Multi-service model for mobility and logistics

A multi-service model combines different stand-alone transport services into a universal service platform and offers them to customers (private users, B2B customers, transport professionals and the public sector) from a one-stop shop. The efforts behind the multiservice model lie in creating a relevant value network, customer relations and a business model, not in technology. The model can be an ad-hoc service platform for limited products and a limited contract time or a complex virtual service enterprise for a wider variety of products and for many years. The development of a multi-service model can be seen as creating a new company with its business plan, staff, and different roles and tasks in service production (key players, subcontractors, customer care, etc.). It also comprises the design of service-offering concepts and business models for the whole multi-service value-network (common) and for the different companies and organisations involved (separate). This kind of new service production, based on the value network, needs a large amount of research and development work, which is carried out by piloting and testing services and by searching and using relevant back-up studies, theories and tools. In transport and logistics, the development of multi-service production is still at an early phase.