Blockchain technology offers an ideal solution on a neutral platform for the more efficient allocation of revenues between different transport companies in transport associations. 

To date, the subsequent sharing of revenues from integrated transport services between the mobility service providers – e.g. bus/commuter train operators and long-distance transport companies – has involved major uncertainties, debates and conflicts. The processing time was between three and five months, taking up to five years in extreme cases.

The solution to the problem: using blockchain for automated processing. This makes for significant simplification and greater transparency while improving the possibilities for control. 

For this purpose, smart contracts are negotiated between the parties in advance. The revenue allocation logic – i.e. who gets how much of what revenues – can afterwards be applied on a permanent basis. The allocation of revenues for each individual ticket is presented transparently and verifiably for all the parties. It is also possible for additional service providers, such as taxis or cycle rental companies, to be integrated and participate in ticket sales. 

Blockchain thus has the potential to become a key part of the transport chain while opening up entirely new possibilities, e.g. for improved customer care. We will be glad to discuss with you the other benefits and opportunities offered by blockchain.

The world’first blockchain-based railway - glimpse into a workshop

Deutsche Bahn is currently investigating whether blockchain could be used to move trains weighing several tons. On a theoretical level, this is a secure transaction when a train runs on a route section or passes through a station or switches.

The idea is that trains communicate with each other and with other elements, such as signals, switches and train paths via the blockchain. The blockchain provides the necessary transparency in real time, e.g. which section is occupied at what time by which train. As a result, the train itself “knows” wheatear a train path is currently free or not. That means the train itself could book and run on its train path before releasing it again for the next train.

Certain requirements need to be met for implementation: trains, switches and rails must be mapped digitally in the blockchain. That way, they could interact and negotiate services with each other, as well as securely document processes. This can only be done in conjunction with other technologies such as sensors or Artificial Intelligence.

Initial tests in the operation simulation facility in Darmstadt have shown that traffic management with blockchain is theoretically possible. The next step is a test with real trains.

Find out how to optimise your business processes, automate process steps, drive down costs while improving transparency and safety. We will familiarise you with the almost limitless opportunities of blockchain technology at our Blockchain Ideation Workshop. You will learn how transactions can be processed between companies, people or machines virtually in real time in a forgery-proof way. 

Your benefits:

• You gain a better understanding of blockchain technology 
• You learn which business areas will be changed radically due to blockchain
• You discover specific use cases for your business segment 

Often the idea of using blockchain in your business segment is already there. However, it is frequently difficult to judge whether this idea will be feasible, profitable and ultimately successful. We offer you an initial consultation in which your idea will be expertly examined and evaluated. We will spend a couple of hours examining your idea on the basis of its meaningfulness, feasibility and profitability. 

Your benefits:

• You get to know blockchain technology first-hand
• We identify together possible usage scenarios in your business area
• Better assessment of the opportunities and appreciation of the challenges 

Proof of concept is the test of your newly developed blockchain concept. We highlight in turn the basic practical feasibility of the theoretical project and validate the critical requirements. This provides a sound basis for decision-making: costs can be estimated more accurately, risks minimised and selected requirements for the new application can be tested at an early stage of the project. 

Your benefits:

• Validation of your use case
• Implementation and analysis of the functional content of your use case
• Estimate of performance, costs, speed and scalability 

Within your business segment, where can blockchain be deployed most effectively? Which strategy will result in profit? We will examine the strategy of your business segment from the perspective of blockchain experts, who also have inside knowledge of the Deutsche Bahn world. We will work together to devise business cases in order to assess the impact of the technology on your business.

Your benefits:

• Development of use areas including financial analysis 
• Identification of potential pilot projects
• Support with integrating the blockchain technology in your portfolio 

Blockchain technology can be used in numerous applications: from the mapping of a complete supply chain to the (partial) automation of internal billing processes to establishing contracts between machines and objects. The expert view of our technical experts on the planned application will help to set you on the right course, select an appropriate strategy and prevent undesirable developments. 

Your benefits:

• Tailor-made blockchain solutions for your individual use case 
• You benefit from our extensive blockchain expertise 
• You can use the all-new blockchain framework from DB Systel