The rail freight industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by increasing volumes, competitive pressures, and the European Green Deal. Digitalisation is at the forefront of this change, requiring business model evolution and strong collaboration. In this interview, we’ll explore how companies like INFORM facilitate this transition through tailored software solutions, AI expertise, and a focus on data-driven strategies.
With over 25 years of experience in terminal optimisation, INFORM differentiates itself through a global team of AI experts, a focus on dynamic, data-driven strategies, and long-term partnerships.
Sarah Berger, Sales Manager at INFORM GmbH, explains how INFORM bridges the digitalisation gap between maritime, road, and rail transport through intermodal solutions, custom interfaces, and seamless data flow.
The interview continues below the image.
What is your experience working with the rail freight industry? Is it keen on change and digital development, or does it consider such investments redundant?
Since I started working in the rail freight industry, I have observed a growing openness to digitalising operations and investing in technological transformation—an important shift that has been anticipated for quite some time. With rising global freight volumes and competitive pressures, alongside the European Green Deal’s objective to shift 75 per cent of domestic freight transport to rail by 2050, intermodal terminals must adapt to handle this increase efficiently. The whole transformation has made intelligent optimisation of terminal resources essential.
Apart from that, there is often initial scepticism among terminal operators regarding digital investments, largely due to the significant upfront costs. At INFORM, we recognise the importance of demonstrating the rapid return on investment these technologies offer.
Digitalisation in rail terminals and the overall rail freight industry isn’t merely about technology adoption; it requires a transformation in business models and collaboration across operators, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies.
Can you describe the typical collaboration process between INFORM and its clients, from initial consultation to implementation and ongoing support? What is particularly important to rail clients?
We always start with an in-depth consultation to fully understand each terminal operator’s unique needs and operational challenges. Resource allocation and real-time data visibility are crucial here.
Based on this, we determine which specific INFORM software services best suit the client. One such service is our scalable intermodal Terminal Operating System (TOS), which we configure for each terminal to streamline its operations, reduce delays, and optimise the use of terminal resources. Additionally, individual INFORM optimisation modules can be incorporated to enhance intelligent decision-making. If a terminal already has a TOS, those modules can work as an optimisation layer on top of it.
This leads me to the implementation phase. Since intermodal terminal operators often operate legacy systems, we integrate our software solutions seamlessly with the existing infrastructure. In this phase, data accuracy and interoperability are the highest priorities for our team. Once the systems are up and running, INFORM provides continuous support to ensure the solution adapts to evolving needs. Our customers can count on real-time data flow and system reliability anytime.
Intermodal terminals face a range of complexities requiring a system capable of handling current operational demands and adapting to future growth and challenges.
When it comes to rail, you focus on intermodal terminals. What challenges do intermodal terminals face in streamlining operations, and how can INFORM’s solutions address these challenges?
Intermodal terminals often face a range of complexities, from coordinating multiple transport modes to managing data from various stakeholders. Addressing these issues requires a system that is not only capable of handling current operational demands but can also adapt to future growth and challenges.
A core aspect of modern terminal management is real-time data visibility. Access to up-to-date operational data is fundamental for streamlining processes in an intermodal environment. As described before, our systems integrate with existing infrastructure, helping terminal operators make decisions that enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure smooth coordination between rail, road, and/or waterside transport modes.
Beyond real-time management, our experience has shown that optimisation is central to improving terminal operations. Whether it’s ensuring that cranes, trucks, or railways are used as efficiently as possible, we’ve seen that optimising specific parts of the terminal workflow can lead to broader gains in productivity and throughput. Ultimately, our goal is to provide intermodal terminals with the tools to manage complexity, enhance operational efficiency, and scale with future demands.
How does INFORM’s technology integrate with existing terminal infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and optimise resource utilisation? What is the cost-benefit for operators?
