Port automation can be defined as the use of integrated technology to develop intelligent solutions for efficient control of traffic and trade flows on the port, thereby increasing port capacity and port efficiency. In other words: all port assets must be connected and use the same protocols to be able to exchange data in real-time.
Port automation can be grouped into yard automation, the automation of the terminal interface and the automation of the connections of foreland and hinterland.
Automated yard planning enables better positioning of containers to increase throughput with identical vehicles. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated stacking cranes (ASCs), ship to shore cranes, and trucks work together in a very synchronised, pre-planned way to optimise moving time and available space. Yard automation requires container position determination systems (PDS) that make the location of all the containers within the terminal known at any time through sensors. This enables their effective management, making them available to be quickly retrieved for loading on a ship or picking up for inland distribution.
Terminal interface automation covers automated gate systems (AGSs) for easy port access for trucks, automated mooring systems and even automated ship to shore cranes (ASSC). That said, an operator is still in charge but monitoring cranes instead of operating them. All systems rely on radio frequency identification (RFID) or optical character recognition to quickly identify containers.
Ports and Shipping
That’s good news given that by the end of 2017, global shipping of container traffic is expected to significantly outstrip seaport capacity.
With such large anticipated increases in demand, port and intermodal operators need to focus more closely on efficiency and speed. After all, in busy seaports, demand will always exceed supply.
And, with the arrival of ultra-large container ships, which can transport up to 40% more than existing ships, the challenges are set to become even more acute. Increasingly, port authorities and carriers are looking to technology to achieve their goals by re-designing and streamlining port-centric logistics.
Our solutions for the Port Logistics industry includes bar code, RFID, GPS and other technologies to collect information on cargo and freight equipment. For each application scenario, intelligent management is used to reduce management and operation costs, failure rates and improve work efficiency.
Delivery
The mobile computer inspects the receipt and delivery in real time, transfer related information to the automation system in real time, quickly arranges the port gate operations, and the mobile computer sends the receipt and delivery notice in real time to improve the customer experience.