Author: cdorsey

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Jade completes third successful implementation at Diversified Port Holdings

Posted on | by cdorsey

Jade Logistics’ today announced that it was past the half way mark of a five port implementation of its Master Terminal software in the United States. The successful implementation of Master Terminal in Mobile, Alabama is the third of five planned Diversified Port Holdings (DPH) sites and follows successful implementations in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale.

DPH, an integrated ports logistics business, selected Master Terminal to operate its five shipping terminals in the south-eastern United States. In particular DPH required Jade’s expertise in solving the complex problem of managing high volumes of disparate cargo, especially in Mobile where the port operation handles a mix of cargo including steel commodities and frozen produce. The installation was completed in the record time of six weeks, well ahead of schedule. DPH is now enjoying the benefits the  Master Terminal system brings to its operation and the port plans to extend the functionality to other areas of its business.

Impressed with the overall implementation, Dennis Rhodes, CIO at DPH said “Working with Jade gave us confidence that the implementation would deliver us the operational efficiencies we were looking to gain in our business. Jade’s flexibility and training enabled our staff to adapt quickly to the new technology.” David Lindsay, Jade’s Managing Director commented that the ability to implement Master Terminal in less than three months realized significant value for ports, reducing their costs.

“Successful implementations in these timeframes are unheard of in the industry and make the selection of Jade Master Terminal even more compelling for mixed cargo terminals,” said David.

The next implementation of  Master Terminal at DPH will be in New Orleans, scheduled for mid-April 2014.

Master Terminal is one of the world’s fastest growing terminal operating systems, having been implemented in Norway, Italy, UAE, USA, Iraq, Brazil, Ghana, Australia and New Zealand. It solves the complex problem of managing high volumes of disparate cargo. A highly reliable system that maximizes operational efficiency and improves competitiveness, the  Master Terminal product provides its customers with a single integrated view of their operations leading to increased productivity throughout the port. Rapid implementation makes Master Terminal the perfect fit for growing and ambitious ports.

Ports can be technological leaders

Posted on | by cdorsey

kaustubh-dalvi.jpgCaptain Kaustubh Dalvi, Jade Logistics’ President of Global Sales, looks at changes and challenges facing ports, and explains how technology, people, and processes can prepare the path to automation.

The major challenges ports face aren’t all in the physical environment. Yes, changes like deepening water channels, strengthening quay walls, and adding more sophisticated machinery to the yard are coming to a lot of ports. But what about conventional processes, technology and systems? They’ll be under pressure to perform, and stay secure, as the industry evolves.

Terminals have to be competitive, productive, and cost efficient. This balancing act is easier with the right technology. Systems that worked in the past won’t necessarily keep you competitive in the future. Quite simply, ports can’t afford to be left behind.

I believe that ports need to open up to emerging technologies and pay attention to innovative trends. Process automation is particularly important. It’s an area in which ports can team up with the right vendors and take a leading role, to the point where other industries look to ports as an example and follow suit.

Preparing for automation starts with people and processes

Automation will be the norm one day, but for most ports there’s still a fair distance to travel. Over this period it’s important to know how much automation you can afford, where your port sits on the automation spectrum, and which technological changes are best to make now.

With full automation being beyond most ports, the question is how well you can get machines and humans working together. This can bring similar efficiencies as automation, only more quickly and with a lower price tag. It also helps your port make the more gradual move towards automation.

Two things to look at today, then, are people and processes. Strong processes on the ground pay off in the short term and help prepare the way for automation. And strong processes require skilled, qualified people to drive the technology.

Some things shouldn’t wait

Of all the technological and procedural opportunities you could take, which ones are most important? Look for areas with the biggest room for improvement and where changes will have an immediate effect.

Traditionally, one weakness of ports is in exchanging information between stakeholders. Both within the port and throughout the extended supply chain, sharing data and information efficiently and securely is key to becoming more efficient. This is one area where the right procedures and system can make a big immediate difference. For a lot of ports it’s a good places to start.

What’s the right move for you?

This is a quick look at broad trends global trends, but different regions are under different pressure and every port operation is unique. There is no single recipe for efficiency or success.

At Jade Logistics we’ve helped ports all around the world become more efficient and competitive. We’re port people who understand the potential of port technology, and how to implement and run systems to bring genuine, fast benefits.

Video: Kaustubh Dalvi interviewed by Port Technology International