Smart Grid Integration for Intelligent Logistics in the GCC region

Although there is a common theme among many consultants and researchers that the future security of electric power supply in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region rests on the implementation of Smart Grid technology, related work in this area predominantly centres on techno-economic and techno-ecological evaluations of energy demands. With GCC leadership viewing logistics as fundamental to stimulating economic activities in the GCC, there is a need for initiatives that promote smart grid integration in regional logistics. The SMARTLOG-GCC project not only offers an avenue to respond to this need but it is timely and relevant due to potential implications for environmental sustainability, eco-efficiency, cost effectiveness, social innovation, economic reform and value creation. This represents a gap in knowledge that significantly influences GCC regional Smart Grid strategies and policies implementation. The aim of the SMARTLOG-GCC project is to design an intelligent web- and mobile-based logistics management system that integrates smart grid technology and services for innovative and sustainable logistics activities in the GCC region. SMARTLOG-GCC seeks to develop a deeper understanding of requirements of innovations for the logistics sector and offer a road map for logistics policy makers and regulators to facilitate transformation of current logistics management system toward being Smart Grid-enabled systems. The proposed SMARTLOG-GCC project relies on a multi-methodology approach that systematically investigates and analytically captures system requirements for an intelligent logistics platform, and applies these requirements in a verified and validated system design of the platform. Proposed methods for the SMARTLOG-GCC project include systematic literature review, industry analysis, requirements analysis, focus groups, systems modelling, software development, system simulation, and system evaluation. Web development tools for consideration during this project involve HTML, Java, WebGL and open source tools. Options considered for mobile-based management considered include existing free and open source frameworks, such as Phonegap and Appcelerator Titanium, for creating mobile apps. The project also entails a workshop with logistics academics and practitioners and an industry white paper report disseminating the workshop results and making recommendations for Smart Grid integration and intelligent logistics policies.