BTJ 3/2008 - Baltic Transport Journal

With three things in mind
An interview with John Lund, International Sales Manager Visy OY
When I think of access control, I typically
think of regulating people trying to get
into an office building and the basic security
needs surrounding individual people.
What is a Port Access Control System
(PACS) and what makes it different from a
traditional access control system?
The access control needs of a port are unique in
many ways. Geographically, a port has a huge footprint.
Within the port there can be many different
(often competing) terminal operators, distribution
centres, administration buildings, businesses with
a vast array of needs, and a customs office. Access
and area control for a port is extremely complex
and it takes a system with great depth and flexibility
to properly administer control functions. A traditional
access control system falls short of this task
as it lacks the capabilities to simultaneously manage
security and boost the efficiency of operations. The
power of the PACS is clear. A driver, his truck and
cargo can arrive at the port and receive automated
damage inspection imaging, access to the port,
work order instructions, traffic guidance throughout
the port and terminals, customs clearance, and
receive automated permission to leave the port. The
driver and truck can make a completely automated
multiple terminal visit, and clear customs in one
trip through the port within a single system.
What are the main benefits that a port
or terminal can expect from your PACS
or Gate Operating System (GOS)? Why
should a port or terminal invest?
There are a lot of benefits that are specific to each
customer. In general Visy gate systems are designed
with three things in mind: 1. reduce operating expenses,
2. optimize safety and security, 3. increase
throughput capacity. For example, one of our customers
experienced an 88% decrease in damaged
cargo claims during their first year of having our
system. On the safety and security side, there are
many benefits ranging from safer working conditions
for personnel to preventing cargo and assets
from being stolen. Automating gate procedures
helps to reduce truck turnaround times and also
prevents trucks from idling in long queues, thus,
reducing vehicle emissions at the port along with
improving environmental conditions.
What types of technologies go into one of
these systems?
A PACS can utilize any number of technologies for
data collection and access as well as area control
purposes. The list of technologies can be long but
the goal is to automate as many port procedures as
possible. Our design approach is to use a commercial
database, Visy software, and commercial-offthe-shelf
(COTS) hardware for simple maintenance
and system upkeep. Optical character recognition
(OCR) for automatic container code identification
or license plate recognition (LPR), RFID for vehicles,
yard machines and personnel, traffic guidance,
high resolution damage inspection imaging, interfaces
with multiple external systems such as a terminal
operating system (TOS) or customs agency
system, web software, or even automated length
or dimension measurements. The flexibility of the
PACS allows new technologies to be added and
older technologies to be removed without adversely
affecting port performance. There is no need to
replace each system if there is a change in technology.
The system is designed knowing that changes
in technology needs and business needs are always
looming on the horizon.
Where have you delivered such systems?
Many places in Europe and around the world use
our technology including the Port of Kotka which
is home to Finland’s largest container terminal,
the Port of Helsinki and Vuosaari Harbour, the
Port of Muuga in Estonia, DFDS Nordic Riverside
Terminal in the UK, the Port of Gioia Tauro
in Italy, Deutsche Bahn, Guardia Civil in Spain,
Stora Enso, and Santos Brasil just to name a few.
Each one of our customers has specific needs
unique to his or her operation. There is no such
thing as an off-the-shelf PACS or gate operating
system. Clearly defined goals and proper planning
is the key to success with such systems.
The industry is changing very quickly and it
can be difficult to meet the needs of custom-
Report
ers, match legislation/international regulations,
and still keep investors and shareholders
happy. Along these lines, the investment
in such a system could be perceived as risky.
What if the needs of a port change, either by
growing, shrinking, changing its customer
base, or facing more stringent security regulations,
etc.? What happens to the system?
The system is designed to meet end-user goals and
to be completely scalable and flexible. We know
from experience that the needs of ports and terminals
will change over time. The push for change
comes from consumers, manufacturers, and governmental
bodies. Shipping and logistics services
are constantly striving to be more efficient. Visy is
not committed to any single means of data collection
such as the exclusive use of OCR or RFID. On
the contrary, we perceive these two technologies
to be complementary and we use them together in
many of our systems.
What if a port has multiple, even competing,
terminals? Can they share the same system?
The Visy PACS can manage access and area control
for a port and all operators inside the port.
The Port of Kotka in Finland is a great example.
There we have supplied a complete access and
area control solution for the port and all of the
operators within the port, plus we work with
the Finnish Customs and with the Stora Enso
distribution centre. In sum there are more than
100 lanes and checkpoints operating on a single
Visy network. The system provides access and
area control, ISPS compliance, traffic guidance
and communication with three different terminal
operating systems (TOS).
The technology seems rather complex.
How is the system for the users and what
happens to existing processes?
It’s true that the system can be complex in nature,
but the result is efficient port processes
with better access and area control. Through
automation we can simplify data collection and
eliminate paperwork and careless errors. Again,
the Visy PACS is designed to reduce operating
expenses, optimize safety and security, and
increase throughput capacity. System maintenance
is also relatively easy because all hardware
is commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS), thus, it’s
simple to replace and we have built-in “watchdog”
software that monitors system activity and
automatically detects faults and abnormalities.
The PACS is one of the most important systems
at a port and must be easy to use.
Dariusz Biernacki
3/2008 | Baltic Transport Journal | 35