Partnership with John G. Russell receives ‘Outstanding’ rating

Our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with logistics company John G. Russell (Transport) Ltd has received the highest possible rating following an independent assessment.

The project was awarded Grade A (Outstanding) by a panel of independent assessors. Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will issue the partnership with a Certificate of Excellence.

John G. Russell (Transport) Ltd operates across road and rail transport, warehousing and onsite logistics. As the company continued to invest in its planning and operational technology, it recognised an opportunity to bring together the growing volume of data and insights generated across its operations. This included combining planning and live operational data to unlock greater intelligence, support its sustainability objectives and provide customers with real-time visibility of their goods and assets across the supply chain.

Working with the West of Scotland KTP Centre, we partnered with the company to realise this opportunity through the development of an integrated data platform. The platform, delivered by research associate Ibrahim Abdulahi, brings together information from across the company's operations into a single, trusted source.

The project delivered practical solutions that improved operational efficiency, enhanced reporting capabilities and provided new tools for decision-making. The work also used artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning methodologies in forecasting, sustainability monitoring and customer reporting, enabling the business to make more informed decisions and respond more effectively to customer needs.

The partnership strengthened Russell's internal data analytics capabilities and supported the professional development of its staff. The platform has also established a foundation for the company to build on as it continues to develop its technology strategy and extend the benefits of data-led decision-making across the business.

For the University, the project generated academic publications, conference presentations, guest lectures and postgraduate research opportunities. It also created further opportunities for teaching and knowledge exchange.

Dr Dimitrios Liarokapis, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Cyber Security and Networks, led the project for Glasgow Caledonian. He said: “This KTP demonstrates the value of bringing academic expertise and industry together to solve real business challenges. The partnership delivered lasting benefits for both organisations and showcased the impact that innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange can achieve.

“Leading this project has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career. Working alongside Professor Hadi Larijani, Dr James Paterson and our industry partners, we have created meaningful impact that will continue long after the project's completion.”

David Jones, Group ICT Director at John G. Russell, said: “I am absolutely delighted with what we have delivered in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University through the KTP.

“Our KTP associate, Ibrahim Abdulahi, has built a capability that will underpin our technology strategy over the coming years. As we invested in our planning and operational technology, each new tool brought new capabilities, but the real opportunity lay in bringing the data and insights together.

“This has been a critical step in our journey towards delivering genuine intelligence across the business, particularly in supporting our carbon reduction initiatives within our transport operations. The platform Ibrahim has delivered is only the beginning, and we look forward to building on it and extending its benefits across our wider business.”