To handle more work with the same number of staff, the amount of manual work in each booking, handling operation or transport movement needs to be reduced. That can be achieved by further automating data processing, but also by allowing the system to perform recurring business activities wherever possible.

As a result, employees’ focus increasingly shifts from execution to oversight. Repetitive tasks are handled by the system, while employees retain control over the process and intervene when needed. In this article, we use several examples to illustrate where manual work can be reduced within logistics operations and what this shift looks like in practice.

Automation of data processing
One way to handle more work with the same number of employees is to further automate data processing. A wide variety of data is received during day-to-day operations. This includes bookings, release orders and acceptance instructions, as well as information supplied by barge skippers.

Before this information can be used in the operation, it passes through several stages. The data needs to be entered, checked and validated, accepted and ultimately processed into an operational booking. Not only can the entry of this data be automated; the subsequent steps can be too.

For instance, an EDI booking can be automatically checked, validated and accepted based on predefined criteria. If the data meets these criteria, the subsequent processing can also be performed automatically. Manual review is only required if an exception occurs.

Data received through channels other than EDI can also be incorporated into the same automated flow. For example, information from a PDF order can be recognised using AI-OCR and converted into a JSON message, which can then be processed via the Booking API to create an operational booking.

By embedding conditions and logical checks within the system, the knowledge employees apply when processing data can also be incorporated into the software. The system can, for example, verify whether all required data is present and whether all conditions for acceptance have been met. Manual review is required only when information is missing or an exception is identified.

Automation of business activities

Automation goes beyond data processing. Many of the activities that follow can increasingly be automated as well. This includes financial and operational processes, as well as the provision of information to customers.

Financial processes

The entire invoicing process can also be largely automated. Master data can hold details such as sales rates and billing arrangements, including whether a customer is invoiced on a weekly or a monthly basis. Based on this, the system can automatically apply the correct sales rates, prepare sales invoices and complete the subsequent steps through to sending the invoice.

Linking these individual steps creates a single automated workflow. Employees no longer need to perform each step separately; instead, they simply review the prepared invoices and intervene only when data or amounts deviate from what is expected.

By making smart use of data, operational processes can be increasingly automated and optimised.

Operational processes

Within operational processes, automation entails more than simply taking over manual tasks. By combining available data and identifying patterns, the system can generate insights that would be difficult or highly labour-intensive to obtain manually. Consequently, automation can not only reduce the workload but also help organisations look ahead and manage processes more intelligently.

One example is the availability of empty reefer containers. Upcoming export bookings provide an indication of how many reefer containers will be required over the coming period. By combining this anticipated demand with the available stock of empty reefers, potential shortages can be identified earlier. Employees no longer need to continually cross-reference bookings with inventory levels, but can use this information to make timely adjustments.

Making the most efficient use of available capacity is also central to optimising planning and terminal operations. That may mean reducing the number of handling movements, for example, or optimising transport planning. As volumes grow, it becomes increasingly important to not only be able to handle more work, but also to prevent every additional container or transport movement from requiring a proportional increase in handling operations.

Within the operation itself, steps can also be automated. When recording container damage, for example, an employee in the yard can use a Checker app on a smartphone or tablet to immediately document the damage and prepare much of the data required for an estimate. Office staff no longer need to manually re-enter all this information; they simply complete any missing details and then submit the estimate to the shipping line via EDI. This reduces both manual work and duplicate data entry.

Another example is the handling of trucks at the terminal. The more information that is available in advance and the more steps that can be completed automatically before or during arrival, the fewer actions are required at the gate. By using time slots and allowing drivers to complete tasks independently via a self-service desk, the gate process can be further automated and truck dwell times at the terminal can be reduced.

This means operational optimisation goes beyond merely automating individual tasks. Data can be used to look ahead, while automation also helps reduce the number of manual and duplicate actions in daily operations.

Providing information to customers

Some of the pressure on Customer Service comes from responding to questions about the current status of bookings, transports and containers. This information is often already available within the system and can, for instance, be shared directly with customers through the Client Portal.

As a result, providing information to customers also becomes part of the automated workflow. As soon as the operational status changes, the updated information can immediately be made available to the customer, without an employee first needing to retrieve and communicate it.

