The second largest terminal in Brazil, Tecondi, is set to get automated – it has just awarded an integrated OCR project to Hi-Tech Solutions (HTS), a specialist in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and computer vision systems.
The project, which will include 20 truck OCR gates and two rail OCR portals, will be implemented by HTS Brazil – a new company recently established by HTS because of growing demands in the Brazilian ports market.
Tecondi now considers new technology to automate traditional manual processes strategically vital to maintaining a strong market position - driven by a strong demand to increase productivity at low cost, with increased throughput at existing facilities.
Paulo Vaz, IT manager at Tecondi Terminals, believes that automation will be hugely beneficial for customers. He commented: “At Tecondi we seek to add value to our services, and offer our customers ease and flexibility of movement."
The decision to further automate the terminal is timed strategically as well because of Brazil's legal requirement for the automation of ports that must be met by the end of the year. Come December 2012, port terminals must be equipped to scan 100% of containers, using OCR for the identification of containers and trucks, on arrival and on departure, without human intervention. Those who fail to comply will not be able to operate.
Tecondi's new SeeGate3 system will operate 20 HTS gate entry and exit portals across the terminal - it’s a fully integrated third generation gate OCR system that automatically reads and records the container ISO code number as the truck passes through a gate complex.
There will also be two new HTS SeeTrain systems installed at the terminal. These fully integrated rail OCR systems automatically read and record container ISO code numbers as the train travels on its tracks and acts as a portal system either at entry or exit to the terminal.
