An unpredictable economy and fluctuating container volumes are key challenges marine terminal operators will grapple with into 2012. This economic and business uncertainty is triggering a renewed interest in terminal automation to increase utilization of terminal capacity and equipment, maximize yard support for vessels, increase throughput for yard cranes and, ultimately, increase operational efficiency with minimal human oversight.
In 2012 and beyond, terminal operators will look to automation solutions to achieve this with less human interference and greater benefits. As automation technologies evolve to meet this mandate, what is actually done at a port will remain largely the same. However, the way it is done, the manner in which it is thought about and the operational efficiencies it provides will be fundamentally different.
Currently, automated systems are based on various algorithms and IT systems that need data translated into their languages — think RFID tags, barcodes and HTML. Simultaneously, emerging technology is propelling us towards “Google-like,” 24/7, self-service information shared directly with the customer. This means time savings for terminal operators and increased customer loyalty.
Beyond that, there may be a paradigm shift in which computers get the work done with neither the customer nor provider focusing much on the process. Machines will automatically gather sensory data, know what needs to be done — whether it is refueling, loading containers or scheduling shipments — and do it, leaving operators time to instead focus on wider strategic operations.
The possibilities of terminal automation are endless and the future of automation will focus on terminal operators taking advantage of the greater capabilities of new technologies.