Embedding knowledge and standardizing processes
As more steps in a process are automated, the role of employees also changes. The system not only takes over tasks but also helps employees to carry out processes correctly. Embedding conditions and checks within the software helps ensure that important steps are not overlooked and that required data is not omitted.

When a booking is entered, for example, the system can verify whether all required data is present and whether the relevant rates or an approved quotation are available. If not, the booking simply cannot proceed to the next stage. Booking templates can also help ensure that recurring bookings are entered in a consistent, standardised manner.

As a result, practical knowledge that previously resided primarily with individual employees is increasingly embedded within the system. At the same time, data quality improves because data entry becomes less dependent on manual input and checks become an automatic part of the process. This means employees spend less time performing and correcting individual tasks, allowing them to focus more on monitoring processes and handling exceptions.

Making growth manageable

By reducing manual work at different stages, designing smarter workflows and connecting different functions, organisations can handle increased workloads with the same staffing capacity.

Automation is about more than simply saving time. Data can be used to look ahead and manage processes more effectively, while built-in checks and conditions help embed knowledge and ensure that processes are carried out correctly. As a result, the role of employees increasingly shifts from performing repetitive tasks to monitoring processes and handling exceptions.

This allows existing capacity to be used more effectively and increased workloads to be handled without needing to increase staffing at the same rate. In this way, automation and optimisation help keep both day-to-day operations and future growth manageable.

Would you like to know what your next step could be in further automating your processes and making them easier to manage? Please contact your designated account manager at Modality.

Het bericht Manageable growth through further automation verscheen eerst op Modality.

Not all AI developments are directly visible to our customers. Some applications are primarily used to support internal processes, while others evolve into tangible product functionalities. In addition, the various initiatives are at different stages of development, ranging from research and design to delivery and implementation.

In this article, we provide an update on several AI initiatives that are currently being actively developed, including the stages they have reached.

AI-OCR module enters rollout phase
One of the developments within the key area of product development is the Modality AI-OCR module. This solution is designed to automatically process booking orders that customers receive as PDF documents from their clients.

Within container logistics, transport orders are still frequently processed manually. Processing orders submitted in PDF form is particularly time-consuming for customer service departments. With the AI-OCR module, we are investigating how we can further automate this process.

The solution is designed to automatically convert both text-based and image-based PDF files into a JSON message. This message can then be processed directly via the Modality Booking API, automatically generating an operational booking.

The AI-OCR module is primarily intended for customers who still rely on manual order processing or receive a large number of orders as PDF documents. For these customers, direct system-to-system integration through EDI or the Modality Booking API remains the preferred approach. We mainly view the AI-OCR module as a practical stepping stone towards the further automation of order flows.

The solution is currently in the rollout phase and the first customer demos are underway. During these demonstrations, we show in real time how existing PDF orders are automatically recognised and processed within the Modality platform.

AI for streamlining support operations
In addition to product development, we are also exploring how AI can help optimise internal processes within our support department.

Each day, our support department handles many customer inquiries, support requests and updates via the support mailbox. In practice, this regularly results in a complex flow of separate emails, updates and feedback relating to the same support ticket. Maintaining oversight, setting priorities and ensuring coherence are important aspects of this process.

To further support this process, a pilot for an AI application within our support environment was recently initiated. This solution is currently in the development phase.

Modality applies AI to support the support department

The application is designed to automatically analyse and classify incoming support emails. This involves recognising metadata such as customer name, type of support request, urgency and references to existing tickets. Furthermore, we are looking into how AI can help prioritise and group related emails and automatically generate tasks within our project administration.

Our aim is not to replace personal customer contact, but rather to provide support staff with greater clarity and structure within existing processes. As a result, issues can be addressed more quickly and effectively.

Continuing targeted development
Going forward, we will continue to explore how AI can contribute to existing logistics processes and internal workflows in practical ways within Modality. Some applications will be mainly used internally, while other developments will eventually become available directly within our software solutions.

In this respect, our focus will remain on applications that genuinely support the day-to-day operations of terminals, transport operators and logistics organisations.

Do you have questions about these developments, or would you like to discuss the options within your organisation? Your account manager will gladly tell you more.

