An integrated portal that
will alleviate congestion and
improve service delivery in
and around the ports is on
the cards for South Africa.
According to Michael
Frans, who heads up
business development
for the automotive and
logistics departments of
T-Systems International,
this telematics service solution
is similar to that being used at
the Port of Hamburg.
“It is an integration platform
that enables all stakeholders
across the supply chain
beyond the ports authority to
share information with each
other, improving efficiency
across the board,” he told
FTW on the sidelines of the
Transport Forum held in Cape
Town recently. “Through the
sharing of data
on this platform,
coordination
between
the relevant
stakeholders can
take place far
more efficiently
to ensure the
delivery of cargo.
It also goes a long
way in improving
communication
between
stakeholders –
all-round better
planning and
execution takes
place due to the availability of
information.”
The platform allows a port
authority and its customers
and stakeholders to share
information freely. “In other
words information that only
the port is privy to will now be
available to the customer and
vice versa. The information is
not shared between customers
but a multitude of stakeholders
can use the platform.”
Frans said negotiations with
Transnet were at an advanced
stage for the implementation of
the system in the South African
port environment.
“The system allows for a
standardised interface so it
does not matter what systems
the various role-players use.
Everyone can push their data
into this platform and then pull
out what is relevant.”
Practically this means
a transporter will know
exactly when the container
has been offloaded from the
vessel rather than having an
estimate or having to rely on
contacts within the port – and
he can dispatch trucks to the
port accordingly. “Traffic
management can come on
board and they can load
data about where there are
congestion points and therefore
decisions can be made to
change routes or delay pick-up
or delivery of cargo.”
Frans said the system,
developed by T-Systems,
brought complete visibility to
the supply chain, allowing for
real-time information sharing
of reliable, accurate data.
“A similar system is
operational in the Port of
Hamburg and it is proving
to be hugely successful. By
giving people access to the
right information at the right
time, smart decisions can be
made – ultimately benefiting
the supply chain. It is smart
logistics at its best.”
INSERT & CAPTION
Practically this means
a transporter will
know exactly when
the container has
been offloaded from
the vessel and he can
dispatch trucks to the
port accordingly.
– Michael Frans
