Container Terminals generate a lot of container movements related data through the Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and this data is captured the TOS database. Each move of container is a cost for terminal however the TOS does not have information related to cost.
Now, there are ERP systems like SAP, IFS, Microsoft Dynamics and many others which are used in Terminals to manage the functions of Finance, Procurement, Inventory, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), Human Resources etc. These systems capture all information related to cost, assets, resources etc. but these systems do not have information related to container movements.
Then there are Workforce Management Systems used in most terminals that keeps track of workforce time and attendance, shift planning etc. but these systems do not have movements and cost related information.
With all the wealth of information in the form of Data available in various systems within the reach of terminals, it is still a very difficult process for terminals to get the relevant information by bring all these data together from these various systems for basic analysis, Dashboards and reporting.
Few simple questions on very high level that comes to mind are:
What is my cost per move ?
What is my workforce utilization per vessel or per box
How do I optimize my asset utilization ?
We think a simple and easy to use Business Intelligence solution is the answer to this need of every terminal. There are many business intelligence tools available in the market that can meet this requirement.
Beware that such project can take a very long period to see light if you do not define your business requirements first. We personally believe that 60 to 90 days would be ideal time for a Terminal to build a Business Intelligence solution.
What do you think about the use of Business Intelligence in Ports and Terminals. Feel free to drop in an email at sales@enveconit.com
or
Connect with us on Linkedin @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/envecon-it-systems-private-limited
