capex and high opex for conventional systems compared to high capex and low opex in automated systems. In the long term, this results in competitive total costs (TCO), which means that the investment in AHRS represents a strategic decision for future viability instead of short -term cost minimization.

Challenges and implementation

Despite the overwhelming advantages, the implementation of an AHR is a complex and capital -intensive undertaking. The high initial investments, system complexity and the long implementation times of at least 12 months represent the greatest hurdles. The projects require careful planning, which also takes high structural requirements for the statics of the floor slab and fire protection.

A critical success factor is the seamless software integration of the Ahrs warehouse management system (LVS) of the AHR into the overarching terminal operating system (TOS). This is the only way to raise the full potential of automation. In order to minimize the investment risks, most AHRS concepts are modularly and scalable. A terminal can begin with a first module and gradually expand the system depending on the capacity requirements and financing options. This approach also enables smaller ports to start the technology and ensures the future viability of the logistics infrastructure in global competition.

The intelligence of the buffering: AI-controlled autonomous warehouse as stabilizers of the supply chain

The new role of buffer camps

The experiences of the past few years, in particular the vulnerabilities of traditional supply chains for unexpected bottlenecks, which are raised by the Corona crisis, have underpinned the need for flexible and more robust solutions. Buffer bearings are no longer just passive memory for excess goods, but become active, dynamic nodes within the logistics network. They enable the decoupling of volatile upstream supply chains and more stable downstream production or distribution processes. In a dual-use context, they are of crucial importance for the storage of critical goods, from medical aids in the event of a disaster to spare parts and ammunition in the event of defense.

AI as the brain of the warehouse: from reactive too predictive

The decisive change in the functioning of modern buffer camps is promoted by the use of artificial intelligence. AI systems act as the central brain of the warehouse and transform the inventory management from a reactive to a predictive process.

Advanced algorithms of machine learning continuously analyze huge and heterogeneous amounts of data in real time. This includes not only internal data such as historical sales figures and current inventory, but also external factors such as market trends, weather forecasts, raw material prices, social media moods or geopolitical risk indicators. The AI recognizes the AI complex pattern from this data and creates high -precision demand forecasting).

This ability enables dynamic and precise inventory management. Instead of relying on rigid security stocks, the system can optimally adapt the inventory to the forecast needs. At the same time, this avoids two costly extremes: excess stands that bind capital and incorporate storage costs, and incorrect stocks (stockouts) that lead to production stamps or dissatisfied customers. AI-controlled systems can also trigger reordering processes fully automatically as soon as predicted minimum stocks are achieved, and even propose optimal suppliers and order times.

Autonomous systems as executing force

While the AI makes strategic and tactical decisions, autonomous systems are the executing power, the muscles of the intelligent warehouse. A new generation of logistical robots takes over the physical handling of the goods:

Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and driverless transport systems (FTS)

These systems navigate independently through the warehouses, transport pallets, containers or individual products and continuously optimize their routes to avoid collisions and minimize the transport times.

AI-controlled cranes and shelf control units

In high-bay bearings, AI algorithms control the movements of the cranes to optimize the input and outsourcing strategies (e.g. to store frequently required items closer to the goods output).

Robotic picking systems

Robot arms, equipped with advanced 3D image processing and gripping technology, can pick individual articles from containers and put together for shipping.

Automated quality control

AI-based image recognition systems scan incoming goods for damage, check barcodes or labels and sort out incorrect products automatically. This increases quality and reduces errors in the entire process chain.

The symbiosis: the intelligent, autonomous buffer camp

The true strength arises from the seamless symbiosis of AI as a brain and robotic as a executive body. This combination creates a cybernetic, self -optimizing system that learns and adapts in real time. The AI not only plans the optimal warehouse positions and transport routes, but also adapts these plans to the current situation in a matter of seconds – for example, if an urgent order is received or a delivery truck arrives unexpectedly early.

This intelligent buffer camp becomes an “innovation laboratory” for the entire logistics of a company. New processes or strategies can be tested and validated on a small scale here before they are rolled out throughout the company. The efficiency gains are enormous: throughput times are drastically reduced, the error rate drops for zero, and the operating costs are reduced by the optimized use of personnel, area and energy. The principle of the “Ware-Zur-Person” Commissioning, in which robots bring the required articles directly to the workplace of the employee, not only increases speed, but also improves ergonomics and security.

