Terminal automation
Companies all around the world are recognising the opportunities set by terminal operators, and investing in developing new technologies. These will not only take advantage of the emerging innovations in communications, but will also identify alternative applications and wider international markets for proven technologies.
Having the capabilities to exercise greater control over processing applications, product traceability, data capture and security puts power into the hands of terminal management. Realtime information processing will enable personnel to consider the wider objectives of the business as opposed to specific duties.
APS Technology Group is a provider of technology systems that automatically identify and track containers and cargo for marine and intermodal terminals. The company believes that its optical character recognition (OCR) systems are suited to applications outside their current scope of operations. Matt Ramsey, the company director of business development, says APS has enjoyed great success throughout the US with its systems, which have been crafted and developed over several years and which function at a high level of accuracy.
Now is the time to start breaking into new markets outside the US. Having recently completed an on the ground survey of the Asian market, its analysis indicates it could have a big impact in this region, both with existing terminals and the green field sites awaiting exploitation.
'There are local suppliers in Asia which are currently doing better than US or European providers, but the market could welcome outside companies. There is plenty of room for more players and opportunities to set up partnerships.
'We are now pursuing a global marketing strategy that will see us establish a presence in Asia as well as in Europe and South America,' says Ramsey. 'We want to show the world what can be achieved with our OCR systems. As a starting point, we have now opened an office in Belgium. This will house operations management as well as technical resources to support new APS customer installations in Europe and our growing base of customers worldwide.
Automating terminal tracking and site access
'Automating the flow of cargo in to and out of ports and rail terminals via gate, rail and quayside crane operations is the mainstay for our business,' says Ramsey. 'However, the systems are being used for alphanumeric data capture regardless of what they are applied to. There is clear growth potential outside what we currently consider to be our niche market. Central to each APS solution is imaging technology that enables users to leverage technology and improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of their operations.'
Where tankers, trucks,
railcars and possibly barges
are loaded with petroleum or
chemical products, managing
and accounting for
movements through the
terminal has to be a priority
not simply for inventory
control but also for security. It
is essential to record details of
all vehicles and persons
entering or leaving the site.
