Cloud Shipping: Is It Really Better than Shipping Software?

Cloud shipping is gaining much attention today, not only among merchants and logistics services providers, but even among shipping software companies, who are obviously not happy about cloud-based service providers eating into their market.

As the price of cloud-based services continue to drop fast, hosted shipping solutions become more and more attractive to vessel operators, merchants, and third-party logistics providers who are seeking to reduce costs on licensing, installation and maintenance of enterprise shipping software. However, while cloud shipping promises a cost-effective alternative to packaged software (mainly due to its lower upfront cost) shipping companies must be wary about making the switch to an ‘all cloud’ platform based on that logic alone.

After all, in any business, long-term profitability should easily outweigh huge savings on initial investment.

Yes, there may be times when a cloud-based set-up seems to be the only way forward, especially when your growing business calls for greater scalability. However, there are instances where an on-premise shipping line software solution is more beneficial in the long run, despite the much higher initial investment it usually requires.

• On-premise liner shipping software offer full control over all systems and logistics processes
• Packaged shipping software promises better security on corporate data
• You get a dedicated IT staff for maintenance and support

Ideally, the cloud option works great for certain applications like network monitoring, back-up, and functions performed by voyage calculation and container tracking software – functions that require real-time data.

So, the question lingers: Which is better – cloud-based (hosted) or on-premise (packaged) solution?

The answer is neither and both. One is not absolutely better than the other, and you cannot go wrong with both. In some cases, some shipping companies choose the cloud-based platform because it seems to provide more accurate freight pricing and better access to real-time information for logistics tracking and container management, in addition to a much lower investment capital. On the other hand, many prefer to stick with on-premise liner agency software, even if it is just for security reasons.

For the meantime, it appears that the best option is to find a balance between both platforms, and to create a hybrid system that delivers the best of both worlds.

Top 4 Signs It’s About Time You Switched to a Different Shipping Software Company

When considering options to streamline your supply chain operations, first thing you must do is check out whether your existing IT structure is doing its job. Ask yourself: Is your current software system worth keeping? Or, is time to look into other options in the market?

In the maritime supply chain business, choosing the right shipping solutions software directly affects efficiency across the entire logistics network. Generally, it is easier to stick with an incumbent system or service provider than to bring in a fresh one. There are good reasons for this, namely, systems compatibility, user knowledge, and cost of implementation among others. However, just like many relationships outside business, time comes when sticking to the one no longer makes you happy. You know, like getting trapped in a loveless marriage where you stay together for the kids, or something like that.

In theory, marine software solutions simplify complex supply chain procedures, reduce operating costs, and increase revenue. However, if the way theory works does not match the reality of how things work in your supply chain, competitive edge, future growth, and business longevity are at risk. At times like this, you should know whether it is right to stick with your current provider or switch to more capable alternatives.

Here are four signs it is time to call it “quits” with your current provider and take a look at alternate shipping software companies.

1. Financial warning signs - Positive cash flow and increased profit normally go with an efficient supply chain management. Obviously, losses happen once in a while. While a one-time quarterly loss can be tolerated, a chain of quarterly losses attributed to poor system performance should tell you that trouble is on the horizon.
2. Rising Operational costs - Integrated shipping software is designed to reduce operational expenses and boost revenue in the long run. If you are not getting this same result from your current system, it must be high time to consider other providers before you run out of cash.
3.  Outdated technology - As you grow and your requirements change, it is important that your IT system evolves with you. If you found that your requirements have outgrown the capability of your supply chain technology, switch to more advanced shipping company software capable of working on newer IT platforms and providing options for inexpensive upgrades in the future.
4.  Deteriorating service quality - If you have been working with the same shipping software solutions provider for the last five years, it may not be surprising to find a pattern of declining level of customer service and support over the course of your business transactions. Shipping software companies are responsible for consistently providing quality customer service and product support stipulated in the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Failure to comply with agreed terms should give you the right to terminate the contract and find another provider who is capable of delivering quality service.

