Navis 'overload' raises concern

While the Navis port management system in Durban appears to have stabilised after a monumental crash last May, it’s still a trap waiting to be sprung at the next system update, according to Kevin Martin, chairman of the Durban Harbour Carriers’ Association (DHCA). And this, he suggests, because of Transnet management “penny pinching”, and a general lack of forethought and preplanning. “The last three times we’ve had a problem were related to penny-pinching on bandwidth and ram,” Martin told FTW. The system, he added, is working well at the moment. “But my concern is that when they offer extra features they will have no supporting hardware and software and that will lead to overload. Too many users and not enough capacity. “Not very good thinking and planning I’m afraid.” The most recent incidence was during the past month or so when Navis started slowing down and almost coming to a stop, Martin added. “They had a team working on it, and they identified that the preadvisory system was getting overloaded,” he said. “Obviously new users were logging into pre-advice and the system didn’t have the capacity to handle it. “What I want to know is where are the triggers that automatically alert the system people that they need to do something before system constipation sets in. Heads should roll if this was due to penny-pinching.” Martin concluded that this was not how a business should be run if efficiency is its aim. Peter Besnard, CEO of the SA Association of Ship Operators and Agents (Saasoa), said he agreed “100%”. “It (Navis) has been working,” he told FTW, “although we’ve had a few glitches. “But when new technology comes out they tamper with it and then there’s a problem. “And if it does stop again, heaven help us if it’s as bad as last time.” INSERT & CAPTION When they offer extra features, they will have no supporting hardware and software and that will lead to overload. – Kevin Martin