In the fourth article of our eFTI Journey series, we turn to Vediafi to explore how terminal pilots, eFTI Gate connectivity and value-added digital services can help bring eFTI closer to daily logistics operations.
Vediafi is a Finnish company developing digital solutions for more efficient and greener transport and logistics. Its expertise covers logistics digitalisation, eFTI, EU R&D&I projects, testing and piloting activities, as well as data-driven services for transport and logistics. Vediafi has been involved in eFTI development since the very beginning, and its platform was the first to be tested with a national eFTI Gate. Within eFTI4ALL, Vediafi is further developing its eFTI platform by using modular systems and services, such as eCMR and electronic queue management, to support scalability, interoperability and wider business use.
What is your organisation currently working on in relation to eFTI?
Together with Kinno (Kouvola Innovation), we are currently working on the first architecture for a terminal pilot. The data integration between the railway operator and Vediafi has already been completed, which gives us a solid basis to move towards practical testing. At the moment, Kinno is working with railway stakeholders, in collaboration with Vediafi, to prepare the next step: starting the actual piloting activities.
Where are you currently in your eFTI journey? What have you achieved or progressed on so far?
Under Kinno’s coordination, the first versions of the process and system architecture for the pilot have been defined. The data exchange has also been agreed and validated among the participants. On the technical side, the Vediafi eFTI platform is already connected to the Finnish eFTI Gate. However, the XSD version still needs to be updated before the next phase can move forward.
What are the main challenges you are facing?
One of the main challenges has been the timing of cooperation with some stakeholders. In a pilot environment, progress depends on many different actors, and in some cases the start of cooperation has been delayed for reasons beyond our control.
Another challenge has been the XSD update, which has also caused some delays. This is part of the reality of working in a developing regulatory and technical ecosystem: the direction is clear, but the components still need to mature together.
What have you learned so far that could be useful for others?
One important learning is that eFTI should not be seen only as a tool for sharing information with competent authorities. Based on the first outcomes, we see broader opportunities for companies as well. eFTI can offer concrete benefits for terminal operators and logistics hubs, especially when the data is used not only for compliance, but also for improving operations and creating new services. The eFTI data set can become a foundation for value-added services, including better visibility, more efficient freight flows and improved decision-making.
What would you recommend to organisations that are at an earlier stage of their eFTI journey?
We would recommend looking at eFTI not only as a regulatory requirement, but also as an opportunity to improve information exchange between companies. Organisations should study and validate how eFTI could support their own business and operational processes. Starting from concrete needs and practical use cases can help identify where eFTI can create real value.
What are you most looking forward to in the next phase of your eFTI work?
We are most looking forward to starting the actual pilot. After the architecture work, data integration and coordination with stakeholders, the next phase will be about seeing how the system performs in practice and how eFTI data can support real terminal and logistics operations.
From terminal pilots to practical digital logistics
Vediafi’s eFTI journey shows how platform development, Gate connectivity and terminal operations can come together in practical implementation. By looking beyond compliance and exploring how eFTI data can support B2B exchange, dashboards and value-added services, Vediafi is helping demonstrate that eFTI can become not only a regulatory tool, but also a driver for smarter and more connected logistics.
