Last Updated on Aug 2, 2022Jun 9, 2023 by Proofread & Edited by Editorial Staff. Terminal Operating Systems TOS is one of the most important software you currently need. We know! Today’s Terminal Operating Systems TOSs are incredibly versatile, and because of strong competition, have remained a relatively low-cost investment for most. Currently, with dozens of options available for Terminal Operating Systems TOS in the market – finding the right Terminal Operating Systems TOS of June 2023 can be tricky. So we spent dozens of hours researching and testing everyone we could get my hands on. Based on our experience with the apps, here are 10 Best Terminal Operating Systems TOS. Click on any app to learn more about why we chose it, or keep reading for more context on Terminal Operating Systems TOS. On this page, you’ll learn about the followingWhat is Terminal Operating Systems TOS?10 Best Terminal Operating Systems TOSNavisOPUS TerminalGullsEyeMaster TerminalHogia TerminalCommTracCATOSMainsailAutostore TOSContCloudWhat is the Best Terminal Operating Systems TOS?How to Choose Best Terminal Operating Systems TOS?FAQ’s What is Terminal Operating Systems TOS? Operating systems for terminals TOS is in charge of container movement at cargo facilities. To enhance efficiency when loading and unloading container ships and other vehicles, cargo terminal managers utilize TOS software to monitor a variety of events throughout an entire port or inland terminal. Terminal managers can use these systems to organize complex daily logistics involving ships. Trains, vehicles, cranes, and port workers transport many types of cargo. To handle vessel and equipment scheduling and track cargo container movements, cargo port personnel use a TOS. maximize yard space allocation and make judgments based on real-time terminal operations information A TOS can work with other logistical software, such as ERP systems and accounting software. A product must meet certain criteria to be included in the Terminal Operating Systems TOS category. Control the flow of goods and containers via cargo ports. Maximize the use of terminal equipment like cranes. Plan and schedule vessel or vehicle loading and unloading. Space management in the container yard should be automated. Real-time monitoring of cargo terminal activities Read More 10 Best Terminal Operating Systems TOS 1 Navis 417 visited this site today Navis is a provider of operational technologies and services that unlock greater performance and efficiency for the world’s leading organizations across the cargo supply chain. Navis combines industry best practices with innovative technology and world-class services, to enable our customers, regardless of cargo type, to maximize performance and reduce risk. Through its holistic approach to operational optimization, Navis customers benefit from improved visibility, velocity and measurable business results. Whether tracking cargo through a terminal, improving vessel safety and cargo capacity, optimizing rail network planning and asset utilization, automating equipment operations, or managing multiple terminals through an integrated, centralized solution, Navis helps streamline operations. Read More 2 CyberLogitec’s OPUS Terminal is an integrated Terminal Operating System TOS platform built on J2EE-based open architecture, OPUS Terminal assures terminal operators exceptional flexibility and scalability to meet your extreme business demands. Covering the spectrum of terminal operations and linking different equipment and systems, OPUS Terminal converges the functions of planning, operations, EDI, and KPI Dashboard analyses. This seamless overview provides useful intelligence of operational performance across the entire port. These real-time, solution features enable container terminals to automate planning and key operational processes. OPUS Terminal facilitates your business in optimizing productivity and maximizing operational efficiency. Features • TLS Terminal Logistics System A total asset management system that streamlines equipment work queues based on individual workload. • Advanced Vessel Planning Measures operational priorities like IMDG and port of destination, it intelligently plans and assigns containers into specific slots within the vessel. • Advanced Yard Allocation Container allocation within the yard is prioritized according to the vessel’s stowage location, the yard’s work queues and available work tiers. • Global Truck Pooling Optimizes truck travel distance and waiting time by assigning trucks for maximum equipment pooling across activities by intelligently optimizing travel paths to reduce congestion. • Graphical VMT/PDA Graphical-based UI devices for equipment Vehicle Mounted Terminals and operational personnel Personal Digital Assistants to facilitate management of tasks. • Internet of Things IoT Ready system supports a variety of remote positioning protocols such as RFID/DGPS/INS/PDS. . Read More 3 GullsEye is a terminal operating system that accelerates container, ro-ro, general cargo, liquid cargo services in the terminals. With advanced monitoring and reporting modules GullsEye guarantees customer satisfaction and provides comprehensive audibility. Its optimization and workflow modules increase productivity and decrease operating expenses. With rich dashboards designed for mobile devices and web, it is possible to access all statistics and key performance indicators on the fly. Thus it helps to make timely decisions with accurate and real time information. Also customers can manage and monitor operations anywhere with web & mobile applications. GullsEye gives terminal’s customers a complete self-service solution for executing and monitoring. Easy integration with ERP systems is another value of GullsEye and it is totally focused on how to see the complete picture. GullsEye has extensive know-how in software development, 3D virtualization, process optimization and supply chain optimization. . Read More 4 Master Terminal is the world’s leading terminal operating system TOS for mixed cargo ports. It provides a single integrated, real-time view of all operations and data.. Read More 5 Hogia Terminal is a standard software product continuously updated with easy-to-use interfaces. Its state of art functionality