Het bericht From pilot to practice: AI within Modality verscheen eerst op Modality.

The Modality system from a TMS and TOS perspective
The processes in inland container logistics can be functionally divided into two domains:

TMS – focused on transport flows and administrative processing
TOS – focused on terminal management and operational execution

Within Modality, both domains are integrated components of a single architecture. In the paragraphs below, we will outline which functionalities are associated with each domain.

TMS functionalities within Modality
The TMS functionalities within Modality support the transport process from order entry to invoicing. The system digitises order processing, planning and administrative tasks, reduces the need for manual data entry and provides real-time visibility into the progress of transport, allowing for proactive operational control in these areas.

Order entry and data processing
Customer orders can be automatically registered via EDI and API interfaces, through OCR recognition of PDF documents or via the client portal. The submitted order data forms the foundation for subsequent planning and administrative processes.

Order data can be enriched with external information, such as real-time vessel data or status updates. As a result, the planning department has accurate and up-to-date information at its disposal. The Modality Customer Service Monitor provides a clear overview, so that high-priority orders can be better managed and any missing data can be identified.

Customer Service Monitor Modality

Transport planning
The Modality system supports planning across all modes of transport: container transport by barge, rail and truck. Among other things, the system can be used to:

• Optimise planning through algorithms
• Monitor transport progress in real time via our mobile apps (barge app, truck app)
• Gain direct access to signed documents, including the e-CMR

Furthermore, Modality allows users to directly send pre-notifications to deepsea terminals via EDI for the delivery and/or collection of containers.

Rates and invoicing
The Modality system streamlines both sales invoicing and the verification of purchase invoices. Revenue lines are automatically generated for each shipment; they are based on sales rates and can easily be converted into invoices. Furthermore, invoices can be automatically generated according to customer preferences (per booking, per trip, monthly, etc.). When generating and sending invoices, recognised E-invoicing standards (ZUGFeRD, Peppol, UBL, Invoic) are supported.

When the purchase rates from the various carriers are entered into the system, the Modality system links these rates to the various planned/executed transports. This allows for a high degree of automation in the purchasing verification for outsourced transport.

TOS functionalities within Modality
The TOS functionalities within Modality support the management, registration and optimisation of terminal processes. The system helps digitise daily terminal operations, reduces unnecessary handling operations and minimises dependence on individual working methods.

Our TOS functionalities can be grouped into the following categories:

Yard and stack Management
The Modality system provides a graphical overview of the terminal, displaying container positions, stack layouts and available capacity in real time. Container movements are registered immediately, ensuring a continuously up-to-date overview of the terminal inventory.

Key features include:

• Efficient planning of loading and unloading sequences
• Minimising unnecessary handling operations
• Optimising the use of available stack space
• Real-time visibility into current container status

In addition, the system allows for the use of predefined stacking rules. Based on these rules, containers automatically receive a stack advice, taking into account factors such as destination, loading sequence and container type.

By incorporating these rules in the system, a consistent operational approach is established. As a result, the stack layout becomes less dependent on individual decisions and is better geared to planned transport movements.

The Modality system supports yard and stack management

Gate control and access
Incoming and outgoing landside movements are digitally recorded through the Gate Control module. Combined with OCR software, trucks and containers are automatically recognised and processed within the Modality system.

Key features include:

• Automatic registration of ‘Gate-in’ and ‘Gate-out’ statuses
• Recognition of license plates, chassis numbers and container numbers through OCR
• Verification of expected truck/container combinations
• Automatic opening of barriers or speed gates after successful registration

In addition to OCR solutions, self-service kiosks can be integrated with the Gate Control module. Drivers can independently register their arrival and indicate whether they are delivering or collecting a container. The system verifies the booking and automatically enriches the data based on the available order information.

Operational support via terminal applications
Loading and unloading activities are supported through specific applications for crane operators, reach stacker drivers and terminal tractor drivers. These applications are directly integrated with planning and stacking data within the system.

Key features include:

• Display of loading and unloading lists for barges and trains
• Insight into planned container movements
• Container-level search functionality
• Real-time registration of loading and unloading activities
• Autonomous trip selection for terminal tractor drivers

Access to loading sequences and stacking positions enables operators to select the most efficient positions, thus minimising the number of required handling operations.

