Port terminal software

Several specialized IT solution providers offer their solutions for port terminals or shipping. One of them is SoftShip, a provider of software solutions and services for international liner shipping sector. One of the main software solutions is the LIMA suite for deep sea, short-sea, feeder, ro-ro operators or for NVOCCs. Its functionalities encompass schedule control, port call management bunker handling, management of own and leased boxes, container overview, control of equipment repairs etc. Its terminal management system includes all types of cargo and portable terminals. [Softship 2012a] Likewise, ALFA (Advanced Liner Function for Agents), a modular software suite including a sales and marketing tool, a tariff/quotation module, a documentation module for reporting the IMDG Manifest and other documents, a maintenance and repair module, a storage and handling module, belongs to the category. ALFA uses XML, EDIFACT and ANSI standards for data exchange [Softship 2012b]).

Another maritime business supplier is Port-IT B.V. ®. Its portfolio ranges from Port-IT Antivirus and Anti-Malware software solutions to vessel management systems (CIOS Maritime ICT Server, focused on security of electronic data exchange). [Port-IT 2008] This company cooperates with Inmarsat, a provider of global voice, data and IP communication solutions. This company developed AmosConnect™, a shipboard communication platform. It integrates functionalities for position reporting, automatic file transfer, etc. Unique features are the possibility of remote configuration and the ability to control FleetBroadband connections directly from the portal interface. [STRATOS 2012]

An example of a multi-carrier e-commerce platform for ocean shipping is INTTRA. It product portfolio encompasses schedules by means of OceanSchedules.com, a web- based portal of customizable schedules and voyage records. It also gives an advertisement opportunity, as it contains banners and web links. [INTTRA 2012a] The INTTRA e-Commerce platform supports monitoring of booking, and carrier information, on-line collaboration, automatic notification of changes in booking status to third parties etc. [INTTRA 2012b] Further, INTTRA Shipping Instructions in connection with INTTRA -Act (web-based application), INTTRA -Link (EDI-based system- to-system connection) and INTTRA -Desktop (off-line PC application) can be interconnected to create multiple shipping instructions, re-use and edit booking data

etc. [INTTRA 2012c] Other solutions are the INTTRA Bill of Lading (B/L) tool and the INTTRA e-Invoice. [INTTRA 2012a]

Especially in the container shipping sector, cloud-based platforms such as the one by GT Nexus find their use. It contains strategic application suites for operation optimization and it can be used as an extension of an ERP system of the respective shipper. [GT Nexus 2012a] The suite enables schedule queries, eBooking and electronic document management. [GT Nexus 2012b; GT Nexus 2012c] A similar product is My CargoSmart Center by CargoSmart Limited, which is a web-based application for planning, processing, monitoring and online sharing of multiple carrier shipment information. For preparing bookings, the same provider offers CargoSmart worksheets (applicable in form of e-mail attachments). [CargoSmart 2000-2012]

Location-bound CCS solutions are provided (among other companies) by DAKOSY. Its Port Community System is applied in Hamburg using an Export Message Platform (EMP) for communication related to export and transit transport and an Import Message Platform (IMP) for import, which both encompass further carriers and supply chain participants. Information are sent or received in the form of an EDI service. This solution also supports other tools such as UNIBOOK, ZAPP, ZODIAK, ATLAS and GEGIS. [DAKOSY 2010, Kummer et al 2010] An analogous solution is provided by dbh Logistics IT AG from Bremen, Germany. Compared to DAKOSY solution, additional services such as VATT or MAQS can be used. [Kummer et al 2010] One of the systems provided by dbh Logistics IT AG is the modular software COMPASS which can also find use in air terminals or in warehousing, while its base module with core data is still in use. [dbh Logistics IT]

Unlike a traditional communication in port, where there is a need for mutual communication between all partners (shippers, customs offices, etc.), Port Community Systems (PCS) take advantage of a central system. Nevertheless, PCS also provide other services except for (electronic) communication. For instance, PCS sends weather information to vessel captains, information regarding time of arrivals and departures to ship agents, sends security reports to ministry of defence, etc. Capgemini gives a definition of PCS like the following [Smit 2012]: “A Port Community System can be defined as an entity delivering information to supply chains operating in the port. The PCS is responsible for: data supply, data control, data distribution, and data conversion”

A short overview of current Port Community Systems is given below.

Scope

Both for air and sea freight processing as well as for customs processes, Scope, a multifunctional software solution provided by Riege, can be connected to existing applications such as ERP systems or other e-solutions. Its programming is based on Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) and can work with various local languages, sign systems, number formats etc. [Riege 2012a] Its main features are its database search machine, its validation and plausibility check, its document management including electronic exchange in PDF format and upload of documents also in other formats, e-mail communication, and data update service, e.g. for updates on taxation or customs classification. [Riege 2012b]

PortBase

PortBase provides a Port Community System which serves for electronic interchange of messages across the community. It is based on UN/EDIFACT standard. The prerequisites are Internet Explorer 7.0 or 8.0 and EDI connection. Members of the community are inland shipping companies, shipping agencies, forwarder, carriers, barge operators, depots and terminals, etc. PortBase has three main parts – an application platform with all services provided (such as barge planning, transport ordering, transit declaration, etc.), a platform with facilities common to all services and a central database for information exchange. The main advantage is cost reduction and efficiency enhancement (shorter throughput times, non-stop availability, etc.), re-use of data and so on. [Portbase]

SoftShip

SoftShip is a system for administration and booking for cargo shipping. It supports the information exchange between all ship agents, customers, port and terminal agents in each port. Compatible information exchange systems are COARRI, CODECO, CUSCAR, CUSDEC, INVOIC and others. The solution is based on EDI. [Softship 2012]

PORTWIN

PORTWIN is an administrative tool for planning, monitoring, execution and invoicing in relation with port processes. The main functionalities are vessel registration and related services, cargo management, invoicing and support for statistics. It interfaces the Internet and its in- and output is generally accomplished manually.

PORTIt

PORTIt is the main program for the workflow in a company. It can be used for planning, monitoring, execution and invoicing. The main functionalities are vessel registering and related services, cargo invoicing, and support for statistics. In interfaces other systems such as AIS, SafeSeaNet, a platform for data exchange in

the EU, Norway and Island, and the Internet, in- and output can be managed both automatically and manually. [PORTIt]