gives a lot of value for your investment.. Read More 6 CommTrac is a total terminal operating system TOS software package for bulk and multi-purpose terminals handling coal, ores, grain, agri-bulk, general cargo, RO-RO, liquid bulk, marine and others.. Read More 7 Total Soft Bank Ltd.’s CATOS is a comprehensive terminal operating system providing usability, interoperability, scalability and flexibility across the entire range of terminal’s work processes and decision making activities. Based on TSB’s accumulated experience and expertise, TSB has incorporated the most flexible and state-of-the art technology into CATOS to meet customers’ needs. This proven system also satisfies users with TSB’s customized service and future-directed business insight. The family system, ATCSSAutomated Transfer Crane Supervisor System and CHESSContainer Handling Equipment Supervisor System, also work in between CATOS and ARMG controller to support automatic container handling in the yard and GPS based resource pooling for container transportation. With Plan-Do-See PDS concept, CATOS supports users to streanline and automate modular work processes for shorter operation cycles an higher performances. . Read More 8 Mainsail optimizes system response times and offers a simple, cost effective means to deploy and run the terminal operating system.. Read More 9 Autostore Terminal Operating System TOS allows you to control the movement and storage of various types of cargo in and around a container terminal or port. The system enables you to make better use of your assets, labour and equipment, plan your workload and receive real-time information that enables cost-effective, improved decision making. Flexible scales easily to support the most complex and ambitious business objectives. Proven installed worldwide, Autostore is the TOS solution of choice for dynamic port operators. Power easy-to-use Windows platform that’s highly-configurable for peerless, terminal-wide control. . Read More 10 Navis OPUS Terminal GullsEye Master Terminal Hogia Terminal CommTrac CATOS Mainsail Autostore TOS ContCloud How to Choose Best Terminal Operating Systems TOS? Modern TOS have many advantages and minimize manual handling and paper usage. They also help terminals manage units efficiently. The following are five tips to choose the right TOS Know your audience and assess their needs. You must ensure that your terminal will benefit from the solution you choose. A good solution helps users learn and understand the TOS. In addition, the interface should be easy to navigate and provide a rich user experience. Integrated data storage system A comprehensive data storage system is a must. A good solution allows you to store all of your information in one location. The TERMINAL DATAbank is the heart of the software and keeps track of all data and modules in real time. The mission definitions are based on the most current situation at the terminal. The full history of events is always available for complete control. You can create a mission with the TOS. Flexible and customizable The system should be modular and scalable, allowing you to expand as your business grows. It should also be flexible, allowing you to segment a system at any stage of development or production capacity. The system should include a centralized operative part, document management, and statistical data system that handles analytics and reports. You can also purchase additional modules such as billing and ERP integration. The system should be easy to install and use. Choosing the right terminal operating system for your needs is critical, but the decision process is easier than ever. You need to decide how you want to implement the new technology and change your processes. Using an information management system can streamline your operations and improve your bottom line. Consider the features that will make your terminal operate better. You’ll also want to choose an IT partner that can integrate the system with your business systems. This will save you time and money, so look for the right one. The best terminal operating system should provide all the functionality you need. It should be easy to install and use. Moreover, it should support all the necessary software and hardware. It should be flexible enough to integrate with your current workflow and meet your specific needs. Most of the best TOS software will also offer additional features. You should be able to find a system that works well for you. A free trial version can help you choose the right one for your business. Choosing the right terminal operating system can make or break your business. A standardized platform will streamline your business and eliminate manual processes. Choosing a terminal operating system that supports these standards will help you grow your business. While it may seem like a simple solution, it can be very complicated to implement and maintain. However, if you’re careful, you’ll be able to choose the best one for your needs. The best terminal operating system should be scalable and can support different equipment types. It should also be easy to maintain and customize. An OPUS Terminal, for example, will allow you to control all of its components, including its warehousing, cargo, and people. It will also be easy to use and configure. It should be intuitive and easy to set up. Its price should be affordable for your business. When choosing a TOS, make sure that it offers data capabilities that help you manage your business. You need to collect data that can help you make better decisions. For instance, you can analyze real-time movements of trucks and monitor the performance of reefer plugs. An OPUS Terminal must also allow you to view key business metrics, such as truck turnaround times and truck arrivals. Ultimately, the TOS must support the functions you need. The best TOS can monitor all aspects of a business. For example, it can monitor the number of moves per hour, truck turnaround time, and the number of reefer plugs. Depending on your industry, this can improve productivity. If you’re a railroad or a container terminal, you should choose a TOS that supports both of these. A streamlined operation will also increase employee morale. Read More FAQ’s What Is Terminal Operating