Applications support the loading and unloading activities of reach stacker drivers

Quay planning
For terminals handling multiple barges or trains simultaneously, the system facilitates the planning of berths and quay operations.

Key features include:

• Insight into berth occupancy
• Planning of arrival and departure times
• Coordination between quay planning and stack layout
• Integration with loading and unloading lists

As a result, available quay capacity is optimally used and physical handling and transport planning are fully synchronised.

Customs and additional registrations
For terminals offering additional services, the Modality system also supports:

• Bonded warehouse and customs administration
• Registration of container repairs
• Recording of gas measurements
• Registration of inspections and other checks

These registrations are part of the same system environment, allowing for operational and administrative data to be centrally managed and making them immediately available for reporting and auditing.

TOS and TMS in a single system environment
Within Modality, TOS and TMS functionalities are not separate systems; they are integrated components of a single environment.

In practice, these functionalities overlap. Many inland terminals combine terminal management with their own transport operations, using both TOS and TMS functionalities within a single environment. Conversely, inland operators can expand their TMS setup with TOS-related functionalities, such as inventory or stack management, as needed for their operations.

Because information is recorded once and flows seamlessly into planning, execution and invoicing processes, operational consistency is achieved.

Do you have any questions about the configuration of your current system or specific functionalities? Please contact your designated Modality representative.

Het bericht The Modality system in TMS and TOS terms verscheen eerst op Modality.

Optimisation container logistics: four core activities
As previously mentioned, the transport to and from the hinterland, including storage and handling, can be divided into four core activities. In turn, these core activities comprise a combination of internal and external processes. Different departments are involved in these processes. From customer service to planning, from operational execution to invoicing. From entering the order to sending the final invoice. Within this logistics process, we distinguish the following core activities:

1. Order entry (order processing)
2. Transport planning
3. Transport execution (including terminal operation)
4. Cost control & invoicing

These activities have a lot in common, whether terminal operations or container transport by truck, barge or rail are involved. In the following paragraphs, we explain which activities can be automated for each core process.

1.Optimisation order entry and other customer service activities
Order entry, i.e., the entering of all customer orders, is often the responsibility of the customer service department. Besides entering the orders, customer service employees (hereinafter referred to as cs employees) ensure that bills of lading and customs documents are prepared in a timely manner; furthermore, they monitor transport and delivery deadlines and keep the customer informed of the progress of the transport and the container availability. A customer may also require additional services, such as the performance of gas measurements, temperature checks for reefer containers or administrative work regarding the storage and transport of hazardous goods. Customer service employees see to it that these additional services are properly registered and that all data is complete.
Some of the activities performed by cs employees lend themselves to full or partial automation and simplification. One such activity is order entry. This can be achieved in various manners. You can read more about this in our article: ‘Four ways to optimise order processing in intermodal container logistics‘.

The automation of order entry allows cs employees to focus on anticipating deviations and monitoring the progress of an order. Is data incomplete? Then a cs employee can contact the customer early on. The Modality Customer Service Monitor provides a clear overview so that high-priority orders can be better managed and any missing data can be identified. With the Modality Client Portal, a web portal that displays data in real time, the cs employee can give the customer insight into the progress of the transport, eliminating the need for telephone calls and e-mails. Furthermore, it is also possible for customers to directly enter orders through the Client Portal, thus also supporting the further automation of order processing.

Customer Service Monitor Modality

Does the terminal also offer Value Added Logistics? Then various activities can be (automatically) registered. Our Maintenance & Repair (M&R) module offers administrative support regarding the repair of containers. For example, estimates can be generated with the M&R module, which can next be automatically sent and approved via EDI. Furthermore, we have developed a web application which allows you to easily control and monitor the temperature of reefer containers through a tablet. The interface between our gas measurement module and the system of EWS ensures that container locations are shared with EWS in real time and that the gas-free certificate is automatically linked to the container line following completion of the gas measurement.

When we refer to the optimisation of logistics processes, we do not just mean that we can make processes more efficient; we can make them more secure as well. Modern communication technologies ensure that a pick-up authorisation can be communicated in a secure manner, for example by means of blockchain technology. Interfaces between the Modality systems and systems such as Certified Pick up (CPu) and Secure Container Release (SCR) ensure that the pick-up authorisation can be communicated through our system in a secure manner, thus minimising the risk of fraud.

