What is the Basic Data Infrastructure?
The world of logistics is becoming increasingly complex. You therefore need to be able to exchange information better and faster. Examples are being able to track goods, using means of transport efficiently and reporting on sustainability (CSRD).
The right info at the right time
If you want to save time and money as a logistics chain and collaborate as efficiently as possible, it is essential for everyone in the chain to get the right data at the right time and in the right place. The BDI offers a solution for this, with an framework for federative data sharing in the logistics chain. In this system, the participating parties make their own data available through a data service under certain conditions. Your digital information remains your property.
Why is the BDI required?
Less and less physical space is available Transport routes are becoming overcrowded and skilled workers are increasingly hard to find. If we want to keep socially and economically important facilities accessible in the future, both in the Netherlands and abroad, we need to be able to respond quickly to changes as a logistics sector. We want to be flexible in case of delays and be able to offer solutions in case of disruptions. So we want insight and clarity 24 hours a day: what is happening right now in the logistics processes that involve my company, and where is this?
Efficient
The BDI works based on what we call event-driven communication between parties in the logistics chain: if anything changes relating to a transport route or stock, or if an order is added, a message is sent out immediately. These triggers immediately let you know what is changing and what you need to do. You will always have the latest information, allowing you to work faster and more accurately, resulting in more efficient resource and time management.
Safe
Security is at the core of the BDI design. You can only access someone else’s sensitive information if you have permission (authorisation) for this, thanks to strict security standards and measures relating to digital trust. As a data owner you will always remain in control of your data: you only grant permission to parties you trust. For every organisation that works in accordance with the BDI, this guarantees that data isn’t used without permission or misused.
Trust
Clearly defining who can share what and when fosters trust. This trust is essential if we want to collaborate sustainably and productively as a logistics sector, with other sectors and all over the world. At the same time, logistics is a highly dynamic sector and you want to be flexible. That is why the BDI has room for specific agreements in addition to a framework of clear agreements for everyone participating. Sometimes you need additional agreements for your business in particular, and you can make those in subnetworks (these are called BDI associations). This allows you to make agreements safely and confidently with your long-term partners, but also with parties your organisation doesn’t collaborate with every day (without a contractual relationship).