Systems TOS? TOS is an operating system that is designed to be used in the event of a major disaster or catastrophe. It is a backup system that would be used for emergency purposes. TOS is not a new concept, as it was used in the past to help keep communications open in the event of a nuclear attack. Are There Any Free Terminal Operating Systems TOS? There are many free terminal operating systems TOS available, they’re just not as popular as Windows and Mac. Which is a shame because they are just as good as the more popular ones. Is Terminal Operating Systems TOS Easy To Learn? The answer to this question is not simple. TOS is easy to learn if you are an experienced computer user. If you are not, you will need to spend a lot of time learning and memorizing commands. TOS is not as user-friendly as other operating systems. Is Terminal Operating Systems TOS Worth It? TOS is the most popular operating system in the world. It is a fast, efficient, and reliable operating system. There are many reasons to use TOS. It is a stable and secure operating system. TOS is also easy to use. It is a good operating system for beginners. What Can Terminal Operating Systems TOS Do? There are many different types of operating systems, but TOS are the most popular. TOS are used in many different industries and are used to power our phones, tablets, and computers. TOS are also used in many different applications. How To Use Terminal Operating Systems TOS Effectively? The Terminal Operating Systems TOS is a much more efficient and cost-saving way to do your work. It is a more efficient way to do your work because it is faster and more cost-effective. I know you want to use Terminal Operating Systems TOS, thus we made this list of best Terminal Operating Systems TOS. We also wrote about how to learn Terminal Operating Systems TOS and how to install Terminal Operating Systems TOS. Recently we wrote how to uninstall Terminal Operating Systems TOS for newbie users. Don’t forgot to check latest Terminal Operating Systems TOSstatistics of 2023. In Conclusion Choosing the best Terminal Operating Systems TOS is not a difficult task when you have all the details and requirements. Most of the above-mentioned Terminal Operating Systems TOS have impressive and user-friendly features. Now, it is up to you which software you’d pick up that meets your requirements. Consider the effectiveness and efficiency of each Terminal Operating Systems TOS, including the features and capabilities. You must also evaluate your objectives, required functions, and budget before choosing the right Terminal Operating Systems TOS of June 2023. See which will give a great deal. If you still have questions about choosing the best Terminal Operating Systems TOS, leave a comment below. I’d love to assist you.

This is a short introduction to key elements in a TOS implementation – a challenging project for any terminal operator. Plenty of detail has been omitted as this is just an insight into central themes. If the steps in our previous blog - How to Choose a TOS - were followed then you should be in reasonable condition to begin implementation with a good scope, supplier contract and general strategy to start. If not, then a phase of detailed scoping will be vital to make sure the project will deliver what you intend. Use Project Management methodology – A TOS implementation is a significant project in scale, cost and scope of organisational change, so a robust methodology should be used – Prince2 or similar – to keep up communications, risk management and all those important generalities which we’ll assume as standard here. Take the Lead – Once the contract is signed, it is likely the nice salesman from the TOS supplier will disappear off to his next challenge, handing you over to the implementation team. At this stage, as client, it is important to take an active leading role in delivering the project, extracting the best results from the implementation for your business. It is good practice to assign an internal project leader to own the delivery of the project, ideally someone with previous technology project experience, or hire in externally for the project lifecycle perhaps from Port Solutions This leader needs to work closely with the suppliers and internal departments, being confident to lead the delivery. Form a Team – An initial stage is to get all the functional pieces of the project delivery together and form a balanced team to cover all these key areas. Usually, selecting department managers to become Super Users is a bad idea – they have the business knowledge but lack time and sometimes technical skills to commit to the project. A TOS project needs a core team of 3 to 6 Super Users depending on size/scope of operation which will need to be flexible to leave behind some of their daily work to commit whole days to testing, training and support. This team needs to have capability in using and testing software, but also plenty of people skills to motivate the workforce during implementation, a key factor for success. A motivated and capable project team is a critical success factor, as some challenges lie ahead. Make a Plan – Usually, the first exercise starts with trying to figure out a Go-Live date to tell the Chief Exec; try to avoid this pitfall if possible! If the TOS implementation involves any software customisation, automated interface testing, or medium scale staff reorganisation, then timelines will be very difficult to predict at the outset. It is more important to be sure all the tasks are gathered together and structured into an approach that can be laid out on a plan for both client and the various suppliers to tackle their parts in a suitable order, with a motivation to achieve each part with best speed, and then a more accurate final timeline will gradually evolve as the tasks progress. Having a weekly focus and closer deadlines for each task drives better productivity rather than a far-off goal, and also allows a dynamic flexibility to change tasks as needed. Detailed planning and leadership is important to be sure no task is overlooked or time wasted, of course, but a flexible approach will deliver a better quality result in the end. Learn, Test, Evolve Process – As soon as possible, get a test version of the