How developers can contribute to open source projects within the Foundation

How developers can contribute to open source projects within the Foundation

As the number of open source projects continues to grow across various industries, so do the opportunities for developers to contribute their expertise and make a meaningful impact. However, developers often face challenges when trying to participate in open source initiatives. These challenges can include not knowing where to begin, uncertainty about project suitability, concerns over copyright issues, communication barriers, or even burnout. In this article, Jens Leveling, our Head of Technology, shares his opinion and provides valuable guidance on navigating these challenges, specifically focusing on how developers can contribute to projects within the Open Logistics Foundation.

Initiating new projects within the Open Logistics Foundation

Initiating new projects within the Open Logistics Foundation

The ideation process within the Open Logistics Foundation is dynamic and continuous, driven by the collective input of our members. New topics are proposed by our Innovation Community (members) in different stages and ways. This article explores how new topics are proposed, developed, and transformed into active projects within our Working Groups. Nathalie Böhning, the Foundation’s Innovation and Project Manager, provides insights into the journey from an initial idea to an accepted and active project.

Smart systems according to plan: Intelligent containers

Smart systems according to plan: Intelligent containers

Not only software but also hardware is available as open source: The Open Logistics Repository contains the blueprints for an intelligent fill-level
sensor for recycling containers and an autonomous transport robot used in palette handling. Closing loops, improving environmental footprints, setting standards: Smart waste management with the ITCPRO fill level sensor, the blueprint of which
has now been published as open source.

On the way to a standardised process

On the way to a standardised process

Track & Trace solutions are now standard for every (large) logistics service provider. However, the systems differ significantly, even though they often map identical processes. The new Working Group
Track & Trace of the Open Logistics Foundation aims to standardise the Track & Trace process on an open source basis, ensuring greater transparency in the supply chain.

A groundbreaking project for customs processes

A groundbreaking project for customs processes

In its pursuit to enhance trust and transparency of data used in customs processes, the Working Group Open Customs Blockchain launched its second project aimed at making the customs clearance process more efficient. The Goods Passport ID (GPID) strives to revolutionise customs clearance by offering a single, reliable passport for goods flow, thereby ensuring trust by authorities and expediting clearance processes to mitigate delays.

#wearememberdriven: Joint forces, standardised solutions

#wearememberdriven: Joint forces, standardised solutions

The member companies have the right to propose new open source projects for the Open Logistics Foundation and implement them
with the support of the Foundation‘s office and committees. After all, they know the industry and its challenges best.

The time of working alone is over

The time of working alone is over

In many companies, cost savings are still seen as the most important advantage of open source solutions.
However, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, knows that
the value of open source goes far beyond this. An interview with the man who paved the way for the
Open Logistics Foundation.

Collaboration instead of silo thinking

Collaboration instead of silo thinking

DB Schenker, founding member of the Open Logistics Foundation, leads the new Track & Trace Working Group. Marius Hilb, IoT Product Owner at DB Schenker and Working Group Lead Track & Trace, answers the most important questions.

Open source in logistics: being part of it is (not) everything

Open source in logistics: being part of it is (not) everything

Digitalisation in logistics must not be an end in itself but rather serve to make logistics more efficient and more stable as a whole. This is why open and collaborative solutions are required: solutions that transcend system boundaries and are accessible to all. As a result, the Open Logistics Foundation member network is working together to develop open source solutions. It focuses on services that businesses cannot utilise to differentiate themselves from competitors, but the efficiency of these services can be significantly improved through standardising.