SNAP – Silent Night Analysis and Planning

Low-noise nighttime logistics using electric trucks creates greater operational flexibility and more stable processes. Extending delivery windows allows upstream logistics processes, such as order picking, to be organized more flexibly and helps reduce peak loads during daytime operations.

Routes are easier to plan because roads are less congested during off-peak hours, reducing unpredictable delivery delays caused by traffic jams. Fewer road users are also present, which lowers the risk of accidents and makes trips noticeably less stressful for drivers.

In addition, electric trucks, which generally require a higher initial investment, can complete an additional route during off-peak hours. This can have a positive effect on total vehicle costs.

Get to Know SNAP

The main challenge is determining whether nighttime deliveries are permissible and compatible with the conditions at each specific location. Every location has its own requirements regarding noise-sensitive receptors, zoning, access routes, and noise control.

This is where SNAP – Silent Night Analysis and Planning comes in. SNAP assesses locations using aerial imagery, publicly available secondary data, and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. The initial assessment requires only the location addresses and no additional company data. As a digital decision-support tool, SNAP provides a transparent recommendation and relevant location information. Subsequent steps can then focus on the locations that warrant further review.

SNAP combines the site-specific assessment required for an acoustic evaluation with a logistics perspective that considers routes and delivery areas containing many locations. This makes it possible not only to evaluate individual stores, but also to plan complete routes, estimate time savings for daytime versus nighttime operations, determine vehicle requirements, and systematically prepare for the approval process. SNAP helps unlock the potential of low-noise nighttime logistics quickly, consistently, and at scale.

SNAP does not replace the acoustic assessment or noise forecast required for applications to extend operating hours. However, it supports well-founded decision-making and preparation for the approval process.

1. Location suitability: Assess locations to determine whether nighttime deliveries are generally feasible.
2. Approval support: Consult with the responsible permitting authorities regarding selected locations, prepare applications, and collaborate with acoustic consultants.
3. Technical options: Advise on necessary technical changes to buildings, vehicles, or equipment.
4. Route planning: Develop nighttime delivery route scenarios, identify time savings for daytime versus nighttime operations, and determine vehicle requirements.
5. Cost analysis: Assess approval-process costs, investments in low-noise technology and modifications, operational savings, and personnel costs.

• Target groups: Retailers, logistics service providers, property operators, and urban and transportation planners.
• Data sources: Aerial imagery and OSM data, supplemented by publicly available regulations and geospatial data.
• Getting started without company data: The initial assessment uses only address data and information from external sources.
• Results: A traffic-light rating in green, yellow, or red, including the rationale, recommended measures, and a PDF report.
• Applications: Location suitability, store network optimization, preparation for approval procedures, and the transition to nighttime logistics.

Learn more about SNAP

SNAP has a modular structure and provides a step-by-step introduction to low-noise nighttime logistics. The process begins with a location suitability assessment. Using aerial imagery and OSM data, SNAP provides a well-founded initial indication of whether nighttime logistics may be feasible at selected locations.

The location information can then support discussions with the responsible authorities. Fraunhofer IML contributes expertise from research projects on low-noise logistics and close collaboration with acoustic consultants to help turn an initial opportunity into a sound basis for approval.

For locations that are not considered suitable for nighttime deliveries in the first step, SNAP also identifies technical measures. These may include structural noise barriers, vehicle-related options, and low-noise equipment. Each measure is described in terms of its expected effect, required effort, and priority.

For logistics implementation, suitable “nighttime locations” are integrated into existing routes. Comparisons of daytime and nighttime scenarios show potential time savings and changes in vehicle requirements.

Finally, the cost analysis brings the findings together in a transparent business case. It combines investments in low-noise technology and modifications, approval-process expenses, and operational effects, including personnel costs.

In this way, SNAP links a site-specific acoustic assessment with the logistics perspective of networks and routes, from a rapid, data-minimizing initial analysis to implementation tailored to the company’s requirements.