TOS installed and configured for your site, taking any training programmes on offer for the SuperUser team. Then, work through all the operational processes together, learning and testing the software in depth. Make sure all areas are tested thoroughly, especially critical and troublesome areas like Customs processing, all system interfaces and mobile devices. Essentially, build a test environment that mirrors what you will implement in real-life. From this exercise any gaps or bugs in the software can be discovered and resolved – it’s important to be ruthless at this stage, while the suppliers have your full attention. Slack testing now can create long-term workarounds and operational inefficiencies. This process will lead to a vision of how your operation will work and informs the construction of work process instructions, training materials and staff change programme. Embrace Business Change – A TOS project is a change to the foundation of an operation and staff, equipment and practice change is a key element. Once a vision of how the system will work in your business, it’s a great opportunity to really look at becoming more efficient, resilient and capable as an operation. Adoption of a TOS will make changes to staff roles – don’t try and hide from that as the workforce will smell change and, therefore, risk – embrace the positive aspects and use this time to make any necessary structural changes. A key reason for engaging a TOS is for customer service improvements, so be sure to communicate with customers and try to capitalise on any technical advances to lock them into the business further – perhaps with real-time EDI, automated stock reports or a web portal for booking cargo release/pre-advise. Practically, there is also some risk to service during the go-live phase, so best to keep them onboard as customer patience may be vital later on. People are Key to Success – Once a fully tested and satisfactory test environment has been established, work processes refined, then a programme to execute can begin. The work processes should be built into a training manual and role-based programme to train the key staff on system operation – teaching them how to do the old job in the new way. This training needs to be close to the Go-Live day and delivered with confidence remember staff will be nervous of change and make sure everyone is included – from finance manager to RTG driver. Much of the training effort will unfortunately be forgotten and a 100 page manual will be ignored, so be sure to get staff to sign-off their receipt of training in case of later difficulties. A great help is to create one page flowcharts of process and stick them to the office wall or machine bulkhead for staff to refer to during operations. Motivation of all layers of staff is key to a successful Go-Live and inclusive communications is important to keep up confidence and support for the project – negativity from some staff is common and a challenge to the project leader, but must be addressed continually. Time to Go-Live! – At a suitable date, with all risks understood, staff trained and systems ready the Go-Live process can begin. The test configuration of the TOS needs to be translated over to the live version and a data migration programme carried out either automated or manually to mirror a snapshot of the yard stock onsite. From here, a parallel run with the old method or system is recommended for a day or two, as a fall-back position. Often, this won’t be sustainable for long as double-working is resource hungry. The SuperUser team should be prepared for long hours working shifts to support the operations team – this is the time when staff learning and process adoption really happen and a strong hand is needed. Mop Up – After a couple of weeks a review of any tasks that failed, got left behind or need re-thinking should be gathered together into a post-Go-Live phase of works. There may have been intentionally delayed modules perhaps Billing, or Management Reporting that need delivery as a later phase. Ideally, there are only a few technical surprises, but may often be need to revisit some staff training or role-based processes to refine or reinforce the new methods; the desire to fall back to old methods or short-cuts is strong in the early months. Completion… and into the Future – Once the scope of work for the project has been delivered, there needs to be a typical project closure assessment, from which a number of future tasks or ideas might arise. Although the TOS project may be closed, the terminal operator’s relationship with the TOS will continue to evolve over many years, as new customer requirements or business changes drive further improvements. Within the business, a dedicated staff role to own the TOS and support the staff is important, often as a part of a Process Excellence’ position. There will be system upgrades, testing and deployment to deliver regularly and, as the TOS supplier improves their products, your business can benefit by being part of their improvement programme. TOS implementation varies significantly for different products and the needs of clients; this blog highlights some of the key points, but don’t underestimate the risks and effort required to successfully deliver a TOS project. Seeking professional expertise in this area can deliver valuable benefits ! Richard Willis is Director at Port Solutions Ltd, an independent consultancy firm specialising in the selection and deployment of technology and efficiency in the ports and terminals sector. Tel +44 151 4382158 info

