The uncertain economy in 2010 kept many companies cautious with spending and technology investment. These investments will pick up in 2011, but maritime professionals will demand more value and reliability from their software and solution vendors. As in many industries, marine terminal operators will be increasingly concerned with streamlining operations and will look to technology to do so while improving their bottom line.
New technologies that can create flexible terminals equipped to handle the new demands of the industry will be at the forefront in the year ahead. Fluctuating container volumes will pose many challenges for terminal operators, and employing integrated technology solutions to fully automate terminal operations not only will reduce costs and increase efficiencies, but also help overcome the impact of an unpredictable 2011 economy.
Technologies such as Differential Global Positioning System and Local Positioning Radar, which help to track assets in difficult areas of the terminal, provide terminal operators with increased visibility that will be critical to handling the expected influx of cargo in 2011.
Finally, there will be a greater shift in focus on technology that provides greater quality, reliability and scale. Technology providers must enable customers to differentiate themselves while providing products and services that demonstrate the return on investment organizations are looking for.