Switching to a new shipping software provider can be a bit of a hassle but it should not be a reason for you to stick with a less-than great business partner. As soon as you see the signs, decide quickly to make the switch and make change for the better.

Profitability vs. Expansion: Shipping Software is Key for Survival in Container Shipping

Maritime shipping companies forecast rough sailing ahead due to a slump in global demand for container shipping and continuously increasing fuel prices. Add to that the growing supply of new ships driving competition for cargo and freight rates to a critical level. With this, shipping companies are steering farther toward cost-cutting and maximizing profit, setting aside other considerations such as expansion in the meantime. As has been pointed out by experts repeatedly, implementing functional shipping solutions software plays a critical role in achieving this goal.

Last year, A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world’s biggest container shipping company, warned of a slowing global trade in shipping. Earlier this year, the world’s biggest container carrier reported a 35 percent decline in its first quarter profit from last year, despite exceeding its first quarter target. Additionally, the shipping giant forecasts that its 2013 profit would be lower than that of 2012 even though it expects to surpass last year’s earnings of $461 million.

Whether it is good or bad news for the world’s leading container carrier, these results reflect the dire reality that shipping companies are struggling to stay in profit as a result of increasing costs of operation. The situation must be even more painful on the part of smaller, low capacity carriers. To address this problem, shipping software companies continue to develop advanced shipping company software designed for the very purpose of increasing the efficiency of ships, ports, and terminals and improving profitability.

Maritime software solutions are proven to streamline container shipping operations and enable operators to minimize common errors that can potentially incur significant damage and costs. Shipping companies, big or small, need to wise up and focus in improving profitability first, before considering other options such as expansion. In this time of tough climate for container shipping, business is truly a game of survival of the fittest, and automation using integrated shipping software is the best way to win.

Integrated Shipping Software: Tips for Reducing Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption accounts for between 50 t0 60 percent of the cost of running a container vessel. By simple computation, a mere 1 percent drop in fuel consumption could result in an annual savings of up to $300,000 for a large container ship. Do the math for over 70,000 vessels that make up the current global maritime supply chain industry and you will see why vessel operators are placing fuel efficiency alongside automation and shipping software integration on top of their cost-cutting agenda.

There are two ways vessel operators reduce fuel consumption. One is through use of technical or design based measures. These include installation of more efficient engines and propulsion systems, improvement of hull design to enhance hydrodynamic efficiency, and increasing vessel capacity. The other one is by implementing operational measures which can include vessel speed management, voyage calculation/optimization, and load management.

In implementing these measures, fuel consumption in all aspects of the shipping process must be considered. This includes internal systems such as lighting and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems on board as well as outside factors such as the weather condition, wind, sea current, fouling on the hull, and other elements that affect vessel movement, speed, and maneuverability.
Shipping software companies have developed a wide range of marine software solutions to help ship owners and vessel operators monitor and control how fuel is being consumed during a shipping operation. When implemented properly, integrated shipping software can be programmed to gather and process data from all aspects of the shipping operation, forecast weather condition, calculate distance and estimated time of arrival, and provide vessel operators with full insight on how the vessel performs in terms of power consumption.

Vessel operators can then use these data to control vessel speed and implement other necessary measures to regulate fuel consumption while taking into account safe operating limits.

Green Shipping: Why Shipping Software Integration is Good for the Environment

Low market demand and increasing fuel prices have been hot topics in the maritime industry over the past few years. Because of this, interest in reducing logistics expenses has also become a top priority as shipping companies look toward building higher capacity ships with more fuel efficient engines. Additionally, modern ships, ports, and terminals are now equipped with high-end technologies and various types of shipping agency software, all designed to automate and streamline shipping operations.

But aside from financial benefits, another reason shipping companies push for more efficient maritime trade is the impact of shipping inefficiency, particularly of high fuel consumption on the environment. By plain logic, more energy consumed means greater Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission from ships. This is very alarming if we consider the number of vessels crossing our oceans and the amount of fuel they burn on a daily basis. Fortunately, emission problems can be reduced using already existing technologies including various types of marine software solutions.