Reading time 14 minutesThe recent Royal Bank of Canada RBC overview of global supply chains explicitly displays how bad port congestion currently is – and how it keeps getting worse. The study states that one-fifth of the global container ship fleet is stuck at various major ports. The turnaround time keeps increasing in all the biggest terminals of China, the US, and Europe. Global business news channel CNBC created Supply Chain Heat Maps to track the levels of container terminal performance. For example, in the US, the situation in the Port of Oakland is the worst with vessels taking an average of six days to unload and load import containers are waiting eleven days to get transported. The ports of Los Angeles and New York are not far behind. In the first half of 2022, the main reasons for supply chain slowdown and port bottlenecks are China’s battle with COVID that results in lockdowns, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, increased fuel prices, deficient terminal infrastructure, and inefficient terminal operations. And while you as a terminal manager might not have power over global problems, what you can do is optimize your operations and implement technology to streamline workflows and decrease processing time. In this article, we describe the terminal operating software, its main features, possible integrations, and ways it can benefit port productivity. Note, that we’ll only talk about cargo terminals and won’t cover other port activities such as fishing, ferries, cruises, etc. What are the main terminal operating problems? All the cargo ports and terminals are different. They vary in size, freight types bulk or container terminals, and location sea or inland ports. However, we can roughly generalize that the main functions of most cargo terminals revolve around catering to vessels discharge, repairs, refueling, etc., freight loading/unloading, storage, stuffing/stripping, etc., and connected inland transportation arrangement of cargo movement. Understanding these key objectives allows us to highlight the common pain points of operating a cargo terminal throughout its key areas – the berth, the yard, and the gate. Main terminal challenges Disruptive vessel calls planning On the vessel side, the challenge lies in scheduling berth windows, arranging loading/unloading equipment according to vessel ETAs, and communicating with the shipping line to synchronize operations. It’s important to carefully arrange all the pieces of this puzzle, set up the optimal loading/unloading sequence, and exchange messages with the carrier’s system to maximize the operational efficiency. This process becomes even more complicated due to frequent vessel delays and other disruptions that lead to waste of time, fuel, and port resources, so operators have to timely react and reschedule berth and resource allocation. All of that becomes a herculean task without specialized software. Inefficient yard space configuring The yard is basically a large storage area in the terminal that has to be efficiently managed. The main complexities here include optimal cargo allocation, handling equipment and staff coordination, and truck movement organizing. Different storage areas have to be created and freight has to be allocated according to further operations. Since most terminals process thousands of containers not to mention other cargo types daily, orchestrating all these processes manually is barely possible. Lengthy truck visits arrangement appointment booking, permission granting, verification, etc. Another important terminal workflow is gate management. Incoming and outgoing vehicles have to be carefully monitored. Access permission can only be granted to authorized vehicles and according to the associated cargo details, which then has to be verified at the gate. But performing all the checks manually is too lengthy and error-prone. And when hundreds of trucks come in and out to deliver or pick up freight, it can easily cause bottlenecks, so this flow has to be properly arranged. Complicated staff and equipment scheduling Scheduling is always a problem, especially in large businesses with multiple operational units. In the terminal, staff and equipment schedules mainly depend on the vessel calls and truck visits. Connecting all of them together is hard in itself, and when inevitable disruptions like equipment failures or vessel/truck delays happen, everything becomes a hot mess. Inefficient cargo tracking resulting in lost freight Another problem is monitoring cargo flow within the terminal. Goods have to be tracked when they arrive, unloaded/loaded, transshipped, and stored, so that nothing gets lost in the terminal chaos – which unfortunately is not an uncommon situation. Inaccurate billing that leads to lost revenue Terminals perform thousands of billable operations daily for numerous customers. All the charges have to be accurately captured and added to corresponding invoices. If done manually, operators get buried under tons of paperwork – and still can’t avoid putting a foot wrong. Data leakages in reporting and analytics activities Terminal operators need to have full visibility into all facility activities. Some of the important KPI categories that have to be monitored are gate events and truck movements, terminal inventory, vessel movements, crane and other equipment productivity, yard utilization, demurrage and detention, and many more. To create all these valuable reports, data has to be collected across all terminal departments. However, traditional organizations with siloed structures make data sharing very complicated, leading to information leakages and communication delays which cause disruptions too. So, no reporting and holistic data analysis is possible without having all the data in one integrated system. In today’s digital world ruled by data, your performance and competitiveness often depend on your technological level. So, let’s see how modern software can optimize your terminal operations. The terminal operating system and its key modules In a nutshell, the terminal operating system TOS is a digital platform that helps track and manage all the supply chain operations at the cargo ports and terminals. TOSs help coordinate all the terminal logistics elements including vessels, trucks, cranes, trains, and port staff, track cargo movement, optimize asset usage, and analyze data to support decision-making. Now, let’s take a deeper look into TOS functionality and its core modules intertwining. TOS main modules Berth management planning vessel visits and predicting ETA The maritime industry historically relies on the Electronic Data Interchange or EDI technology for information exchange we’ll describe it in more detail further on. It’s required for effective berth management as well. Carriers or agents send the BERMAN or berth management message to the port that contains a request to moor, details of the call and vessel, berth requirements, and expected operations. Obviously, all