The ports in India are leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to enhance their operational efficiency, safety and sustainability. This also helps them in automating and streamlining operations, reducing the risk of errors and improving their capacity to manage large volumes of cargo. To this end, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is modernising the information technology (IT) systems across all ports in the country. The IT systems used in the ports and shipping sector are port operations systems (POSs), standard systems applications and products enterprise resource planning (SAP ERP), auxiliary systems such as geographic information systems, document management and e-office systems. The introduction and adoption of digital solutions are expected to significantly improve the competitiveness of Indian ports globally in the long run.
Initiatives at Cochin port
SAP ERP system
The ERP system improves transparency, accuracy and efficiency as well as helps standardise processes. It integrates all business functions on one platform. At present, Cochin port is using SAP ERP (version 6.0 EHP 7.0) in the cloud environment in Suit on HANA (SoH). SAP ERP encompasses finance and controlling, project systems, plant maintenance and customer services, industry-specific utilities, real estate management, material management, human capital management, enterprise portal and business intelligence. The port pioneered SAP ERP implementation in 2009, moved to a cloud environment in 2020, and also integrated POS. It provides interface with external agencies such as the National Logistics Portal [NLP] – Marine. The NLP-Marine is a centralised system run by the Indian Ports Association (IPA). It connects all stakeholders and takes care of the core activities at the port – marine and cargo operations.
The SAP solution is integrated with other applications such as the hospital management system (HMS) and the biometric access control system (BACS). Both systems take care of all the other business functions at the port, such as purchase, real estate, projects, human resources, finance and utilities management. All customers and users are registered with SAP and all the clients’ actions are processed via SAP. Tata Consultancy Services has implemented SAP ERP and Yash Technologies is providing maintenance support for SAP at the port. Moreover, the CtrlS Mumbai data centre and the Cochin Port Trust data centre are providing multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) connectivity through Reliance and Tata Telecommunications. MPLS is one of the most widely used methods for creating a virtual private network.
Some of the key challenges faced during ERP implementation are identification of the process across the organisation and reducing the number of processes, mapping of the processes with the best practices adopted by ERP, preparation of cutover data, coordination with officials (from the functional working group) from a different domain for finalising the process, testing and implementation, and training and handholding for the system.
Initiatives at Chennai port
Enterprise business system
One of the major initiatives of the IPA is the introduction of enterprise business system (EBS) as a common platform to streamline all business processes across the existing major ports. This system is being implemented at Chennai port. Through business analysis, application design, development, integration, testing, and project management, the EBS supports cloud apps, on-premises vendor solutions, and custom systems. The EBS for ports is expected to be integrated with various existing systems at the port. However, it still requires some changes to be carried out for interfacing with other systems.
Hybrid access control system
The hybrid access control system (HACS) allows both radio frequency identification (RFID) card and quick response (QR) code-based harbour entry. Implemented by Chennai port, the system requires no physical interaction with the port for facilities such as customer registrations, pass requests, pass approvals and payments. The RFID-based online harbour entry permit was implemented at the port in November 2019. Customers can either use RFID cards or QR codes printed on paper or their mobile phones directly. HACS also helps in providing real-time verification of pass validity, and tracking and monitoring of gate entry and exit.
Earlier, two separate passes were required (one each for the vehicle and the other for the driver/concerned person) while crossing the gate. This issue can now be resolved with the inclusion of 5G technology and automated number plate reading cameras. With this, the entire data related to the vehicle and cargo can be entered before the vehicle enters the port. It can help in the reduction of required documentation, and ensure seamless movement of cargo and containers through the gates. The implementation of the 5G network will enable autonomous driving with increased reliability of the transmission of remote-control commands for driving trucks. The port will start installation of a 5G camera and real-time monitoring system soon.
The employees and pensioners at Chennai port are provided with digital ID cards and e-health cards. These cards require QR-based authentication and hassle-free documentation. In case of loss, users can easily generate another card using their registered mobile number. Face recognition-based biometrics are used for attendance and access control proposals. This is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It helps in maintaining data integrity and 3D rendering for precise data capture. This is a future-ready system to be used for linking with gate operations for the seamless movement of personnel as well as vehicles.
Initiatives at other ports
Digital solutions are gaining ground at other Indian ports as well. For instance, customs authorities at Nhava Sheva port have set up drive-through container scanning for truck cargo passing through PSA Mumbai. Expected to significantly reduce cargo dwell times for import loads, this coincides with the increasing popularity of shipper requests for import clearance through the direct port delivery (DPD) window. About 70 per cent of laden imports at Nhava Sheva port are being transacted through DPD.
Following suit, several port authorities are adopting RFID to facilitate smooth traffic flow through port gates, which results in a significant decrease in the number of documentation inspections. For instance, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has implemented an RFID-based access control system under the E-Drishti project at West Gate Kandla to facilitate the entry and exit of cargo vehicles and improve the identification process and operational efficiency. Later on, DPA installed a biometric attendance system under the e-Drishti project in February 2023.
Challenges
One of the major challenges faced by port operators is maintaining data and privacy. It is important to ensure that all the security requirements are met to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches. Further, the operating system, hardware and licence should be updated on time. Other challenges include skill gaps and the absence of a centre of excellence within the organisation. Meanwhile, reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains a key concern for regulatory authorities.
The aforementioned challenges and issues are compelling port authorities to acknowledge the necessity of automation supported by resilient connections.
The way ahead
Going forward, the adoption of new-age technologies will transform ports into smart ports. It is anticipated that the implementation of technologies, such as 5G, remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes, and container scanners will augment the efficacy levels at the Indian ports.
It is necessary to adopt the newest digital initiatives in order to comply with procedures and get approval from the relevant authorities. Real-time data must be generated from the auxiliary IT applications and the data gathered from different equipment, such as cameras, sensors and internet of things devices, should be used for analysis and visualisation. This will help track ship movements and improve port-wide efficiency. Applications for global tracking and tracing of cargo are necessary for shippers, freight forwarders, suppliers, ports, customs, as well as customers. Moreover, business analytics with artificial intelligence that support systems should be used. In light of increased incidences of cybersecurity attacks, national security imperatives should be undertaken at all ports.
Based on inputs from representatives from the Cochin Port Authority and Chennai Port Authority at a recent India Infrastructure conference
