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Business process reengineering and digitalization in transport and logistics, including multimodal logistics hubs
Introduction: UN/CEFACT trade facilitation methodology
The UN/CEFACT methodology and guidelines on trade facilitation include tasks related to the harmonization and standardization of transport and logistics procedures, as well as the associated information flows generated during the movement of goods and services from seller to buyer.

The analysis of transport and logistics processes involves reviewing and creating a register of existing procedures. Such a register should contain a detailed description and mapping of all regulatory and technological operations, including an analysis of information sources, circulating data and messages between them, as well as the sequence in which these operations are performed.

At this stage, a systemic analysis of existing processes and procedures is also carried out with the aim of their digitalization, as well as the simplification or elimination of unnecessary regulatory requirements. There are business process analysis (BPA) methodologies, including the UNECE methodology, which describe its stages and outputs, and also provide recommendations for business process reengineering and improvement.

The UNECE methodology includes documentation of the current state (“As Is”), identification of bottlenecks, redundant activities, and the development of recommendations for improvement. The main stages of this methodology are:

  • Preparation and scope definition: selection of a specific process and identification of its stakeholders;
  • Information gathering: interviews, questionnaires, and document review to understand how procedures are actually performed;
  • As Is modeling: visualization of the current process using graphical notations, description of documents and involved participants;
  • Process analysis: identification of delays, unnecessary steps, duplication of functions, and risks;
  • To Be design: reengineering of the process to achieve digitalization and simplification of procedures.
Practical implementation: North–South corridor project (2025)
These tasks were addressed by the Completesoft expert group during a detailed analysis of business processes in the national segments of the North–South transport corridor as part of the 2025 project aimed at developing approaches to its digitalization.

As a result of the analysis, digital models of the existing freight transport management system along the international transport corridor were developed, broken down by its main business processes.
Using the created “As Is” models, bottlenecks were identified, and recommendations were developed to eliminate these bottlenecks or minimize their negative impact on the transport process. After that, business process reengineering was carried out, and a “To Be” model was developed in which the identified bottlenecks were addressed and removed based on the analysis of existing operations and procedures.

Following the modeling and reengineering of business processes, the next stage involves their digitalization based on existing as well as newly developed IT systems and platforms supporting these processes. At this stage, business and functional requirements for such systems are defined through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders in transport and logistics processes. After that, the functional architecture is developed, and implementation plans are prepared for creating the required digital infrastructure components and their subsequent integration.

This approach was applied by Completesoft experts in designing the digitalization scheme for container cargo transportation from the EU to Black Sea ports by sea transport, followed by intermodal transportation via Georgia by rail and road transit to Azerbaijan. The diagram of this digitized process is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1. digitized business process of multimodal transportation scheme
in multimodal cargo transportation chains using different transport modes, a key task is the digitalization and orchestration of multimodal business processes. Therefore, in many countries participating in international transport corridors, there is growing interest in the creation of multimodal transport and logistics hubs and corresponding information systems for their digitalization. A multimodal hub is a complex of transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure that ensures the integration of several transport modes — road, rail, maritime, and air. The main purpose of such hubs is to simplify cargo loading, unloading, and redistribution processes between different transport means and routes without unnecessary downtime and delays.

One of the most important areas is the digitalization of multimodal hubs, including the implementation of electronic document management systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence, which enables real-time analysis and optimization of cargo handling and movement. Modern hubs are equipped with digital platforms that provide:

  • Cargo location monitoring using GPS and RFID tags;
  • Automatic route planning and resource allocation;
  • Integration with customs clearance systems;
  • Demand forecasting and warehouse management;
  • Automation of loading and unloading processes and the use of robotic systems.