2.Optimisation transport planning
The planning of container transport entails more than just the optimal transport of a container from the seaport to the loading/unloading location and vice versa. When drawing up the planning, a planner has to consider various factors: the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), Actual Time of Departure (ATD), cargo opening, cargo closing, etc. These factors are subject to continuous change. Before a planner can actually organise the transport of a container, they at least need to know whether a container is available and whether all associated documentation is correct (for most customers, the customer service department is responsible for enriching the data so that the planning department can start planning based on complete order information).

One way to gain more insight is by automatically importing the current data of seagoing vessels directly into the Modality system. Arrival and departure times (ETA & ETD) and cargo opening and closing times are immediately visible in the system. It is no longer necessary to visit separate terminal websites for this. This automatic retrieval of seagoing vessel data is made possible by direct EDI interfaces with terminal systems. Are direct interfaces not possible? Then the data can be retrieved automatically by means of the ‘Vessel Optimizer‘ from Modality and NexusZ.

The various interfaces with the Portbase service ‘Hinterland Container Notification (HCN)‘ ensure faster data exchange, whereby ship, train and truck visits at the seaport terminals can be pre-notified directly via the API and current status information is promptly displayed in the Modality system. This ensures that planners can work ahead and anticipate problem scenarios more quickly. All our customers now have an interface and/or interfaces with HCN Road, HCN Barge and HCN Rail.

Use MCA-Road within Modality system UCT

Once all the preparations have been completed, the planner can focus on the actual planning. For barge operators, a pilot with the ‘Planning Optimizer‘ from Modality and NexusZ is currently underway. In this pilot, the Modality system provides the ‘Planning Optimizer’ with usable input (the containers that need to be planned and the barges that are available) for the planning algorithm. The ‘Planning Optimizer’ next outputs planning advice for each container. The planning still takes place semi-automatically in the pilot, which means the planner can choose to accept or reject the advice presented by the Planning Optimizer. In the final phase of the pilot, the planning will be fully automated and hardly any manual actions will be required.

Another way to optimise the planning is to enrich the Modality system with more data so that the system becomes more intelligent. Regarding truck planning, for example, drivers’ authorisations could be added. If a container with hazardous goods is scheduled for collection by a driver who does not possess an ADR certificate, the Modality system will automatically issue a warning.

3.Optimisation transport and terminal operation
Container transport can be optimised by gathering as much real-time data as possible about the progress of the transport during its execution. Our barge and our truck apps ensure that current data is collected and process these various status moments in real time in the Modality system. As a result, a planner can ascertain ahead of time that the planning cannot be met and next anticipate this. Furthermore, interfaces with e-CMR applications and the truck and barge apps ensure that delivery notes are digitally shared with the driver or skipper and that signed documents are immediately available to the customer service and invoicing departments.

Status information can be processed in the Modality system at the terminal as well. In combination with OCR software (Optical Character Recognition), inbound and outbound trucks are registered and the ‘Gate-in’ and ‘Gate-out’ statuses are automatically updated within the system. Cameras record the top and side of the container, the chassis and the truck. Among other things, the OCR software scans the camera images for license plate, chassis number and container numbers. This data is sent   transport to the Modality system. For inbound trucks, the Modality system checks whether the truck/container combination is expected and, if the combination is correct, opens the barrier or speed gate. For departing trucks, the Modality system checks the data against the data stored in the ‘Gate control module’ as well. In this way, the system automatically provides an accurate overview of the trucks that are currently at the terminal.

Optimising transport and terminal operation

In addition to the usage of OCR software, more and more self-service desks are being installed to guide and handle incoming truck traffic as optimally as possible. The software at the self-service desk is linked to our ‘Gate Control’ module. The driver reports to the self-service desk and indicates whether they are coming to deliver and/or pick up a container. The Modality system checks whether the visit has been booked and enriches the data on the screen based on the booking found. As a result, a driver can independently perform the registration process; gate staff only need to assist when data is missing or incorrect. Especially the automatic enrichment of the data substantially reduces man-hours, minimizes manual input work and improves the turnaround time of incoming truck traffic at the terminal.