INFORM’s approach is based on years of experience in the optimisation of logistics operations, allowing us to understand the nuanced needs of intermodal terminals. Our modular and scalable TOS is designed with flexibility in mind so terminals can adjust their capabilities as their operations evolve. This is particularly important because terminals differ in size, capacity, and operational complexity, meaning that a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works. Instead, we focus on providing tools that can be tailored to address specific areas, whether it’s yard management, train processing, or truck movements.
In terms of cost-benefit, terminals using INFORM’s solutions experience improved throughput, reduced operational costs, and better use of space and equipment. This leads to faster turnaround times and a higher return on existing investments without the need for extensive and expensive new infrastructure.
How does INFORM differentiate itself from other AI and business optimisation companies? What sets your solutions apart?
What sets INFORM apart is our 25 years of experience in terminal optimisation and automation, backed by over 50 years in broader logistics sectors. As pioneers in early automation projects, we’ve built a unique knowledge base that enables us to tackle complex challenges with proven solutions.
With a global team of over 1,300 employees dedicated to AI-based optimisation, we bring deep specialisation that continuously refines and advances our services. I could name a colleague for each specific topic who is an expert in this field, making INFORM’s solution evolve naturally. Our hands-on experience allows us to address intricate logistics challenges, from intermodal terminals to broader supply chain operations, with a distinctive approach.
Beyond automation, we focus on optimising operational efficiency and resource utilisation through dynamic, data-driven strategies. Collaboration is at the heart of our success. Long-term partnerships enable us to deeply understand and adapt to evolving industry needs. By fostering these relationships, we ensure our clients and technology grow together to meet future demands.
Maritime and road transport embraced digitalisation and invested in technology faster than rail.
INFORM also inherently specialises in maritime, road, and possibly air transport, considering that it deals with intermodal operations. Is there a digitalisation disparity between different modes?
Having this overarching view of the different industries and sectors is a true accelerator of our optimisation. We observed that maritime and road transport embraced digitalisation and invested in technology faster, which led to more advanced systems for real-time tracking, automation, and optimisation already being in place.
It took much longer for rail transport, mainly due to the complexities of outdated infrastructure, regulatory challenges, and the need for harmonisation across different countries, particularly in Europe. This fragmentation has made it more challenging to implement advanced technologies like AI-based optimisation in rail logistics.
Moving on from the ground, air transport has made strides in digitalisation, but mainly in passenger services. Freight operations in air transport are not yet as digitally integrated with other modes in intermodal systems.
INFORM’s work in intermodal operations bridges these gaps by providing digital solutions that enhance the rail sector’s capabilities, aligning them with the advancements seen in road and maritime transport.
From an AI provider’s perspective, what must the rail industry do to integrate more effectively with other transport modes? What should be the focus?
To integrate more effectively with other transport modes, the rail freight industry needs a unified data platform that allows seamless data sharing across all transport modes. The German Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) highlights the risk that rail freight could lose ground in the intermodal market if siloed systems and fragmented data streams persist.
Therefore, there is significant room for improvement in the modernisation of infrastructure. Many rail systems rely on legacy technology, limiting their ability to use AI and advanced optimisation tools. Investing in digital systems, automation, and AI-driven solutions would enable the rail industry to coordinate more efficiently with other transport modes, ensuring smoother transitions in intermodal logistics.
I mentioned the unique character of the rail industry before, where several stakeholders need to work closely together to break down barriers and streamline operations across different transport modes. A stronger emphasis on real-time data integration and predictive analytics would help improve planning, scheduling, and overall efficiency in intermodal transport chains. Collaborative data-sharing efforts across the logistics and transport chain would enhance rail freight’s connectivity and operational resilience.
We do not want to force major changes to existing infrastructure.
On your behalf, how do you ensure seamless interoperability and data exchange between various stakeholders within the intermodal logistics chain, including rail, road, and maritime operators?
Thanks to our decades of experience, we can provide intermodal rail terminal operators with the individual support they need. On the one hand, we have refined our optimisation modules to an extent where they meet many customers’ needs. On the other hand, we recognise that while standardised APIs are ideal, not every system is compatible with existing standards. We do not want to force major changes to existing infrastructure. In these cases, our team builds custom interfaces and integrations to connect different platforms, ensuring smooth data flow between all stakeholders.