this information can’t be received and processed without the integrated TOS. That helps terminal operators to synchronize all the ship-related activities. A TOS helps schedule vessel visits, their moves between terminals if necessary, and associated services, as well as coordinate tugboats and staff. If your terminal experiences significant tidal events, make sure your TOS offers dynamic tidal modeling to safely manage vessel movements. Sometimes the ETA received from the shipping line isn’t exact, so terminals often make their own predictions regarding port calls timing. A common way to do it is by connecting to the automatic identification system AIS data source which allows users to track vessels in real time. Yard management arranging cargo movement and allocating terminal resources Yard management generally refers to organizing the movement of cargo, handling equipment, vehicles, and staff in the yard of the warehouse, terminal, distribution center, or another facility. The TOS helps automate and streamline the yard operations we talked about earlier defining areas for all types of cargo and operations loading/unloading, transshipment, storage, etc.; allocating and scheduling staff by creating convenient to-do lists and equipment including ARMG, ASC, forklifts, etc. for all types of operations; monitoring equipment location due to a so-called real-time locating system or RTLS, which we’ll talk about later, etc. The TOS contains all the information on the incoming and outgoing freight and can automatically coordinate available equipment, staff, and space according to the cargo requirements and type of operation. And the load planning functionality helps configure your yard areas and arrange cargo in the most efficient way with optimal space usage, considering load constraints and further operations. In addition, having a real-time view of all yard processes allows terminal operators to immediately react to any disruptions. Freight management cargo tracking, storage, and other services A TOS serves as a database for all freight that passes through or is stored in the terminal. Depending on your type of terminal, your TOS must handle all the cargo types you deal with, be they containers of any size, RORO Roll-On/Roll-Off, or general cargo dry/liquid bulk, break bulk with different packaging, logs, etc.. Plus, there should be support for IMDG hazardous cargo, temperature-sensitive products, and over dimensional freight. Many terminals include storage facilities and offer warehousing and/or container freight station services. A TOS allocates storage space and tracks cargo movement within the terminal. A common way to monitor freight is implementing RFID technology that automatically identifies and tracks tags attached to cargo items and then sends information to the TOS database you can read more about tracking technologies in a dedicated post. Some ports also provide additional cargo-related services such as stuffing and unstuffing, freight consolidation or breaking down, renting out containers, and so on. A TOS helps efficiently manage all these varied operations, from receiving orders to execution to billing. Gate management controlling access to terminal facility A gate management module helps terminal operators coordinate and monitor all the incoming and outgoing vehicles. The vehicle booking feature allows carriers to choose a convenient appointment slot as well as register vehicle, driver, and freight details. So, upon arrival, all the required information is already in the system and the verification process is as fast and easy as can be. Besides, a well-built, automated gate management system ensures ISPS International Ship and Port Facility Security Code compliance mandatory for ports. Automating gate operations typically involves creating an infrastructure of interconnected elements though they can also come as separate solutions that include self-service driver kiosks – to go through a paperless self-verification process and access code entry; OCR cameras – to identify and register vehicles, license/number plates, containers, and seals; RFID scanners – to identify the passing cargo and assist with inventory management; automated security barriers – to control vehicle access; intercom devices – to enable communication with terminal staff; information displays – to receive instructions and other important information; and so on. All these recognition technologies and management tools work most efficiently when seamless data exchange is established so that the vessel, container, vehicle, and traffic data are easily shared between modules and collected for further use reviewing traffic events, analytics, etc.. Financial and reporting modules supporting billing and analytics Managerial activities take place behind the scenes, but are of the same importance as others. A multi-currency billing module allows terminal managers to capture all the billable terminal operations, create accurate invoices, control revenue streams, and efficiently handle flexible tariffs and rates. Meanwhile, customizable reports and access to robust, data-based analytics give a full picture of facility performance and help make efficient strategic decisions. TOS allows users to export and share reports in a number of standards XML, CSV, PDF, etc.. Also, TOSs offer a range of access levels to support security. Additional feature rail management If your terminal has an adjacent rail facility as a component of an intermodal supply chain, you need rail management functionality to plan train loading/discharge sequence, schedule resources, and handle other rail-related operations. TOS integrations We mentioned earlier how important data sharing is for such a complex system. Now, let’s look a bit deeper into the key TOS integrations that have to be established for efficient terminal performance. But first, let’s talk about how these integrations can be built. EDI vs API As we mentioned above, Electronic Data Interchange or EDI technology is traditionally used in the maritime industry to exchange information on cargo movement between ports, shipping lines, and other parties. EDI enables data transfer directly between systems; otherwise, it would’ve been done in paper form, through phone calls, or via emails – and take forever. The two main EDI standards are UN EDIFACT common outside the US and ANSI common in the US. EDI helps exchange such crucial documents as bills of lading, customs manifests, loading/discharge orders/confirmations, stowage instructions, vessel plans, and much more. Such automatic document sharing is convenient and has become an industry standard, so all modern TOSs have EDI message processing functionality. However, this format has been there for decades, so now some of the major carriers including Maersk, CMA CGM, and MSC are moving toward newer integration methods – via APIs and using JSON messaging format. One of the modern data sharing platforms gaining popularity in the maritime industry is TradeLens accessible via a set of REST APIs. It’s underpinned by blockchain technology that ensures data security and is designed to enhance collaboration across global supply chains. For example, carriers can share their position, ETA, electronic bills of lading, and detailed cargo data so that terminals can plan their operations, while shippers, brokers, and consignees can easily track their shipments. Besides external integrations, APIs are catching on for connecting internal systems that we’ll talk about right now. Internal integrations GOS, RTLS, reefer monitoring, and others Again, there’s no universal rule for all terminals since all of them are different and have distinct operational models and tech ecosystems. Here are just some of the opportunities to connect internal software systems. Note that many of them involve creating a complex Internet of Things IoT infrastructure with multiple sensors, smart devices, and connected software to process data. Gate operating system GOS. If you have a standalone GOS, connecting it and all of its sensors and modules such as cameras and RFID scanners to your TOS will let land carriers receive information about incoming vessels and register their vehicles and loads, while you’ll obtain complete data about the vehicle flow. Real-time locating system RTLS. Terminal handling equipment has to be tracked, which is performed with such technologies as GPS, DGPS, RFID, Bluetooth, and so on. The RTLS is a network of tags or wireless transponders attached to equipment units, plus readers installed in different terminal areas to receive tag signals and detect their location. Reefer monitoring system. If you operate a container terminal, you probably deal with refrigerated/frozen cargo, which requires constant monitoring. Integrating reefer monitoring to have all the information about such temperature-sensitive freight in your TOS is nothing but convenient. Read more about cold chain logistics and how to manage it in our dedicated post. Radio/mobile data terminals RDT/MDT. Various technologies are used to create wireless networks in terminals that basically connect workers in the field with a control operator. Handheld, static, or vehicle-mounted devices allow terminal personnel to receive instructions from a TOS and enable communication. Financial, business intelligence, and general ledger systems. You might use a separate business management solution say, an ERP such as SAP, Microsoft Business Central, or Oracle to manage your back-office operations including accounting, analytics, reporting, sales, marketing, and so on. Connecting it to your TOS is crucial for seamless information exchange. External integrations shipping lines, freight brokers, tracking data providers As we said, to synchronize operations and exchange information, terminals connect to shipping lines and freight brokers, usually via EDI – or TradeLens for the most advanced companies. This way, maritime carriers inform ports of their visits and freight, shippers/brokers book empty containers, and terminals confirm booking, loading/unloading operations, and much more. Another common external connection that terminals take advantage of is the AIS data feed we mentioned above. Real-time ship positions and other marine information is vital for vessel and freight tracking, accurate ETA forecasting, and enhanced berth management. Some of the popular providers with well-developed APIs are MarineTraffic, Vessel Finder, or AISHub. Popular TOS providers We don’t promote any of the TOS providers but want to give a brief overview of the most popular products on the market to give you an idea of existing options. TOS providers comparison Navis an array of products for every need Navis is the industry-leading tech provider of logistics products for terminals, vessels, and even rail operators. Their TOS portfolio includes Octopi TOS – a cloud-based solution for small and medium-sized container and mixed cargo terminals that covers all the necessary workflows gates, yard, billing, etc.; N4 TOS – a full-fledged platform for container terminals of any size that offers a suite of handy apps Reefer, Lashing, Twistlocks and optimization modules Expert Decking, PrimeRoute, Vessel Autostow, and Rail Autostow; N4 as a Service – an innovative, cloud-based system that “includes all the capabilities of N4 without the associated costs and complexities of deploying, maintaining and managing it”; Master Terminal originally developed by Jade Logistics– a highly customizable, multi-modular TOS for mixed cargo ports that supports a broad range of freight types including bulk, break bulk, project cargo, RORO, and container cargo. As you can see, Navis offers a variety of solutions and services for different needs. The company has been on the market for 30 years and its products are used by almost 300 terminals worldwide. The users’ reviews prove that it’s a great platform to increase operational efficiency, optimize asset utilization, improve safety, and get better business results. Crane analytics dashboard in Navis N4 CARGOES a suite of next-gen logistics products based on machine learning and IoT CARGOES by DP World is an industry-recognized name with a portfolio of logistics products and services catering to various global trade parties, freight forwarders, customs, importers/exporters, and so on. The Ports&Terminals solutions include TOS+ is a management system for container terminals of any size with support for container freight stations, inland depots, and more; GC+ is a digital solution for managing