AI in military and dual-use logistics

The principles of AI-controlled autonomous warehouse are directly transferable to the highly demanding requirements of military and dual-use logistics. The military already uses AI intensively to create position images by extracting and identifying relevant information from an unmanageable flood of sensor data (e.g. satellites, drones, reconnaissance vehicles).

The same approach can revolutionize military logistics. Instead of acting based on rigid plans, a AI can predict the actual need for spare parts, ammunition, fuel or medical material based on real-time use data, damage reports and forecast surgical courses. Autonomous systems such as delivery drones or unmanned soil vehicles can then take over the supply of units in the field or the assembly of field camps, which reduces the risk of human logistics convoy.

In this security-critical environment, protection (Safety and Security) of the AI systems is of the highest priority. The systems must be robust against enemy cyber attacks, manipulation and technical failures. Your decisions must remain understandable and controllable, whereby people always have to keep the final control (“human in the loop”). The development of such secure AI systems is a central challenge, but also a prerequisite for building up a sustainable, resilient dual-use logistics.

Markus Becker

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

Head of Business Development

LinkedIn

The requirement profile of the future dual-use logistics expert

The convergence of the disciplines

The previous analyzes draw a clear picture: the logistics of the future is no longer an isolated field. It arises at the complex interface of global geopolitics, civil-military overall defense planning, strategic infrastructure engineering, resilient IT architecture and the profound use of artificial intelligence. The time in which logistics was primarily understood as an operational function for minimizing costs is irrevocably over. Today it is a central part of the national and entrepreneurial strategy, the individual domains – politics, technology, economy and security – can no longer be viewed separately. A state -of -the -art, automated terminal is worthless without a robust cyber security strategy. Brilliant AI optimization is useless if the regulatory framework for data exchange is missing. A national resilience strategy remains theory if it is not translated into concrete, technologically advanced and economically viable infrastructure projects.

From the specialist to the orchestrator

This convergence of the disciplines requires a new type of experts. The specialist in the past – be it the pure logistician, the IT architect or the political advisor – can no longer grasp the complexity of the overall system alone. The future belongs to the strategic orchestrator. This role requires the rare ability to understand the mutual dependencies between the different domains, to translate the respective technical languages and bring together the different actors into a common goal. The orchestrator does not think in individual projects, but in networked ecosystems. He not only plans to build a system, but the rules, the data flows and the business models that make this system to a living part of a larger whole.

The required competence profile

The analysis is derived from a clear requirement profile for this future dual-use logistics expert. He or she has to combine a unique combination of skills:

In -depth expertise in digital transformation & automation

A well -founded understanding not only for the technologies itself (KI, IoT, digital twins, robotics), but above all for their successful implementation in highly complex, security -critical and existing environments (“Brownfield”). This includes the ability to carry out feasibility studies, to design system architectures and to guide complex integration projects.

Holistic competence in logistics and process optimization

The ability to look outside the box of individual logistics functions and to analyze entire value chain and supply chains holistically. The goal is to redesign processes in order not only to increase efficiency, but above all to create sustainable competitive and resilience advantages.

Visionary force in the “Pioneer Business Development”

The strategic and entrepreneurial ability to design completely new, often disruptive business and operating models based on technological and geopolitical developments. This means thinking across traditional industry boundaries and, for example, to develop data -driven service platform from an infrastructure investment.

Pronounced strategic and geopolitical understanding

The ability to classify technological and logistical decisions in the wider context of global risks, national security interests and the goals of civil-military cooperation and to convincingly represent decision-makers in politics and business.

The partner for the new era – an insider tip

Coping with the challenges outlines exceeds the capacities of most individual companies or consulting companies, which typically specialize in only one of the above -mentioned disciplines. The establishment of a national “Smart Logistics Backbone” or the implementation of a dual-use-capable, automated port terminal requires a partner who has the rare ability to orchestrate all these skills.

Such a partner must be able to show a proven track record in digital pioneering work, which ideally goes back to the beginnings of the commercial AI and the Internet to ensure the technological depth. This technological expertise must be associated with a deep, tried and tested know-how in logistics advice and process optimization. However, the third, rarest component is crucial: the ability to “Pioneer Business Development”, ie the strategic vision, to create completely new value creation models from the convergence of technology and needs.

