Mechelen

European region

Western Europe

City size

Small

Pilot objective

Explore the application of KER13 to construction logistics by preparing a pilot to monitor loading/unloading activities at construction sites, improve understanding of construction logistics flows and assess how digital monitoring could support more efficient parking and delivery operations.

Solutions Tested in Real Life Demonstration

KER13

Smart Management of Shared Transport Facilities for Goods

Pilot Focus

Mechelen focused their pilot activities on construction logistics, responsible for +/- 35% of urban logistics in the city. The city has limited data and information available on how much traffic a construction site generates. The pilot aimed to gather data on aspects such as delivery times and vehicle types and explore the potential use of a booking system to streamline deliveries. Although the camera was ultimately not installed due to implementation delays, several preparatory steps were completed, including identifying potential construction sites, coordinating with relevant city departments and discussing installation conditions with the contractor.

What worked

What worked during the demonstration?

The pilot preparation strengthened the city's knowledge of construction logistics and the requirements for implementing KER13 in a real construction environment.
Potential construction sites were identified together with the Projects & Monument Department, and practical installation conditions such as location, timing and power supply were discussed with the contractor.
Sustainable construction logistics requirements were integrated into the tender documents for the Impact Factory contractor.
An online survey and two stakeholder workshops strengthened engagement with the local construction sector and provided insights into its needs and challenges.
The activities resulted in follow-up initiatives, including recommendations for a construction logistics addendum and the creation of a zero-emission test fleet for construction companies.

Challenges

What were the challenges and barriers?

The use of a camera as part of the solution created GDPR challenges because of the recording of images.
Lack of a local construction partner as part of the project makes the engagement and effort required for implementation difficult.
Time-sensitive and ever-changing nature of the construction site made it difficult to determine where and when the solution could be installed.
Little technical knowledge within the mobility department.
Limited regulatory framework for construction logistics.
Delays in identifying and preparing the construction site meant that insufficient time remained to install the camera and meaningfully test the solution.

Factors to assess for replication & required adaptations

Infrastructure and technical requirements

The monitoring solution needs to fit the characteristics of the testing site and logistics flow. Camera-based monitoring may not be suitable in every location. Practical conditions such as location, timing and power supply also need to be confirmed with the construction partner before installation.

High replicability

Assess the local site, logistics flow and available monitoring infrastructure. Where cameras are unsuitable, consider alternative technologies such as sensors.

Governance and stakeholder readiness

Local partners are important for implementation and testing. Their involvement can require significant time and effort, particularly where relationships do not already exist.

High replicability

Identify relevant local stakeholders early. Link participation to activities or benefits that are relevant to them.

Evaluation and monitoring

Data collection should remain simple and be planned alongside the pilot implementation. Data protection is particularly important when cameras or location data are involved. Surveys and stakeholder workshops can complement technical monitoring and generate useful implementation insights when physical testing is delayed or not feasible.

Medium replicability

Cities should consider a plan to be compliant with local GDPR restrictions and select a method of monitoring the L/U space that is compliant with local regulations.

Administrative and project conditions

GDPR, privacy requirements and local rules and the construction-site timeline can strongly influence how the solution is implemented. Early involvement of relevant city functions is important.

High replicability

Check local regulatory and administrative requirements early, involve the Data Protection Officer where appropriate, and allow sufficient time for approvals and internal coordination.

Resources

Implementation requires technical expertise and knowledge from different city departments and external partners. Knowledge gaps may emerge during implementation.

Medium replicability

Identify required expertise and resources before implementation. Involve relevant city departments and external technical partners to address knowledge or capacity gaps.

Key lessons learned

Main takeaways from implementation

Involving a local construction partner from the start of the project is key to ensuring local ownership and facilitating implementation.
Focusing on construction logistics is worthwhile, and companies are generally eager to participate.
Solutions developed for other logistics flows, such as e-commerce, cannot be directly replicated in the construction logistics context.
The use of cameras increases implementation complexity due to data protection and privacy requirements.
Pilot implementation takes considerable time and requires realistic planning.
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Linking UNCHAIN solutions with existing local initiatives can help engage relevant stakeholders and create additional value for participating companies.
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Surveys and workshops can provide valuable knowledge on construction logistics needs and implementation conditions even when the technical solution cannot be fully deployed.

Recommendations

Action-oriented advice for future adopters

Assess whether camera-based monitoring is suitable for the selected logistics flow and ensure that the chosen pilot location is stable enough to support effective implementation.
Develop a clear strategy to comply with local GDPR requirements and identify a monitoring approach for loading/unloading spaces that aligns with local regulations.
Increase stakeholder engagement by linking the service to existing local initiatives or additional benefits, such as zero-emission vehicle testing, practical guidance or other support relevant to construction companies.
Pay particular attention to engaging stakeholders in contexts where existing relationships or communication channels are weak.
Align data collection activities closely with the pilot implementation timeline to ensure efficient and relevant data gathering.
Foster collaboration across different municipal departments to address knowledge gaps and strengthen project delivery.
Consider integrating sustainable construction logistics requirements into relevant procurement and tender processes to support longer-term uptake.
Use surveys and stakeholder workshops early in the process to understand the needs of construction companies and identify appropriate support measures.