General cargo terminals play a crucial role in the global economy by serving the specialised shipping requirements of dry bulk, liquid bulk, breakbulk, forestry products, project cargo, automobiles and roro. While container terminals have made significant progress in digitally transforming their operations, recent research suggests that many general cargo terminals still rely on manual and paper-based processes that are inefficient and prone to human error. These processes ultimately affect the profitability of a terminal.
One digital solution to improve the efficiency of terminal workflows is a Terminal Operating System (TOS). A TOS acts as a central nervous system, coordinating cargo flows through real-time tracking, task automation, optimised resource allocation, integrated data sharing, and more. While these have been widely deployed in the container segment, there are limited applications within the cargo and bulk segments.
Our latest research, commissioned by Kaleris, outlines the major challenges faced by general cargo terminals, including manual record-keeping, the inability to manage diverse cargo types, disconnected systems across departments, inefficient coordination, a lack of data centralisation, underutilised yard space, evolving trade patterns, and cybersecurity risks. It highlights how these issues negatively impact vessels, yards, gates, rail, and other terminal activities. The report goes on to explore how a TOS can help overcome these challenges and improve the operational efficiency of general cargo terminals.
Thetius makes several recommendations to terminal operators to ensure the effective implementation of digital solutions, including a TOS, to drive operational optimisation across asset utilisation, process automation, interoperability, cybersecurity, and more. A phased, step-by-step approach is advisable, beginning with understanding current inefficiencies, achieving quick wins, deploying proven technology, focusing on configuration over customisation, and strategic change management. With the right digital transformation roadmap, general cargo terminals can unlock substantial competitive advantages and profitability gains.
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