The uniformity of container terminals has enabled centralised operations, but general cargo terminal operators face challenges in managing diverse cargo types with a unified software solution. Handling breakbulk, bulk, project cargo, and RoRo requires coordination across complex processes, often leading to data silos that are difficult to access and prone to inaccuracies. Traditional siloed structures hinder data sharing, causing inefficiencies and communication disruptions.
As modernisation and technology become crucial for competitiveness, the need for a centralised system to manage resource allocation, scheduling, and data analysis is more critical than ever. Without such a system, operators face higher operational costs, increased risks of human error, and barriers to efficient cargo movement and coordination with supply chain partners. The uniformity of container terminals has facilitated centralised operations under a unified interface. But for general cargo terminal operators, there has been a lasting belief that it would be challenging to find a comprehensive software solution able to manage the diverse range of cargo types and handling methods required.
Operations involving breakbulk, bulk, project cargo, and RoRo are disparate and tricky to coordinate. With different processes required for each type of cargo, consolidating the large amounts of data from these multiple sources into a single, centralised database, let alone adding a cloud-based interface, is difficult. Centralised data systems typically rely less on network performance, while data that is in silos is more difficult to access. Because it is distributed, the data is not only at risk of being inaccurate and incomplete but there is also a heightened cybersecurity risk.
Terminal operators need to have full visibility into all facility activities, collecting data across all departments. Traditional organisations with siloed structures make data sharing complicated, leading to information leakages, revenue leakages and communication disruption. No reporting and holistic data analysis is possible without having all the data in one place. Increasingly, performance and competitiveness are very much dependent on modernisation levels and access to new technology.
Without a centralised system to manage resource allocation and scheduling, inefficient utilisation of assets like equipment, labour, and storage space is prevalent, leading to increased operational costs, wasted time, increased risk of human error and uncaptured revenue. Similarly, manually monitoring and analysing terminal performance can be challenging. Terminal operators may lack the tools to track KPIs and areas of improvement without a centralised database to automate these iterative processes.
A lack of centralisation can hinder interactions between general cargo terminals and multiple supply chain partners, including shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and transport providers. Without seamless movement of information, data flow is inefficient, leading to delays in cargo movement and barriers to inter-departmental coordination.
The challenges faced by general cargo terminals due to manual processes and the lack of a centralised data system are significant. Unlike container terminals, the diversity of cargo types and handling methods complicates the adoption of comprehensive software solutions. This fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, increased operational costs, and heightened cybersecurity risks. To enhance visibility, streamline operations, and improve competitiveness, terminals must modernise and implement centralised systems. Such systems enable efficient resource allocation, better performance tracking, and seamless coordination with supply chain partners, ultimately fostering a more efficient and secure operational environment.
For a more detailed understanding and exploration of the topics covered in this article, refer to our report, commissioned by Kaleris. Gateways of Tomorrow: Exploring the business value of digital transformation for general cargo terminals. You can download the full report below:
