SMART MOVES AT FELIXSTOWE AS PORT DEALS ITS CARDS

The Port of Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK, the fourth largest in Europe and the 13th largest in the world. It is responsible for connecting the UK with over 360 other ports across more than 100 countries worldwide. When the port implements an IT solution, its reliability to deliver promised functionality is critical.

Owned by Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, the port has been innovative in its adoption of technology, implementing systems to computerise customs clearance, control inventory and to manage ship and yard planning, amongst others, to improve its productivity. Efficiency has also been improved by automating processes to enable shipping lines, agents, freight forwarders and hauliers to carry out the majority of their business transactions electronically in real-time, eliminating where possible time-consuming paperwork. And it is in this latter area, that the IT department recently examined and identified a solution to provide security ID with a link into the port’s computer systems to track the progress of its roll on/roll off freight.

The UK’s second largest freight roll on/roll off port, Felixstowe ‘processes’ an average of 850 trailers daily, clearing them for import or export and managing their passage through the port, as effectively as possible.

The entire process for each trailer used to be based on a paper ticket system, which identified drivers and loads, and was checked at various stages of the freight’s progress. Steve Cole, IT Operations Support Manager for the Port, explains, “We reached a stage, where the existing system was becoming untenable. Tickets could only be used once, quickly became worn, the print was sometimes illegible and they were prone to jams.”

The adoption of a plastic smart card-based system seemed to be the logical solution and after considerable system evaluation, the organisation opted for the TCP2000 system, developed by point-of-sale solutions manufacturer, Star Micronics, and for implementation by systems integrator, DED. The low cost system is based around thermal cards, the entire front side of which acts as an instantly re-writable display. Given that the cards can be re-written to up to 500 times, the TCP2000 provided an obvious potential benefit to the port, in their re-usability. That said, Cole had initial reservations, “The cards are quite flimsy-looking and we weren’t sure that they would be sufficiently robust for the application.” The cards have however, proven their worth, some having been re-used more than 300 times within the first few months of the system going live.

Typically, the haulier issues his driver with instructions together with the TCP2000 card displaying basic details of the shipment. On entering the port, the driver presents his card at the gate security who ‘reads’ it using the system. The location of the specific collection is then written to the card, in addition to unit ID and vehicle number, destination, date of shipment and weight. The card is returned to the driver who then collects his load. Leaving the port, the vehicle and trailer are photographed to check on the condition of the vehicle and its freight, and those details matched to those retained on the card. The driver returns the card at the security gate, where it is again read by the TCP2000 system before clearing the trailer for departure.

Discussing the port’s use of technology, Cole says, “We do not adopt technology for its own sake, but view it as an essential tool in delivering a fast and efficient cargo handling operation. In essence, the IT Department delivers a service to improve the performance of the organisation, and by implication, its profitability.”

Of the cards, he adds, “The cards are extremely reliable. They are also cost effective given their ability for re-use. The environment can be dirty and drivers have been known to scribble on the cards, but they continue to remain dependable.”

The port is of course, a busy working environment and one of the issues that Felixstowe had to overcome, by working with DED, was maintaining the cleanliness of the reader/writer systems to ensure their ongoing functionality. A solution was quickly identified, in the regular replacement of cleaning pads for each of the 11 TCP2000 systems located throughout the port and Cole says, “Dirt was always going to be a problem, but we have worked together to overcome it and the card-based system has now proved itself to be an extremely viable means of retaining secure and effective passage of freight in what is an extremely fast moving environment. Linked to our management systems, it is also part of an effective infrastructure to manage our business in the most efficient and safe way possible.”

Background Information on Star Micronics
Founded in 1947, Star Micronics is one of the world's largest printer manufacturers and has facilities for worldwide production, marketing and support. Employing over 2500 staff and achieving turnover in excess of £250 million, Star Micronics has developed a POS printer portfolio that spans thermal and dot matrix printers and mechanisms, designed for barcode, ticketing, receipts and labelling. Star's proven technology is also being utilised to develop reader/writer systems for visual, smart and magnetic stripe cards and to install print mechanisms in multimedia kiosk environments. The Star Micronics' range is available internationally via a distribution channel comprising distributors and dealers.

For further information contact:

Annette Tarlton or Claire Smith
Star Micronics EMEA
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Email: Marketing@Star-EMEA.com