Technology design and implementation

Selecting the right port technology is critical for effective and resilient port & terminal operations; the design and selection of suitable tools is a vital task as part of terminal design, equipment retrofit or expansion planning.  Our team can support most major port technology elements.
Technology design and implementation
Ports & terminals rely on an ecosystem of technology tools; our team can support with IT infrastructure, data centres, and cyber-security. Within software, we are specialists in all the key tools a port or cargo terminal may need, including, Terminal Operating System (TOS), Gate Automation and Operating System (GOS), all types of equipment control, positioning, vehicle identification (OCR, RFID). Our team lead container terminal automation projects, both green-field and retrofit. Beyond the core systems, we are innovators in terminal technology, designing bespoke solutions for operating cargo terminals of all types.

The Smart Ports team advise clients on suitable technology applications and software to advance their management and operations. Our team can advise, design and develop business cases, manage procurement, and design implementation strategies for the technology needed to manage a port or terminal.

Many terminals are pursuing a path to greater automation and technology adoption. The Smart Ports team are experts in guiding ports and terminals to improving their operational efficiencies through integrating technology, improving operating margins and fulfilling growing customer demands.

Port Technology Requirements Design

Acquiring and integrating innovative technology is an essential part of a modern port or cargo terminal, to support customer demands, track cargo, fulfil regulatory reporting, calculate invoices and manage costs.

We can use our broad international knowledge to set out typical best practice requirements for most key software platforms a terminal will require (TOS, ECS, GOS etc) and create a set of locally specific requirements for software procurements to suit the client’s facility.

We can advise on all the elements needed for the terminal operation and how these should be integrated together, ideally as part of a Business Process Model, shaped to fit the client needs. For each client’s technology investment budget and business strategy, we can provide independent advice on the technology requirements for their port and help with shortlisting and selecting technology suppliers.

Our requirements design projects include all necessary aspects, from functions, to training materials, system security, local support and project plans.

Market Survey & Procurement

Detailed software requirements are vital to support the search for the best-fit products and vendors on the market to support the terminal and form the basis for contractual agreement and implementation acceptance testing (SAT/UAT). We have extensive knowledge of the available software and systems for the industry and can scan the market for suitable vendors and create short-lists for tendering. Our knowledge, experience and reputation within this industry is why clients request our services to conduct market surveys and support them during the procurement process.

The Smart Ports team has delivered many terminal technology projects and can lead tendering processes, from information requests, evaluation of technical bids, to commercial terms and contracting. An investment in port technology is a medium to long-term commitment between the port and the software vendor, so establishing the important relationships and baseline performance obligations is a crucial factor in the future success of the port’s performance; we support and guide this process to satisfactory results.

Implementation Support & Programme Management

We are port technology specialists with extensive project management experience and certification in principle techniques. With our in-house programme management capability and knowledge of the port technology industry, we can project manage the implementation stage of all scales of port & terminal technology projects.
We are port technology specialists with extensive project management experience and certification in principle techniques. With our in-house programme management capability and knowledge of the port technology industry, we can project manage the implementation stage of all scales of port & terminal technology projects.

Implementation of terminal systems can often require support with configuration, procedures, organisational structures and staff training, beyond the functions of the software packages. We can support this business change process with training programmes and onsite support through go-live and problem-solving stages, to provide that independent expertise in the critical moments of project execution.

If necessary, we can conduct independent product tests to verify the systems are being correctly installed, are integrated and operating in line with technical specifications. We also develop training plans and programs for newly acquired systems or as part of refresher training.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your needs.

Mark Wootton - Director for Terminal automation

MarkWootton

Director for Terminal automation