Thanks to our crane and reach stacker application, communication via the portable radio can be kept to a minimum. The application provides an up-to-date overview of the trucks that are currently at the terminal, displays loading and unloading lists of barges and trains and offers a search function at the container level. Furthermore, the application enables a crane operator or reach stacker driver to easily prioritise. The app also features a graphical terminal overview which makes it possible to swiftly locate containers.

Our Terminal Tractor app ensures that drivers who continuously shuttle between the terminal and the nearby loading/unloading address can easily select their trips. The app is linked to our ‘gate Control module’; drivers can give a container ‘gate IN’ or ‘gate OUT’ themselves. When entering the terminal, terminal tractor drivers no longer have to leave the cabin and save much time. Because a driver can independently select his or her ride, the most favourable terminal position can be chosen. The number of handlings required to set up the container can herewith be reduced.

To support desk and customer service employees in passing on information, we have developed the ‘Reference Check‘ module. Road transport planners can use this to easily check whether a container can be picked up or delivered. For example, they know whether an import container is available for collection, or they can, for example, ascertain whether the delivery reference for an export container is available. Thanks to this portal, employees are hardly burdened with answering this type of questions from road hauliers/truck operators.

4.Optimisation purchasing control and invoicing
When outsourcing transport, especially regarding multimodal transport, it can be quite difficult for the purchasing department to gain insight into the costs. Within the Modality system, the costs of each segment of the transport are mapped out. When the rates of the different carriers are added to the system, the Modality system links the rates with the operational transport data. This consequently allows for purchasing control to largely be automated.

Similarly, sales invoices can be generated and dispatched (almost) fully automated as well. Sales rates are ‘matched’ with operational transport data, whereby revenue lines are automatically generated; the so-called ‘charging’. These revenue lines can easily be converted into invoices. To fully automate the billing process, you can choose to also have the following actions run automatically for each customer:

• The automatic generation of invoices based on customer preferences (per booking, per trip, per month, etc.)
• The automatic conversion of ‘pro forma’ invoices into final invoices
• The automatic sending of invoices at the time of your choosing

Summary; opportunities for chain optimisation within the Modality system
Below is an overview of the optimisation options within the Modality system for each department:

1. Customer service

• Automation of order entry
• Improved insight into priorities and missing data with Customer Service Monitor
• Offer the customer insight into progress of transport with the Modality Client Portal
• The (automated) registration of Value Added Logistics (VAL)
  • Modality Maintenance & Repair module
  • Interface EWS for the performance of gas measurements
  • Monitoring of reefer containers
• The secure communication of pick-up authorisation

2. Transport planning

• Automatic retrieval of data seagoing vessel
• Interface HCN ensures accelerated pre-notification and up-to-date status information
• (Semi)automatic barge planning with the Planning Optimizer
• Enrichment of data to make the Modality system more intelligent

3. Transport execution and terminal operation

• Use of the barge and truck apps provides real-time insight into the progress of the transport
• Interfaces with e-CMR applications and our truck and/or barge app ensure that bills of lading are digitally available (immediately after signing)
• Interface with OCR software ensures up-to-date ‘Gate in’ and ‘Gate out’ administration
• Use of self-service desk for the efficient handling of incoming truck traffic
• Crane and reach stacker application supports crane operator and reach stacker driver in the unloading and loading process of ships and trains and helps to prioritise and locate containers
• Terminal tractor app provides fast access and handling of terminal tractors that continuously commute between terminal and loading/unloading address
• Offer truckers insight into availability containers/submission delivery reference with Reference Check module

4. Purchasing control and Invoicing

• The automatic matching of purchase rates with the operational transport data in the system
• The automatic matching of sales rates with the operational transport data in the system
• The automatic generation of sales invoices based on customer preferences
• The automatic conversion of ‘pro forma’ invoices into final invoices
• The automatic sending of invoices

This article is regularly updated and supplemented so that you always have an up-to-date overview of the optimisation possibilities within your logistics process. Would you like to know more about any of the options described above? Or do you want personal advice? Please contact our marketing and sales department directly through the contact form below.

Het bericht Process optimisation in inland container logistics verscheen eerst op Modality.

