Solutions for bulk

Virtually all main container terminals today would find it impossible to function without having a terminal operating system in place. But they can be expensive and are often aimed at those terminals totally dedicated to box handling. So, what are the options for ports with mixed traffic terminals?

The Pass & Stow TOS is aimed principally at small-to-medium sized general cargo terminals handling a wide mix of freight that includes break bulk, although is also suitable for those terminals handling neo-bulk, such as steel coils, says ePortation Inc president and chief executive, Paul Labow. In addition, he says that the TOS’ inherent functionality means it can be used in large terminals, too.

“Pass & Stow isn’t really competition for the likes of Sparcs/Navis, which is viewed by the market as somewhat expensive and built for large container operations,” he says.

Indeed, another major player in the TOS market recently released a TOS package aimed squarely at the container market, dropping any pretension it might once have had towards being suitable for break bulk, given the inherent complexities of that market segment.

Top down

Larger TOS packages, says Mr Labow, are effectively accounting systems that require the world to conform to accounting principles, even though these don’t necessarily reflect the reality on the ground. Because they are built using a top down approach, they often fail to take into account anything other than the core elements of a standard operation.

“In many cases, people who have to use these systems find them very cumbersome, too slow and too complicated,” he says. “In contrast, Pass & Stow, which is built from the ground up, is fast and easy to use, and based on the belief that if ground personnel struggle to get the best out of a system, it doesn’t work.”

It is also a cloud-based system, meaning it is available all-year-round and provides mobility beyond a confined, LAN-enabled area. Additionally, Mr Labow notes that terminal operators should concentrate on their core capability, which is moving cargo, while large investments in IT and associated infrastructure compete with the need to invest in new cargo handling equipment. Pass & Stow is offered on a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) basis, removing the need for any large upfront investment, while allowing the client to make use of it much faster.

“This is not true of the large TOS packages, which require huge upfront investment, the cost of which is never truly amortised, even before their Version 2 is released, resulting in yet further investment. Usually, several new jobs are required just to manage those systems, which just adds to the overall cost, but is not reflected in the purchase price,” Mr Labow says. “In terms of Pass & Stow, we calculate that ROI occurs within a maximum of six months from installation, compared to larger installed TOS packages, which we believe never actually generate an ROI as they require such large investments in both time and money.”

Ability to adapt

He says that the package developed by ePortation is distinct in that it adapts to the user rather than requiring the user to adapt to the software. The system architecture makes it possible to implement changes easily and get them out to production often within a 24 hour period; larger systems can take several months to do the same, he claims.

Mr Labow also stresses the ease with which Pass & Stow can link into companies providing services along the whole logistics chain. “We have a variety of communication protocols that allow the transfer of live, real time data very easily. We also provide files that they can simply upload. This is really important, because the industry needs to connect all the moving parts together. This increases efficiency, reduces loss and theft and drives down overall costs,” he says.

However, asked whether it is a good think for cargo to be tracked along the entire logistics chain using a TOS-based system, he says that the TOS should just be part of the process of supply chain logistics.

“It obviously plays a key role, but is just one player,” he says.