When selecting vehicles and equipment for operations, ports must consider a wide range of factors: efficiency, value for money, and of course, strength. Equipment in ports have to be particularly resilient to weather extremes, dust and atypical ground conditions.
One piece of equipment vital to modern port operations is the computer, but to be able to withstand the rigours of port operations anywhere in the world, takes a special breed of computer: ruggedised.
Rugged computers are specially designed to reliably cope with all kinds of challenges posed by the working environment. They have been designed to function in extreme weather conditions (whether wet or hot), dusty environments, and to also cope with strong vibrations (for example, when a computer is attached to a vehicle covering rough terrain). With that in mind, the rugged computer is an ideal choice for ports.
One of the key players in the rugged computer field is JLT Mobile Computers, which has designed and manufactured rugged vehicle-mount mobile terminals for professional use since its foundation in 1994. Peter Lundgren, sales director, explains: “Our rugged computers are hallmarked by an extremely high level of operational reliability in the face of moisture, dust, vibrations, electromagnetic fields or extreme temperatures, all typical challenges for IT equipment used in the port environment.”
Since the early days of JLT, ports have been a strategically important market segment – right from the introduction of the Psion Teklogix 8560/8570 vehicle-mount computers. “Over time we have gained a deep understanding of the unique requirements of port operations,” says Mr Lundgren.
Meeting criteria
Argentinian port operator Exolgan took delivery of 80 JLT computers to meet a number of specific criteria. The computers were custom configured with GPS for container tracking and WiFi dual diversity external antennas to ensure reliable connectivity in the port yard. The computer was also selected by Exolgan because of its ability to do self-maintenance. This therefore meant faster turnaround times and reduced costs. “At the end of the day, it is teu throughput that is the measurement when it comes to ports,” says Mr Lundgren.
Glacier’s rugged computers – used by many ports in the US – are another example of how this type of technology can benefit ports, and do so right up to the minute. The Kodiak all-in-one computer, for instance, can not only be used in challenging environments, but can allow port operators to be constantly up to date with real-time status of aspects such as container location, loading and unloading. Immediate data on operations can be entered and retrieved with the Kodiak.
Rugged computers are also designed with a myriad of special features that ensure reliable, efficient service. One such example is the Advantech DLT-V72 series, which is designed for every type of logistics application. It includes a number of special features such as an optional touch screen defroster, integrated UPS (uninterrupted power supply) and secure 360 degree IP protection.
Meanwhile, the Advantech DLT-V83 vehicle mount terminals combine a strong, robust design (for managing rough applications during vehicle use) and new technologies like processors, operating systems and touch screens. Another of the Advantech vehicle mount terminals – the detachable DLT-M8110 – mixes reliable service with flexibility. While rugged enough to work effectively in all kinds of operations, it includes a number of special features useful for work such as integrated camera and scanner and a long-standing battery for off-vehicle operations.
A key operational benefit of rugged computers for ports is that of ergonomics. This ensures clear, readable displays both in sunlight and at night. Minimum downtime is also a crucial ingredient, with rugged computers ensuring low failure rates. “In marine ports and terminal environments, such reliable IT technology is of utmost importance, as business is won and retained based on uptime and the efficiency with which containers are moved between ship and shore, and on to their final destinations,” says Mr Lundgren.
Another notable advantage of rugged computers is their compact size which makes them fit even into the smallest cabin. The smaller size of rugged computers means easy portability for port operators. Glacier rugged computer tablets have taken this to heart, whether 13” or 7” in size, but still with the required durability for tasks at the port. These tablets enable port operators to have a handy device to make a note of last-minute changes of task or of loading status.
With further advancements into technology and new innovative ideas, ports can expect future development of the rugged computer market. “We will continue to support the port ecosystem, says Mr Lundgren. “The port business is really an ecosystem where no-one can survive on their own.”