Navis glitches – no gain without pain

Frequent crashes of the Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Navis port management system in Durban this month have led to a number of loud complaints to FTW from port users about the delays in container movement they have been experiencing. But, according to Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA), these computer glitches should be expected as TPT has been attempting a world-first in adjusting Navis to link all the major port terminals around the country. This at the same time as adding in the Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) operations, and making a major upgrade for Navis to accommodate the new tandem-lift cranes at the Port of Durban on the May 1 holiday. “Every time they do a major update, they are entering new territory,” he said, “and teething troubles are to be expected.” The system worldwide is a stand-alone operation, he told FTW. “This because terminals at other ports around the globe are all owned by different companies, and are not linked. In SA all the terminals are owned by Transnet, and deciding to link them to a central server makes sense.” And Transnet is not just sitting back and saving money by applying a bandaid repair, Martin added. “They have got all sorts of experts out from Navis to try to resolve the problems. They have done everything they can. But the system is not yet 100%, and it gives trouble every few days. “It’s a world first. But, when we come to the end of it, it will be a great system.”