Internet of Terminals (IoT) to improve Operational efficiency at Ports

Internet of Terminals (IoT)     

To improve Safety and Operational efficiency at Marine Terminals, Ports & Logistics Business.

 “Internet of Terminals” is nothing but a typical buzz word IoT; the IoT is defined by massive networks of connected smart devices, all creating and sharing information with each other. In one sense, data can be viewed as the byproduct of IoT activity, but that envisioning with data analytics. IoT has evolved from the convergence of wireless technologies, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and the Internet.

 IoT data represents a whole new class of information: quantifiable intelligence about the operation and performance of products after they have left the factory and gone into use. But here at Ports & Logistics all the assets and cargo/container handling equipment are well connected thru Smart Devices with integration of data analytics engine, also optimization engine to gear-up the value chain process and visibility to all concern stakeholders.

 This data can be used to better service existing models, improve how new models are built, improve customer relationships, optimize resources, accelerate asset maintenance, and even reassess the entire value chain process.

IoT enables entire Ports & Logistics operations; also inbound supply chain are managed and executed thru internet enabled devices with collaborative and integrated business and application layers; for many businesses an IoT vision starts and ends with basic connectivity and access for remote operation and maintenance. Connectivity is certainly the essential early step and foundation of IoT. However, greater value lies in the data mined thanks to connectivity and how a business or terminal operation uses the “smart” capabilities of its connected logistics and services.

 In other words, Ports & Terminals need to commit to the smart part of the connected logistics equation to truly develop a robust IoT strategy. This can be achieved by embedding smart features in today’s operations to future-proof them for years to come. This “Smart Enablement” is key to staying relevant in the marketplace because simply being connected is not going to be a unique selling point for much longer.

 In additional if an ocean carrier, fleets, train/railcar are being well connected thru internet with smart devices; also all cargo & container handling equipment along with inbound supply chain process are well exposed to ecosystem; altogether the data which are being generated should be analysed in a form of descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and preventive to improve efficiency of port or terminal operations.

 The usage of IoT data for service follows a maturity curve, the curve plots increasingly ambitious service stages, each requiring IoT-focused infrastructure. The curve also requires businesses to trust data-driven systems including predictive.

 The next phase is to take historical aggregated data used for diagnostics, and to further analyze it and apply some basic artificial intelligence and rules for identifying triggers. by mapping multiple inputs to historical product operations, it is possible to identify the warning signs of future operational problems. This stage requires the capabilities of the previous stages, with greater analytics and some intelligence to make the leap from diagnosing past performance to drawing conclusions about future performance. Predictive capabilities can be used to take actions that mitigate the need for service, and extend operational value chain.

 While much of the emphasis on the Internet of Things is aimed squarely at how connected devices will improve the lives of terminal asset and operators, data analytic experts posit that predictive results will actually help improve themselves to improve operational efficiency , productivity, value chain visibility , port safety and security threats.

 Safety

 Safety is a good example of IoT in action, collecting information, processing it, and using it for optimizing performance and making crucial decisions quickly and appropriately to avoid mishaps or accident due to malfunction or equipment failure or out of control during terminal operations.

 A key failure point in a railcar or gantry crane (STS, RTG & RMGC) is the axle bearings or spreader ropes. for example, possible to fit relevant sensors its tracks to detect overheating bearings and size of the spreader rope etc. There, lots of sensor readings are analyzed per day. Potential problems are flagged for operators and concern engineering team, who then decide whether the problem requires immediate intervention, or can wait until the next maintenance stop.

 Enablement of IoT all reactive maintenance could become a predictive and preventive maintenance to avoid accidents and failures; also some sensors or RF based devices can fit into every piece of equipment across terminals and ports; can be monitored entire traffic flow; deviation alerts and warning will be pushed to central control tower (Smart Control Center/ ICCR) of the port or terminal operations.

 Visible, and easy to manage

 Real-time visibility and overall control enabling integrated access control and CCTV camera for entire port facility irrespective of Security & Operations with connected network with video analytics to manage exception and raise an alter to concern stakeholders anywhere for better action as immediate response.

 Tracking and identification of Assets, Fleets, Vehicles & Individuals within designated area of Ports and marine terminals with suitable technology with provided IoT devices to have complete traceability of entry and exit; also to build an ability to predict and prevent traffic congestion before and after the port or terminals area which relatively impacts port operations.

 But never underestimate the power of IoT-enabled incremental improvements. For a period of time it may seem that nothing is happening—and then everything will be different.

Going forward, then digital fencing (Time/Geo fencing) with latest suitable technology or a IoT devices to govern bonded perimeter of the port facility & Warehouses with digital surveillance, with smart alerts and notifications with advanced system intelligence from anywhere across the globe.

 As a technology development photo or real-time video can captured, then analysed thru system of identification of abnormalities or anomalies etc.. So the system should automatically capture GIS location thru supporting network to react or response without any delay as enablement of IoT. Also for seaside security with help of IoT enabled connected devices, and improve real-time monitoring thru systemized automatic management by exception; intrusion detection; facilitate “Saildrone” etc..

 As maturity of IoT and its fulfilment will happen only a Shipper or Consignee, Customs Handling Agent, Shipping Lines/Agent, Marine Vessel Operator and authorities can have complete visibility, traceability of terminal operations; also can influence every piece of asset which impact operations and efficiently improve by remote monitoring and execution via any kind of internet enabled form factor or end points. Also without getting in to port premises if a shipper or consignee can have ability to execute transaction of shipment; also customs clearing process, inspection or examination procedure etc.. also ability trigger an appointment to receive or deliver a container or cargo thru external fleets to or from port will fulfill the concept of IoT in Ports & Logistics business.

 Despite all the excitement around IoT there is IT & Business leaders need to demonstrate value through small projects that go from device to analytics that can be tied to business value and Port & Terminal operations and its services.

 Use existing IT asset wherever possible

Not all of IoT is new. RFID & GPS have been around for years. Ports & terminals are already having Terminal Operating Systems & BI infrastructure in place that can handle large volumes of data. While certain problems may require an overhaul of the fundamental building blocks here, significant value can be extracted by using existing technology while the newer standards converge and technologies mature. and facilitate the expected results, setup trigger to process stockholders and control tower to manage and executing operations in Smart and Intelligent way rather than traditional approaches.

 Pick your key assets

IoT value for the port & terminal is all about managing, monitoring, controlling or effective utilization of the largest assets of terminals. In particular those that are mobile equipment with time – to –to deployment based on operational demand.

 Mentioned initiatives can help ports and logistics get bearings straight when starting an IoT initiative. However as an enablement of IoT platform and practice will emerge traditional port operations to “Smart Port” or a port would be a part of “Internet of Terminals”.

 Dr. Bright P’ Rayan

 Solution Architect – Port & Terminal Automation (IoT) and SME