Companies that embody this holistic profile are rare and often act under the radar of the general public. They are not pure technology providers or classic management consultants, but strategic pioneers. For decision -makers who face the monumental task of preparing the logistical infrastructure of their country or company for the 21st century, the cooperation with such a partner can make up the difference between success and failure. An actor like Xpert.digital, who has been proven to combine expertise in digital transformation, logistics advice and strategic business structure, can be considered a kind of insider tip – an indispensable pilot that has the rare, holistic expertise that is non-existent to the success of nationally relevant dual-use infrastructure projects.

Strategic recommendations for action for decision -makers in business and politics

The transformation of global logistics to a resilient, intelligent and dual-use-capable system is a total-state and social task as a whole. It requires concerted efforts and courageous decisions from actors in politics and business. The following recommendations should serve as guidelines for this path.

For politics (federal and state levels)

Remember dual-use funding

Funding programs urgently need to be put on that explicitly invest in dual-use-capable infrastructure. The assessment of funding applications may no longer be separated according to civil or military benefit, but must create the combined strategic added value for resilience, economy and security as a central criterion. Projects such as the expansion of KV terminals or the creation of digital logistics platforms should be prioritized.

Create regulatory framework for the “smart logistics backbone”

The free but safe flow of data is the life elixir of an intelligent logistics system. Politicians must proactively create a clear legal framework that regulates the interdisciplinary and cross-company data exchange. This includes the establishment of binding data standards and interfaces, the clarification of liability issues and the guarantee of the highest data protection and data security levels, in particular in the involvement of criticism operators.

Institutionalize and deepen civil-military cooperation (ZMZ)

The ZMZ in the logistics area must be transferred from a reactive mode (help on a requirement) to a proactive, strategic planning partnership. Existing common planning and control bodies must be strengthened and equipped with the necessary skills and resources. Regular, realistic exercises that bring civil logisticians, disaster protection organizations and the Bundeswehr together are essential to test procedures and consolidate the cooperation.

For the economy (logistics company, industry, port operator)

Invest strategically in resilience

Companies must subject their supply chains of radical re -evaluation, in which resilience is an equal goal in addition to costs and efficiency. This means actively investing in the diversification of suppliers and transport routes. The implementation of technologies such as automated buffer camps for the cushioning of shocks and the testing of AHRS technologies for large transshipment points should be treated as strategic priorities.

Actively design public-private partnerships (ÖPPS)

The private sector should not wait for state initiatives, but should actively approach politics and propose models for public-private partnerships to build up the national logistics backbone. The expertise and innovative strength of private companies are indispensable for technological implementation. You must signal your willingness to invest in joint, long -term resilience projects.

Invest in future skills

Technological transformation requires a massive qualification offensive. Companies have to invest in retraining and further training for their employees to develop the skills that are required for operation, maintenance and control of highly automated and AI-controlled systems. This affects not only IT specialists, but also logisticians, dispatchers and repairers, whose job profiles will change fundamentally.

Common strategic priorities

Treat cyber security as the highest priority

The increasing digitization and networking of the logistics system creates new, critical attack vectors. A successful cyber attack on a central logistics node or the digital backbone can have catastrophic consequences for economy and security of care. Analyzes show that cyber risks are among the fastest growing threats to supply chains. The state and economy have to make joint efforts to develop and implement a robust, multi -layered security architecture for the critical digital logistics infrastructure.

Define and implement lighthouse projects

In order to cope with the complexity and make the advantages of the concept tangible, politicians and business should jointly identify one or more lighthouse projects and implement them with high priority. A possible project would be the creation of a first, fully integrated dual-use corridor that combines a seaport with AhrS technology via a digitized railway line with an intelligent domestic KV terminal. Such a project would serve as a blueprint for national roll-out, provide valuable practical experience and impressively demonstrate the feasibility and the immense benefits of the “Smart Logistics Backbone” approach.

Markus Becker

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

Head of Business Development

LinkedIn

Konrad Wolfenstein

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

contact me under Wolfenstein ∂ Xpert.digital

call me under +49 89 674 804 (Munich)

LinkedIn