APM Terminals Case Study
A Game-Changer in Port Operations.
APM Terminals, a key division of the global conglomerate A.P. Moller-Maersk, stands as one of the foremost operators in the port industry worldwide. Specializing in managing and operating container terminals, the company offers an array of essential services, including loading, unloading, and storing shipping containers. Lauded for its dedication to efficiency, innovation, and sustainable practices within port operations, the company operates in over 70 countries and plays a pivotal role in global trade, facilitating the seamless movement of goods across continents.
The Project.
APM Terminals faced the challenge of automating the control of entries and exits at their port terminals. The existing process, which involved manual management of drivers, vehicles, and containers, was costly and prone to inefficiencies, delays, and errors.
Our Solution.
The goal was to integrate Navis 4 (N4), the Terminal Operating System (TOS) for container logistics, with SicPuertos, a sophisticated system of cameras and sensors designed by SicTransCore for vehicle and container recognition. This integration aimed to create a fully automated system that would streamline operations and provide real-time data through a dashboard, generating alerts and statistics to enhance operational efficiency.
Collaborating with stakeholders, we analyzed existing systems, conducted exploratory visits to the port site, and gathered end-user feedback to identify critical issues and bottlenecks. Using agile methodologies, our engineers developed a bespoke software solution named TruckVisit to automate the entry and exit processes at port terminals.
TruckVisit’s core component, the Advanced Automated Gate Operating System (A2GOS), operates autonomously, integrating with SicPuertos’ cameras and sensors. It utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to verify truck and container license plates and scan driver documentation, cross-referencing the information with Navis’ database for accuracy and security.
A2GOS triggers thermal printers to issue entry and exit tickets and controls barriers for vehicle access. It bridges Navis’ logical systems with SicTransCore’s physical systems, enabling fully automated operation. The real-time data dashboard allows continuous monitoring and improvement, reducing costs, errors, and delays while enhancing productivity and service quality.
This project achieved substantial improvements in operational efficiency for APM Terminals, setting a new standard for innovation and sustainability in port operations.
