Optimising

“We have seen projects that have been severely delayed because of integration problems,” he says. “There must be proper integration and cooperation between technologies and companies before you start a project.” That means analysing and understanding the needs of all those involved – not just port authorities, but other bodies such as customs – as well as taking a broad look at the whole port operation.

“A port technology project is much more than just the gates – from the gate level we are willing to step in and take the lead and put together the technology,” he says. “That can involve integrating with terminal operating system, crane operations, rail operations and other technologies.”

As well as its OCR systems, HTS offers fully programmed server systems which serve as a single-point interface between the OCR points and the terminal operating system. “This server middleware also integrates with other technologies at the terminal, as may be required,” he says.

“We have become increasingly involved in integration and server modules, which greatly reduce the project risks for both schedule and budget for implementation of OCR.”

Mr Elovic highlights the increasing consolidation of companies working in this sector, as well as a high level of cooperation between companies working together on projects. “It isn’t difficult to put together a team of companies who have already worked together,” he says.

HTS, which is based near Tel Aviv in Israel, with offices in Massachusetts and California, provides OCR solutions for a wide range of security and transport applications. Its SeeContainer Identification systems track and read shipping container identification marking and transmit the ID string to the port or gate computer, or to a client process. The range includes SeeGate, a recognition system for trucks and containers, SeeCrane, and SeeTrain/SeeRail.