2.0 Intermodal Port Technology Applications

The information management goal at ports is primarily focused on accurately capturing information and effectively communicating that information to both internal and external information users. There are a multitude of technology options that have been embraced by ports to improve their information flow efficiency and accuracy.

2.1 Data Exchange Technologies

The movement of data and information is as crucial to cargo transport as the movement of the cargo itself. Seamless information flow allows quicker cargo movement from origin to end destination. Electronic transference of data and information can lead to substantial time-savings, safety improvements and efficiency gains over traditional data transfer methods such as phone, fax or driver-provided paperwork upon cargo transfer/delivery. Such systems include:

• Extranets have been created by layering internal business applications onto the Internet or Intranet for use by customers or business partners. Authorized users can electronically access common information from any location. The electronic sharing of information can result in significant paperwork reduction and allows business partners more flexibility in collaborating on such issues as planning for maintaining inventory levels and determining anticipated future freight needs for shippers.

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) enables the transfer of cargo data and business information from one mode to the next in standard electronic formats called transaction sets. EDI enables capabilities such as automation of billing procedures, routine data transfers between databases, freight tracking functions, viewing of bills of lading prior to actual physical delivery, and obtaining estimated freight arrival times.
  
  EDI transactions have traditionally relied on proprietary Value-Added Networks. These private networks often charge the users of the VAN by the amount of data transmitted per transaction. Large amounts of transmitted data could represent a substantial cost to a company. EDI transactions conducted via the Internet are nearly free; therefore, many traditional VAN users are migrating towards Internet-enabled transactions. The lower costs have reduced barriers to conducting business electronically for smaller businesses/modal partners. [1]

• The Internet is being used increasingly by companies for customer service functions rather than traditional phone/fax activities handled by customer service representatives. Depending on the versatility and sophistication of the Internet site and its integration with various “back office” functions, customers can use the Internet to manage bookings, inquire on equipment availability, and track freight locations in real-time, or check invoice status.

2.2 Terminal Freight and Equipment Tracking

A number of terminals are utilizing modern cargo handling and equipment tracking technologies to improve efficiency and create additional capacity. These various technological solutions present the capability to track, identify, and monitor cargo and equipment in real time. Real-time equipment and cargo visibility allows for more efficient and reliable operations. Manpower and equipment utilization can be scheduled and deployed in relatively short order.

Automated Equipment Identification (AEI) technologies are being used in terminal yards to identify and track equipment and loads. AEI technologies include radio frequency (RF) tags, smart cards, and satellite-based equipment/cargo tracking. These are described in the following:

• RF tags utilize radio signals to establish real time data exchange between the RF tag and the tag reader. Data that is usually transmitted includes the rail car number that can then be checked against train composition information in the Port Management System.

• Smart cards are being implemented for managing the entry and exit of vehicles within the terminal yard. These wallet-sized cards with integrated circuits have the ability to securely store and process information regarding the driver or the cargo.

• Satellite-Based Technologies provide the location of cargo/equipment to within meters. Many of systems rely on the Global Positioning System (GPS) to triangulate the position of equipment tagged with a transponder. GPS transponders are self-contained, integrated units with the batteries and antenna contained within a compact sealed unit.
  
  Used in few locations, primarily due to cost, a GPS transponder is attached to a straddle lifter where it transmits its ID to a series of satellites that relay the transmission to a ground station. The ground station determines the asset’s position and forwards it to the operations center for delivery to the customer. Using wireless communications, the operator of the straddle lifter then notes the position of containers in a yard on a mobile data terminal. This information is used to quickly locate the container at a future time.

2.3 Port Management Information Systems

A Port Management Information System (PMIS) is an overall system suite integrating various software subsystems that performs all the information gathering, manipulation, storage, retrieval and transmission to decision makers all data needed to manage terminal operations. This is accomplished through electronically generated information reports that are integrated from data gathered from the various storage databases.

PMIS are used for the dissemination of crucial information to terminal personnel and for automating most of the data/information collection and consolidation efforts at the terminal. PMIS information can be shared worldwide via Internet or private virtual networks.

PMIS can be comprised of a number of subsystems or modules to organize the information flow into functional management components. The following provides examples of common modules or components:

• Logistics Module: controls port’s physical operational flow of ships, cargo and personnel. It should be noted that the Port of Tacoma ITOS system does not include this module.
• Physical Assets Module: maintains a database of the terminal’s assets and their corresponding location, and schedules maintenance of port facilities and equipment. In the Port of Tacoma, the functions conducted by a physical assets module are managed by the port’s ITOS maintenance module.

2.4 Inbound Port Technology Transaction Steps

The transactional information flows for cargo arriving at the Port of Tacoma via steamship and outbound from the port via rail are described in the following transactional steps:

1. Steamship lines forward EDI manifest data/information to the port and U.S. Customs in advance of physical cargo arrival. This allows for timely customs clearance and efficient deployment of port personnel and equipment. This information is automatically transferred into the port’s information system.
2. Terminal personnel utilize Automated Equipment Identification (AEI) technologies to locate an inventory of rail car equipment. Personnel and equipment logistics are managed via the Port Management Information System.
3. A train loading plan is developed using the Port Management Information System (ITOS). Containers are loaded based on rail car capacity and assigned destination. Following train loading, the load plan versus what is on the train is visually verified. A clerk then generates the EDI message from ITOS and sends it to the railroad. This message contains details about steamship line name, routing information and cargo weight.
4. At any point, container tracking is available to customers/modal partners via the Internet.

1. Simon, Michael, “Developments in Port IT”, Institute for International Research (IIR) conference for Container Handling, August 21, 1999

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