Present-day port technologies have revolutionized the system to the point where ships can get unloaded without manual human labor. While counter-arguments highlight it as a loss of employment, the adoption of these integrated technologies has brought a positive impact. Analysts have observed a significant boost in productivity and efficiency by optimizing cargo handling to coordinating vehicle movement at ports.
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT (Internet of Things) is one of those technologies of the 21st century that changed the game for most industries. It is the technology that makes it possible to control various devices using the internet. The devices have built-in IoT tech and sensors that enable them to function so. And although the port logistics sector was a bit slow in accepting and utilizing it skillfully, it eventually did come to experiment with this technology's use and benefits.
By now, we see the industry using it to enhance the current set of services instead of introducing newer ones. These include:
- Monitoring the condition of port equipment
- Monitoring temperature, gas, and humidity levels
- Radiofrequency identification of the container
- Enhancing electronic seals and delivery time
- Tracking your locality
And the list includes more of such handy tasks. Some companies took a step ahead of others and set out to explore newer possibilities. For example, a few renowned companies are now investing in autonomous containers that may ship the goods without human assistance.
Along with improved efficiency, it has contributed to allowing room for more work in little time. Thus, doubling productivity. However, safety might be a point of concern in terms of control. Now, companies need to encrypt communications and secure access to prevent leakage of important data.
2. Block-chain Technology
After being popular in the cryptocurrency field, this particular technology has established a strong presence in the ports. Blockchain technology refers to the sharing of data between one or more entities using an integrated and dedicated platform.
These Blockchain databases utilize a specialized mechanism to replicate the complete transactional data held throughout the port network. Technically, it is a logging history of the transactions and dealings.
Up till now, you can find three primary blockchain categories, which include private, public, and federated. Depending on the type, the data gets shared with the team and business partners.
Hence, allowing port authorities to maintain transparency, traceability, and accountability in their dealings. As technology involves sharing, it establishes reliability and cooperation between the workers. Plus, it boosts the port business by network expansion.
3. Big-Data Analytics
Data Analytics refers to the quantitative as well as qualitative data collected to improve the current work strategy or system. Similar to the Internet of Things, using the Data Analytics on a large scale can help augment the port infrastructure and work procedures efficiently.
There are various applications of Data Analytics at ports. For example, using data collection to unravel revenue streams can boost business. Also, the statistics can get used to finding methods to improvise cargo operation and make it smooth.
Moreover, a reputable company called the Precision Utility Mapping has derived new data analytic methods to ensure accuracy. They utilize Ground Penetrating Radar Surveys to collect subsurface information. The data can prove to be quite beneficial in finding connections to shipping lines and upgrading utility pipelines.
4. Robotics
With passing time, our world is turning more digitalized and advanced. And, the involvement of robotics in industrial works and business has been the ultimate concept of modernization ever since man first started engineering.
So, it does not come as a surprise when robotics turned out to be an emerging port technology. However, the overwhelmingly positive impact is what amazes us.
Technically, robotics refers to a unique combination of artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, sensors, mathematical abilities, and batteries. Up till now, numerous types of robots have entered the field that are either replacing a specific workforce or assisting them.
Automation in dangerous and repetitive jobs allows workers to focus on other tasks requiring imagination and creativity. Hence, improving overall business efficiency. Plus, the usage of robotics decreases the number of accidents at work.
5. Drones
A drone refers to an unmanned aerial aircraft that does not require a human on board for control. It gets either programmed to carry out special tasks or controlled using a remote. This particular technology has proved to be beneficial in various fields, from photography to security.
Recently, the ports have also embraced it for multiple purposes. Usually, drones get used to transport equipment and things from one place to another. Also, these get programmed to inspect and collect certain data from the port areas. Hence, easing the workload and increasing efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Concisely, the strategic integration of the latest technology in any field can boost its efficiency and maximize profits. Although the above-mentioned emerging port technologies have received an endorsement on a large-scale, there are several other advancements made into the ports, such as smart ports. You see, modification and up-gradation is an endless cycle. Let’s see what more amazing port technologies time brings forth!
