Helmut Winhofer
Key Takeaways
- smartTOS is a modern, modular Terminal Operating System for intermodal terminals
- It digitises and optimises all core processes, from yard management and train dispatching to truck handling
- Terminals benefit from measurable results such as shorter throughput times, better resource utilisation and higher data quality
- smartTOS is eFTI-ready and builds on more than 25 years of experience in digitising intermodal terminal operations
What Is smartTOS?
smartTOS is not a conventional software tool — it is an integrated operating system for terminal processes. The system was designed to digitally map and actively control the operational workflows of intermodal terminals. Instead of isolated point solutions, smartTOS unifies all relevant processes in a single platform and delivers them in real time.
The CORE module coordinates processes such as train dispatching, yard and area management, lift and transhipment activities, and gate and truck operations. Additional modules can be added flexibly, allowing terminals to digitise step by step — aligned with actual needs and without requiring a full system replacement.
A key component of smartTOS is its end-to-end data layer. Operational data is not only captured but made available for reporting, performance analysis and integration with external partners. The system architecture supports both SaaS operation in an EU cloud and on-premise installations for high security and availability requirements.
Why smartTOS?
Intermodal terminals are critical nodes in modern logistics chains. At the same time, they face increasing pressure: rising transhipment volumes, more complex workflows, tighter time windows and growing regulatory requirements. In many terminals, however, core processes are still managed manually or only partially digitised, leading to media breaks, increased coordination effort and limited scalability.
smartTOS addresses these challenges by digitising and linking operational processes end to end. The focus is not on individual features but on a stable, extensible structure for daily operations.
smartTOS offers terminals:
- Digital processes: Replacing paper-based workflows with real-time control and system-supported dispatching
- Scalability: Modular expansion as traffic volumes grow or new requirements emerge
- Transparency: A centralised view of movements, loading units, vehicles and resources
- Data foundation for sustainability: Using structured data for more efficient, CO₂-relevant decisions
- Regulatory compliance: Supporting standardised, eFTI-compliant data flows
Benefits of smartTOS
The advantages of smartTOS become particularly clear when comparing typical terminal challenges with a fully digitised system. The modular structure enables a tailored rollout — without rigid system boundaries or complex customisation projects.
| Terminal Challenge | With smartTOS | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Manual train dispatching | System-supported, semi-automated dispatching with real-time status | Reduction in manual planning effort by typically 20–40 % |
| Paper-based yard management | Geo-based yard management & mobile data devices | Real-time overview, better space utilisation |
| Long gate waiting times | Self-check-in for trucks & OCR gates | Shorter gate throughput times |
| Lack of data integration | Standardised interfaces, eFTI-ready | Higher data quality, fewer manual errors |
| Growth & scaling | Modular expansion | Adapting to rising volumes without system replacement |
smartTOS as the Foundation of a Digital Terminal Future
smartTOS provides the technological foundation for connected, data-driven terminal operations. Processes, data and partners are integrated along the entire intermodal logistics chain and brought together in a unified system landscape.
This makes workflows more transparent, more controllable and scalable in the long term. Terminals gain a digital infrastructure that boosts operational efficiency, conserves resources and meets regulatory requirements.
With smartTOS, terminals evolve into active, integrated building blocks of a digital logistics chain — modular, reliable and future-proof.
Read on: All modules in detail under features — and how smartTOS performs in practice in our references.