There are two ways shipping companies reduce fuel consumption. First is through use of technical /design based measures such as more efficient engines and propulsion systems, improved hull design, and larger ships. Second is through implementing operational measures such as speed management, voyage calculation and optimization, etc. Operational measures can be best implemented with use of integrated shipping software solutions designed to automate various shipping tasks and allow operators to manage their logistics process more effectively.

For example, voyage calculation software can be used to calculate full load, voyage costs, distance travelled, estimated time of arrival, and fuel consumption in relation to external factors such as weather and sea conditions. Using these data, vessel operators can then manage vessel speed to achieve highest efficiency. They can easily lower fuel consumption by reducing vessel speed which results in lower carbon dioxide emission while ensuring that ships arrive at their destinations on time. In addition, liner shipping software reduce paperwork by digitizing documents making the entire logistics operation more environment friendly.

Why Container Tracking Software Is Important

NVOCCs (Non vessel operating common carrier) entrust their cargo shipments to third party shipping line operators. This obviously poses a great risk for the NVOCC since they have no control over the freight containers once these have been loaded aboard shipping vessels and start their voyage. They are responsible for these cargo containers throughout transport, and should an accident happen as a result of inadequate shipping vessel choice, they remain largely accountable.

NVOCCs are not the only ones facing this dilemma. Logistics companies and shipping vessel operators as well need to be constantly updated about their cargo shipments.

For this reason, a container tracking software will be of great use. This is usually included in shipping solutions software suites which are provided by shipping software companies. This will enable shipping liner operators, logistics companies and NVOCCs to monitor the transportation of any cargo while onboard shipping vessels. In the event of a disaster such as unprecedented extreme weather or when a ship runs aground, the shipping crew can easily and immediately alert the cargo owners about the status of their cargo. This is also helpful when freight containers accidentally fall overboard. The shipping crew will be able to identify which cargoes fall overboard and inform the owners accordingly.

A container tracking software can be integrated into a company's existing NVOCC software or liner agency software for easy access. This is just one of the many software solutions available to shipping lines and should be a standard of good service globally.

How To Improve Container Shipping Productivity?

The demand for container shipping is expected to increase well into the future, despite the increase in freight costs for the shippers and the high cost of bunker fuel for liner ship operators. As such, existing maritime shipping lines should expect the competition to provide shipping services to increase as well.

While the larger companies are expected to transport the bulk of all freight cargo across continents, the smaller maritime shipping companies still remain indispensable. These shipping lines are mostly responsible for transporting cargo between smaller islands, and across bodies of water that are too shallow or too narrow for vessels such as Maersk Line's Triple E class.

How can your company match with the big players of the industry?

The best way to increase your shipments is by improving your services. The best way to do this is by improving your productivity. Adapt business solutions such as container management software to improve the stowing and lashing of precious containers. Port disbursement software also helps secure documentation regarding cargo shipments no matter how large the traffic is at your ports. Investing in complete integrated shipping software is also beneficial because these usually come with a CRM software that allows better management of shipments and customers.

Staying ahead in business is always important, no matter what industry you are in. If you have a big name competition, then all the more reason for you to invest in advanced business solutions that will give you more leverage. There are plenty of shipping software companies who develop software for shipping lines that are easily customizable, you need only to look for the best and most suited for your business model.

5 Reasons Why Investing In Maritime Software Solutions Is A Must

The technology industry is the one industry whose developments provide positive improvements for all other industries. Even the maritime shipping industry is a benefactor of the progress achieved by information technology. This can be clearly seen with the evolution of machinery and systems used by everyone from the container ship crew to the dockers who load their cargo.

