Shipping sector at forefront of technological adoption

Shipping sector at forefront of technological adoption

Logistics has been at the forefront of technological adoption. Being a critical industry, several technological innovations such as the upcoming IoT, 3D printing and drones are expected to have a significant impact on the logistics sector. It is here that the shipping industry acquires importance as more than 90 percent of the world trade by volume happens through this industry.

With the industry currently facing significant headwinds, there is a great degree of emphasis on optimisation and reducing dwell times for cargo.

Ajit Venkataraman, MD, APM Terminals India Pvt Ltd, says, “Our goal is to work closely with clients and constantly improve the user experience at our facilities. Technology is clearly one of the fastest, most effective and safest options. We use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS) and customized applications that work with our terminal operating systems. The source data allows us to offer client-facing systems like CONtrack and CONCare for container tracking on smartphones.”

Thus ERP systems, automation and anything else that enhances optimisations helps the industry when it comes to margins and efficiency in the long term. Ports and Terminals also compete with each other in a highly globalised marked accelerating the pace of technology adoption.

Venkatraman highlights that his organisation is analyzing their operational processes with an eye to improving them. This might be in the form of automation or simplification to make the client touch-points even better.

He adds, “We are analyzing our operational processes with an eye to improving them. This might be in the form of automation or simplification to make the client touch-points even better. “

Upcoming technologies such as IoT are also expected to play a critical role in changing the fortunes of the shipping industry. Since Tracking non-motorized support equipment at terminals, large plants, and other logistic service companies is a clearly identifiable challenge within the Value Loop: IoT would bridge this communication gap. With IoT, it would be possible to point out the location of goods and material with pinpoint accuracy.

At present, for Indian ports, the challenge is striking a balance between investments and being at the forefront of technological adoption. To achieve this indigenous and customized solutions are sought after with ERP systems playing a critical. The upcoming Sagarmala project is also expected to change the fortunes of domestic ports as it would enhance hinterland connectivity. With the extant road transport system being already clogged, waterways present a cost effective and quicker option,.