Technology is critical for providing visibility on operations around cargo movement. It’s fundamental to allow data to flow between sources and to ensure all parties are informed. Historically, achieving visibility into cargo movement was nearly impossible due to the absence of technology at every stage of a container’s journey. Door to door logistics for instance, can contain as many as 6 or 7 supply chain nodes with 6 or 7 supply chain segments, all of which require visibility to be transmitted.
Thanks to the rise of advanced communications networks provided by the likes of Starlink and OneWeb, data can be moved seamlessly between ship and shore, providing the ability for multiple stakeholders to see where the cargo is and why. These systems provide real-time insights on cargo movements at various points in the supply chain from their production to delivery.
However, a major challenge is that there is often a lack of interoperability between these systems. This leads to information being confined within individual systems. While this information is useful, it ends up in silos and is inaccessible to stakeholders across the upstream and downstream supply chain.
The solutions below must often be integrated with one another to provide complete visibility on the movement of cargo.
The technologies used in modern terminal operations encompass a range of systems designed to enhance efficiency and visibility throughout the supply chain.
- Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) are pivotal, managing cargo movement within terminals, optimising assets, and planning workloads based on real-time operational data. While TOS provide detailed insights into terminal operations, they may not extend visibility beyond terminal boundaries.
- Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) utilise GPS or RFID to track cargo within terminals, offering precise location updates to customers. However, high infrastructure costs and integration challenges with legacy systems can limit their effectiveness. Port Community Systems (PCS) integrate terminal processes and provide real-time information on cargo status, customs, and logistics, yet face limitations due to data standardisation issues and stakeholder engagement hurdles.
- Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) facilitates real-time data exchange between terminals and shippers, improving transparency but vulnerable to disruptions from inaccurate data and system inflexibility. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) track inventory across facilities, optimising stock movements but may struggle with integration and data silos.
- Fleet Management Systems (FMS) monitor vehicle locations and optimise routes, enhancing efficiency but requiring robust integration with existing systems. Yard Management Systems (YMS) oversee yard operations, optimising truck and container movements, though adoption challenges persist.
- Transport Management Systems (TMS) manage transportation activities, offering cost reductions and operational efficiency through real-time data but dependent on standardisation and reliable internet access. Digital Twins provide virtual replicas of terminals, aiding operational decisions but can be costly to integrate with existing systems.
- IoT sensors track cargo movements and conditions, optimising terminal operations yet facing integration and data standardisation challenges. Automated Gate Systems streamline cargo entry and exit, providing real-time updates but reliant on accurate data inputs.
- Advanced Analytics and AI Systems offer predictive insights into supply chain disruptions but require comprehensive data and integration between systems to maximise visibility. Overall, while these technologies enhance operational efficiency and visibility within terminals, their full potential relies on overcoming integration challenges and standardising data across the supply chain.
For further insight into the areas highlighted in this article, download our thought leadership report, The Great Divide, created in partnership with Kaleris.