Looking back, it is dangerous to say that ‘it wasn’t really that big a deal’. On the contrary: it is actually due to a fast and adequate response, with digital technologies, that problems were averted. Just like the real-time sharing of data actually prevents problems on an almost daily basis. It is with good reason that Portbase immediately launched a web page that allowed for the ETA of the various delayed ships to be continuously monitored in response to this situation.

Any party operating between the deepsea ports and the hinterland, such as a barge operator, for example, knows that there are uncertainties that can disrupt the planning for the timely handling of (intercontinental) cargo. Think of unfavourable water levels on the rivers, strikes, traffic jams or congestion at deepsea terminals – just to name a few challenges.

No influence on the weather
As Modality, we have no influence on the weather, water levels and any labour disputes that may occur in the port. However, we do set up our software in a manner that allows for the supply chain to be monitored as accurately as possible and for disruptions to be immediately and proactively identified. This is only possible with an optimal exchange of data.

Delays at the deepsea terminals (‘congestion’) have less impact on barge operators if information is known and shared in a timely manner. From berth availability to time slots for handling, from delays at sea to water levels on the Rhine: the nautical journey between seaport and hinterland can often be planned more accurately than transport across a section of road – provided that parties properly share and process information. Modality is the hub for the sharing of that data, as is the case for Hinterland Container Notification (HCN), for example.

HCN and integrated planning
Calls involving barges and containers are pre-notified at terminals and depots via a single portal with HCN Barge. In addition, HCN Barge provides input for the integrated planning of each port visit. This yields important benefits, such as a uniform working method for all terminals and depots and the possibility to request the container status prior to the pre-notification.

Various measures
Changes in planning due to congestion will continue to occur. Fortunately, the problem is addressed in several ways. Firstly, physically: through the construction of additional berths for inland vessels.

Furthermore, it is the larger parties who, on the basis of fixed window agreements at the deepsea terminals, try to minimise delays in the seaport.

For parties that do not have sufficient volumes to make such agreements, the establishment of the Barge Transferium Maasvlakte (BTM) has constituted a welcome improvement.

BTM is a collaboration between Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) and a consortium of inland terminals and barge operators. In this collaboration, ECT makes a section of quay with crane and crane team available to the consortium on prearranged days and times at a fixed rate.

At BTM, the barge operators take care of the planning themselves and the participating parties consult with one another as to when and how often they will moor alongside the quay. For this initiative, the digital sharing of data is also essential in order for the aforementioned ‘mutual consultation’ to succeed.

API
Modern systems use so-called APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to exchange data. The main benefits of this technology are speed and standardisation. The data that is offered within the API is immediately available to all users in the chain who are technologically willing and able to make use of it.

It is precisely a crisis such as the Suez blockage that clearly illustrates the benefits that digital data can deliver to the chain parties. Modality shares and processes the data for you, so that your customers are not or hardly affected by disruptions.

Do you want to know what sharing and processing data means for your organisation? We would be happy to explain the possibilities in a personal meeting. You can contact us directly via the button below.

Het bericht Rapid and broad sharing of data limits impact disruptions verscheen eerst op Modality.

Your customers highly value up-to-date information about the progress of their container transport. And for good reason: just-in-time delivery is an essential business requirement for many companies. To enable real-time monitoring of the processes in the supply chain, Modality has developed the Customer Service Monitor (CSM).

In practice, intermodal transport and the – often international – transport of containers involve a supply chain that comprises many links. Actions by all parties involved impact the reliability of the transport process. If all those relevant parties share data from the chain with one another, it becomes possible to centrally monitor the status of the transport. Ideally, you will consequently be aware of the status and position of each individual container in the chain between seaport and hinterland in your capacity as transport director.

Selection based on priority
In that respect, it is particularly important that customer service employees are immediately aware of any deviations in the transport chain. This makes it possible to quickly take the necessary actions when responding to incidents. Processes that run as scheduled can be given less attention. The CSM from Modality offers you a ‘Priority view’, which sorts and presents the containers on the basis of priority. This helps your employees make the correct choice when dealing with issues in order of importance.

The CSM can play a role at any moment in the transport chain. For example, the system checks whether the customer order features all the required data. And the CSM supports your employees with indicators to ensure that the order data is complete in a timely manner.

