The Significance of Information Technology in Ports & Terminals

There has been a tremendous upsurge in international trade in the last few decades. It is mainly due to the rise in e-commerce and the opening of foreign markets. Companies are trying to encash the potential oversea markets and make their business profitable. In addition, consumer demand is increasing with each passing day. Huge supply chains are operative to meet the demand and provide the customer with quality and reasonable products. 

The rise in trade has increased the volumes of cargo that have to be transported from the point of origin to the point of final distribution. About 90% of world cargo transport is done via sea. Thus, ports & terminals have become extremely busy. The amount of cargo imported and exported, its loading, unloading customs procedure, verification, import haulage, export haulage, warehousing, etc. has put a lot of pressure on the port operations. Handling the ports and terminals has become very difficult because of the complexity involved in it. 

As Port operations become more and more complex, they become hard to manage manually. Hence, we use IT in port operations to assist and streamline the process involved. It helps in the smooth functioning of ports and terminals and facilitates smooth and hassle-free trade. 

Information technology has been a boon for the business world along with trade and logistics. Let us discuss the significance of information technology in port terminal operations.

Increase in the Efficiency of the Port Terminals:

Efficiency is the ability of an organisation to produce quality output with minimum input that satisfies customers’ demands at a reasonable price. With regard to the seaports, IT has helped to streamline various operations through automation and software like terminal operation systems, ERP, and cargo management systems. Every process is optimised by powerful technologies which facilitate smooth functioning and provide control over all the processes.  

Remote Access:

IT has made it possible to work remotely via various devices like computers or smartphones with the internet and specialised apps. It is easy to communicate with our staff or other stakeholders involved in the port operation. Sharing files, emails and documents are effortless and quick. 

Staff management Solutions:

Management of staff is an exhausting task, especially in busy places like seaports. IT can help in handling the staff effectively via sophisticated software. We can have a record of their salaries, bonuses, leaves, attendance, vacations, shift timings, etc. It also provides key performance indicators like special qualifications or extra efforts to evaluate their performance during the appraisals. We can track the movement of the workers and keep an eye on the overall safety of the workers in all types of terminals.

Tracking the Maintenance Schedules:

Ports and terminals have various machinery and equipment to help in loading and unloading cargo containers. Moreover, there are other automobiles like trucks, forklifts, overhead cranes, etc. All these require regular maintenance because, in case of a breakdown, it takes a lot of money for repair and replacement and it causes delays. Hence to overcome this issue, IT technologies make a maintenance schedule and predict potential breakdowns beforehand. It gives ample time for making alternative arrangements and the terminal shipping is uninterpreted. 

Safety at the Ports:

IT helps in enhancing the safety and security of the port. It avoided accidents, thefts, pollution, damage to equipment, and other unforeseen events. The technologies monitor all the processes and make sure that all the safety norms are strictly followed. Same is true with the security of the port. 

Information technology has augmented customers’ experience because of transparency in port operations. Hence it is important to incorporate IT into port operations.