We ensure real-time data—such as cargo status, schedules, or vehicle locations—is shared and utilised effectively across all transport modes through custom APIs or tailored solutions. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, ensuring that the overall logistics chain remains efficient and transparent, even when standardised interfaces are not available.
The broader transport industry has made decarbonisation and sustainability one of its flagships. At the same time, digitalisation is a key tool for reaching those goals. Are logistics as sustainable as they claim to be in general? On the other hand, how feasible is it for companies to decarbonise their operations relatively quickly, and what are the costs?
The logistics industry has made progress in sustainability, but it still relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly in road and air transport as well as in intermodal terminal operations. If you ask me, decarbonisation is possible, but it requires significant investment in green technologies and infrastructure, which makes rapid progress difficult.
INFORM’s modular-built TOS directly addresses these challenges with solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact in terminal operations. Modules like our Yard Optimizer and Vehicle Optimizer streamline operations by minimising unnecessary moves and idle times in real time, thereby reducing emissions. Additionally, our Rail Scheduler and Train Load Optimizer allow real-time optimisation of rail crane operations, reducing rehandling and empty travel and maximising train capacity—contributing to sustainability goals.
While upfront costs are high, long-term benefits include lower operational costs as well as lower total costs of ownership. The intermodal transportation industry might face significant challenges now; however, overcoming them will unlock substantial opportunities and rewards. Consumer demand for greener supply chains is also increasing, pushing companies to decarbonise despite the challenges.
Are there “easy” or “smart” solutions, and maybe tips to share with the rail industry in this regard?
There are no “easy” solutions to decarbonisation and efficiency challenges in the rail industry since the matter is quite complex. But smart solutions—and smart in this day and age almost always mean AI-driven innovations—are basically our passion. I would like to mention some of the most promising measures we are driving forward right now.
Predictive Maintenance with AI: Unplanned breakdowns can cause significant delays and high costs in rail operations. This is where predictive maintenance comes into play. Instead of waiting for parts to fail, AI models identify patterns in the data from components like axles, wheels, and engines to predict failures ahead of time. McKinsey already reported some years ago that shifting rail maintenance from reactive to proactive can lower operational costs by 25 to 55 per cent. Digital Twins: With the help of AI, we can create a virtual model of a physical system to simulate real-world conditions and predict how infrastructure and rolling stock will behave under different scenarios. By simulating how weather, wear, and operational conditions affect track deformation or rolling stock fatigue, rail operators can optimise repair schedules and prevent issues before they impact.
AI-Driven Energy Optimization: AI doesn’t just improve operations—it makes them more energy efficient. By using algorithms to optimise train speeds, scheduling, and braking patterns, AI can minimise unnecessary stops and starts and, thus, lower energy consumption. AI systems optimise the driving behaviour of trains to reduce fuel usage and emissions by up to 15 per cent, which right now is a significant operational cost for the rail industry.
Real-Time Data Sharing: When trains, trucks, and ships share real-time data about cargo status, arrivals, and departures, the entire logistics chain becomes more efficient. In detail, this means better coordination across modes of transport, reducing idle times at terminals and ensuring that cargo is transferred quickly and efficiently. In turn, unnecessary delays and fuel use can be reduced again.
What emerging trends in AI and business optimisation will shape the future of INFORM and the industries it serves?
AI is great for optimising real-time rail business by adjusting operations based on current conditions. It is even greater when it uses predictive analytics to anticipate issues before they happen. We want to elevate companies from reactive to proactive strategies, significantly lowering costs and enhancing performance.
Another key advantage to streamlining decision-making processes is AI-powered automation. Leveraging vast datasets and machine learning models will help logistics, as well as many other industries, handle complexity, uncertainty, and fluctuations more effectively.
What’s important to INFORM is to show that these developments are not just about automating processes but about optimising entire ecosystems. We are helping companies transition to more resilient, adaptive operations, respond to external pressures, and change market demands effectively and efficiently.