Digital platform

Maritime container transport is the backbone of international trade and supply and distribution processes in global manufacturing networks. However, digital support of container transportation related processes is still insu cient. This article shows how a digital platform can facilitate the digital interaction between industry and logistics stakeholders. Using the quotation process as an example, it describes how the platform can support transactions between shippers and transport service providers. Use of the digital platform increases process transparency, reduces duplication of work and reduces the time required to carry out the processes.

In many industries, the transformation of value creation is accelerating as a result of the fundamental change from pipelines business to platform business. For taking part in the new platform business companies need to develop innovative business models. The framework developed for designing digital platforms includes the type of value contribution (what?), the actors involved (who?), the reason for the value contribution (why?) and the way of value creation (how?). The design hints derived from the framework are subsequently used to develop B2B platforms to illustrate their relevance and impact.