multiple types of general cargo; IOT+ is a network of smart devices and connected software that offers full, real-time visibility on the microlevel and improves asset management, planning processes, and decision-making; AVA+ is a video analytics software to support OCR operations; and more. CARGOES implements such innovative techniques as deep learning for image recognition and digital twins for environment simulation and visualization. They heavily rely on business intelligence and KPI monitoring for performance optimization and develop machine learning models to enhance analytics. To support external integration, they have developed a set of APIs. CARGOES products can be hosted either on-site or in the cloud. CATOS all-in-one, user-friendly solution Total Soft Bank Ltd.’s CATOS Computer Automated Terminal Operating System has three modules that cover all terminal operations CATOS Planning helps schedule berth, yard, and vessel-related operations as well as manage human resources. CATOS Operation monitors and controls all operations in real-time, whether in the yard, warehouse, at the gate, or elsewhere in the terminal. CATOS Management supports billing, reporting, and analytics workflows. CATOS interface Besides the convenience of managing all business activities through one system, users are happy with CATOS customization options, intuitive interface, and customer support. TBA Group optimizing terminal and warehousing operations TBA Group specializes in automation solutions for ports, warehouses, and industrial plants. Autostore TOS is a management software designed for container terminals, while CommTrac TOS helps run bulk and break bulk cargo facilities. Whether installed on-premises or in the cloud, these platforms help with yard, freight, and asset management. They also include a vehicle booking system, dynamic vessel and rail planning modules, and billing functionality. In addition, this provider claims to be able to “integrate seamlessly with all third-party business ERP systems” and provides a range of implementation, testing, and training services. RBS robust container terminal solutions and a number of optional modules RBS Realtime Business Solutions develops state-of-the-art software applications for the Container Handling Industry. Their TOPS Expert Enterprise is a traditional on-premises platform and TOPS Expert Cloud can be implemented on a pay-as-you-go model. Both of them are packages of management and optimization modules aimed at handling various terminal operations, from gate to billing. TOPO, TOPS, TOPX offerings Moreover, there’s a list of optional modules that can be obtained independently to enhance separate workflows reefer monitoring, container freight station, truck appointment, etc.. There’s also a TOPS KPI dashboard which is an additional remote management, data analysis, and data mining tool to measure and track facility’s performance. How to choose a TOS? What to consider beyond core functionality Whatever way you choose, you always have to balance the price with the end result, the functionality scope that you get. In addition, we have several important considerations on what a great TOS should have. Mobile-friendliness. It’s crucial to have access to your software from any device, especially for field staff. Range of freight types. If you operate a mixed cargo terminal, make sure the TOS supports all the freight types you deal with. Multi-terminal support. This feature is needed for operators that manage several terminals and want to have all their activities in a single system. Scalability and customization opportunities. You’ll have to customize your TOS anyway because even if you decide to build your own product, your operations might change as you grow and develop. So make sure your system is flexible and allows for adjustments within an acceptable budget and time frame. Data security, safe storage, and replication technologies. You deal with massive amounts of supply chain data every day, so it’s important that no leakages happen. Information has to be stored safely and backed up with auto-replication technologies – just in case. Customer support, implementation, and training. If you choose to partner with a TOS provider, make sure you have deep cooperation. They have to fully understand your objectives, challenges, and requirements, work on customization, and guide the entire hardware/software implementation and integration processes. After that, complete training has to be conducted for all the terminal staff extra tip Look for user-friendly software with an intuitive interface for a shorter and easier training process. And last but not least, make sure their customer support is always available and responsive to your requests and queries. Buy, build, or modernize? There’s a variety of ready-made solutions on the market but there are two other options of getting a TOS. To build a customized platform from scratch, buy an off-the-shelf solution, or modernize legacy software – the choice depends on your needs and resources. When to build? If you want a fully tailored product to seamlessly fit into your workflow, develop your own proprietary system, but remember that such a massive project might take years and require significant investment. When to buy? If, after exploring the market, you understand that existing products can cover your needs with minimal customization required, go with it. Note though, that you’ll still have to fine-tune the system and integrate it into your existing tech ecosystem. When to modernize? If you have legacy software that works but uses outdated technologies or lacks the functionality you need, you might want to launch a gradual modernization project. In this case, you don’t have to stop your operations but will be able to improve your system one step at a time. Read more about legacy technologies modernization approaches and techniques in our post. As a final piece of advice, we recommend you make the most of modern technologies like machine learning that will enhance your planning, analytics, and decision-making process. Yes, it comes at a price, but the world today operates on data, so whoever harnesses its power – will gain an unbeatable competitive advantage.

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