General cargo terminals face significant challenges due to manual processes and paper-based record-keeping. Unlike container terminals, they lack digital records, leading to data loss, reduced visibility, and inefficiencies. Manual invoicing and poor system integration exacerbate these issues. To address this, terminals need purpose-built software and better stakeholder collaboration for improved efficiency and visibility.
Manual processes and record-keeping
One of the biggest challenges for general cargo terminals today is the use of manual processes and paper-based record-keeping. Unlike many container terminals, general cargo and bulk terminals often lack a digital record or centralised hub of information, risking loss of data, clouded visibility on cargo movement, errors, and siloed decision-making based on an incomplete picture. It’s clear to see whether the amount of cargo that has arrived is more or less than what was described in the manifest and whether there has been any cargo damage. The same does not apply to bulk and break bulk cargo. Often, the cargo is either over, short, or damaged. The volume of bulk cargo can change due to spillage, changes in moisture levels, and unintended mixing.
It becomes difficult to track general cargo quantity and quality due to a lack of software that supports the ability to see the inventory in real-time. This makes it difficult for stakeholders to see how much cargo is in the yard. Kunal Singh, a Solutions Architect at Kaleris explained a manifest which indicated that 500 tonnes of fertiliser should have been received. But only 498 tonnes ended up being delivered. Paper-based records can also often lead to the delivery of incomplete documents by cargo owners. A 2013 study found that 69% of pauses in moving cargo in dry bulk terminals were due to documents deemed unfit by the local port authority or port operator.
Another issue tied to manual processes is invoicing. Terminals perform thousands of operations each day that require billing, but if not captured or processed accurately, the terminal may experience a financial loss. The study conducted in 2013 also found that there are two reasons why manual processes are largely at play. One is simply the lack of using purpose-built software to support real-time data, while the other is reluctance from stakeholders to share their digital records.
A Lack of System Integration
General cargo and bulk terminals often have different systems, operators, and stakeholders involved, each with its databases and networks. There is seemingly a challenge for software or solutions from different vendors to communicate with one another in the same language, resulting in a lack of system integration and siloed operations. Some quay cranes may be automated and connected, however, they are not always integrated with other systems, such as remote crane control.
This leads to segmented operations and creates a lack of visibility across the supply chain. Rather than acting as compartmentalised entities addressing specific issues, the industry needs all the complex elements working within terminals to proactively communicate and interact with each other across the bulk [and general cargo] supply chain to eliminate the entities acting as ‘unnecessary gatekeepers of information.
Overall general cargo terminals grapple with manual processes, paper-based record-keeping, and inadequate system integration, resulting in inefficiencies and reduced visibility. To address these challenges, terminals need purpose-built software and improved stakeholder collaboration to enhance operational efficiency and supply chain visibility.
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:
