As the TRACE project reaches its successful completion, the consortium presents the TRACE Platform – an integrated solution developed to improve the coordination of multimodal logistics operations across Europe.

Designed to connect existing logistics systems rather than replace them, the platform combines real-time data management, intelligent route optimisation, secure information sharing, and blockchain-enabled traceability to support more efficient, transparent, and sustainable freight transport.

Validated through large-scale demonstrations in Greece, Slovenia, and Italy, the TRACE Platform demonstrates how digital technologies can help logistics operators, public authorities, and transport stakeholders better coordinate first-, middle-, and last-mile delivery operations while addressing the growing demands of urban mobility and environmental sustainability.

European logistics networks often operate through fragmented systems where companies use independent platforms, data formats and operational procedures. As shipments move across different operators and transport modes, this fragmentation can result in inefficient routing, underutilised vehicle capacity, increased emissions and operational complexity.

The TRACE Platform addresses these challenges by introducing a coordination layer that connects existing logistics systems without replacing them. Instead of requiring organisations to adopt a new infrastructure, TRACE enables secure information exchange and coordinated decision-making while allowing each stakeholder to maintain control over its own systems and operational data.

The platform combines real-time data collection, intelligent route optimisation, secure data sharing and blockchain-based transaction recording to support more efficient logistics operations. It has been designed to coordinate deliveries involving traditional logistics vehicles, cargo bikes and unmanned aerial vehicles, selecting the most suitable transport mode according to operational conditions and delivery requirements.

The accompanying Technical Brochure presents the TRACE Reference Architecture, which follows a four-layer approach comprising Infrastructure, Data Management, Application and User Interface layers. The architecture integrates technologies including Apache Kafka, MongoDB, REST APIs, blockchain mechanisms and secure interoperability services to enable scalable and reliable logistics coordination.

The platform also supports interoperability through a standardised data model, validated integration points and secure communication mechanisms, allowing different logistics systems to exchange operational information while protecting commercially sensitive data.

TRACE has been validated through demonstrations in Greece, Slovenia and Italy, where the platform supported multi-modal logistics operations under real-world conditions. These demonstrations confirmed the integration of the platform components and the successful coordination of first-, middle- and last-mile delivery scenarios.

To support wider understanding of the platform, the TRACE consortium has published two complementary documents:

  • TRACE White Paper – Integrating Europe’s Logistics: How the TRACE Platform Enables Sustainable Multi-Modal Delivery, which explains the operational challenges addressed by TRACE and presents the platform’s main capabilities and practical value for logistics operators and public authorities.
  • TRACE Reference Architecture – Technical Brochure, which provides a technical overview of the platform architecture, interoperability framework, communication infrastructure, data management, security mechanisms and deployment validation.

Together, these publications summarise the technical work towards the delivery of TRACE Integrated Platform and provide useful reference material for organisations interested in collaborative, secure and interoperable logistics solutions.