As part of the CSM, the user is able to set fixed format definitions within the Modality system and for example link these to a specific carrier, so that the system can check these references for correctness when they are submitted. This check verifies whether the entered references comply with the specified format definitions.

Workflow feasibility
The feasibility of the workflow is continuously monitored on the basis of the planned execution of the transport and the data recorded therein. After all, a delay at a certain stage, for example in the seaport, impacts the entire process. This means it must be possible to efficiently adjust the dates of scheduled actions elsewhere in the chain.

It is possible to monitor the transport down to the individual container level because Modality’s CSM is able to consolidate and analyse data from a large number of parties via various interfaces. For example, your customers have the option of providing their order by EDI. This contributes to the quality of the order processing, but also to the data from the deepsea carriers that is available within platforms such as Portbase. Apps specifically developed by Modality enable barge captains and drivers to directly communicate the status of the transport by barge or truck digitally.

Customer Service Monitor Modality

Filterable overview
The CSM has been developed to be conveniently used across two screens or an ultrawide screen. The overview is fully filterable and allows the user to very quickly identify any problem transports that require action by means of proactive colour coding and a wide range of auxiliary functions. The CSM can be integrated into any Modality ICMS system as a complement to the traditional transport order registration.

With the Customer Service Monitor, Modality provides you with a tool for easily visualising the most current data about the transport process. Thus, progress can be tracked, monitored and analysed right down to the individual container level. And your employees are able to respond should the transport not proceed as planned.

Would you like to integrate this module into your existing system? Then contact us!

Het bericht Customer Service Monitor offers control over intermodal container transport verscheen eerst op Modality.

Ongoing professionalisation
In 2017, it became apparent that the current ICMS system required an upgrade. Raymon was appointed project lead and made responsible for this automation project. Raymon: ‘We designated a large group of key users to clarify the requests. For instance, compared to the old system, we wanted to enhance the customer service department’s user-friendliness, process more planning data, and do a better job of registering customer requests. For example, that could include:

• Package agreements
• Demurrage and detention agreements
• Shipping company requests

Choice of supplier
Once the requests have been defined, the project will be put out for tender on the market. Raymon: ‘That tender process led to the decision for Modality, mainly due to their knowledge of the market. Another advantage was that our teams were already familiar with Modality modules. We didn’t have to learn the ropes first, which allowed us to focus completely on improving the application.

“Modality definitely deserves praise for its pragmatic approach. If there is a modification request on a list somewhere and it’s being processed, we can be confident it will get done.”

Modality 2.0
The new multi-leg system ensures that transport elements can be linked, so that transports can be booked in significant detail. Nils:

‘The new booking application allows us to do a much better job registering bookings.”

For example, in the past, we would need to create separate orders to obtain a clear overview of the ‘first mile trucking’ leg or ‘last mile trucking’ leg. We not only have a better overview of the costs of each terminal and operator, but the “On Time Performance” and reliability of transports are more transparent as well. Better communication with the customer also ensures better planning; however, we are not yet ready. Version 2.0 isn’t 100% complete yet or we are already talking about version 2.1. The next items on the agenda are, for example, improving storage operations at the terminal and report processing. We’re also looking into a quotation module for our sales organisation.’

Multi-leg booking application EGS – Barge

Technological marvel
EGS is programmed with a wide range of procurement options, ensuring that the new booking application is a system that features multiple interfaces. It constitutes the central customer service system from which data is transmitted to planning and terminal systems. Customers can simultaneously enter or view data using the web-based client portal developed by Modality. Questions such as ‘When will my container arrive?’ and ‘On which leg was it booked?’ are answered quickly and easily. Great project organisation and sufficient capacity for supporting the technology are essential for projects of this calibre. Raymon: ‘Modality definitely deserves praise for its pragmatic approach. If there is a modification request on a list somewhere and it’s being processed, we can be confident it will get done.’

Would you like to know more about the implementation of the EGS multi-leg booking system or would you like to find out about what your application options are? Contact us. We would be pleased to provide you with personalised advice!

Het bericht The new EGS multi-leg booking application makes costs transparent at the file level verscheen eerst op Modality.