In comparison to other industries, large shipping lines are the ones who adapt to technological advancements easily, while the smaller operators of marine cargo vessels often need a little more convincing. Smaller maritime shipping companies who have yet to adapt integrated shipping software in their operations will find that it will add profound improvements in their services. These improvements include:

1. Faster and more secure service at ports using port disbursement software, container management software, and feeder shipping software.
2. More profits for each individual voyage using voyage estimation software and voyage calculation software.
3. Effortless communication between logistics partners and cargo recipients with custom ERP solutions and CRM.
4. Safer documentation and adherence to existing maritime policies and regulations using liner principal software and NVOCC software.
5. More reliable cargo container integrity using container repair software.

There are other maritime software available that small shipping companies can greatly benefit from. While these software are available individually, their greatest benefit can be achieved using enterprise-wide software suites for complete streamlined operations. All these business solutions can be easily acquired from shipping software companies. It's all just a matter of choosing which software will provide the best benefit for maritime shipment.

Shipping Software Solutions Can Help Improve Local Industries

Indonesia’s archipelagic nation is ideal for maritime shipping companies. However, the maritime shipping industry of the country is still relatively young. That is not to say that the government of Indonesia is not looking for ways to improve its local maritime shipping industry and boost the economy. The Director General of Sea Transportation recently had an interview with the Jakarta post that discussed the importance of improving shipping ports.

As pointed out by Director General Leon Muhamad from Indonesia’s Sea Transportation under the Ministry of Transportation, reducing logistics costs and improving the speed of loading and unloading processes at marine ports is one of the biggest concerns for the development of the local shipping industry. Under the National Port Management Master Plan, both local and government owned shipping ports will receive Rp 117 trillion from the government to help accelerate their development. The government has further allocated Rp 891 billion for PT Pelni, a state-run shipping company, to help modify its ferries to carry both passengers and freight containers.

To further develop the marine shipping industry of Indonesia, technologically-advanced business solutions are needed to facilitate the movement of freight goods and streamline all logistics processes. Shipping lines operated by both the government and private sectors can benefit from integrated shipping software developed by shipping software companies that promote best practices in shipment documentation and other operational processes. In particular, container management software and container tracking software will help solve the problem of how to improve speed and management during loading and unloading of freight containers. Aside from these, there are other software business solutions that can help the Indonesian government achieve their goal of improving their local marine shipping industry.

The Need For Improvement In The Shipping Industry

Despite rapid advancements in technology, container ports throughout the globe still operate on inefficient industry practices that often cause hours of delay, unintended damage to consignments and even loss of cargo (through theft) - not to mention pose various safety and security risks for the stevedores. These shipping issues are further compounded by documentation problems such as bill of lading fraud and rampant misdeclaration of cargo weights.

Systematic and centralized port operations are difficult to achieve, especially for the shipping industry where accountability for consignments are continuously transferred from one shipping agency to another throughout the cargo transportation process. This is a problem faced not only by private port operators but a constant challenge even for established ports around the globe.

Innovative and technological business solutions should be the focus of international shipping and maritime organizations to reform outdated processes in the shipping industry. Having advanced maritime software solutions will help a shipping agency streamline performance, sustainability and productivity throughout port operations. For example: there are feeder shipping software available that will significantly enhance cargo transportation, loading and unloading; container management software that will improve cargo stowage planning and ensure safety; and even port disbursement software that help secure all port transactions.

Shipping organizations and shipping software companies who wish to further improve port efficiency can participate in Singapore’s New Generation of Container Port (NGCP) Challenge, where development of innovative concepts and proposals will be sponsored by Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) in the hopes of revolutionizing the container port industry.

South Africa’s Need For Commercial Vessels

South Africa is the only member country of the international organization BRICS (which includes Brazil, Russia, India and China) that does not have its own commercial vessel, yet makes up the 3.5% of the total global maritime trade. The other countries each have their own merchant vessels: Brazil has a fleet of 172; Russia has 1,891; India has 534; and China’s fleet is composed of 2, 044 vessels. Furthermore, in 2011 only, 264 million tons of freight cargo were imported and exported by South Africa.

SAMSA (South Africa’s Maritime Safety Authority) CEO Tsietsi Mokhele pointed out that South Africa spends an estimated 45 billion rand on global shipping exports and imports, 98% of which are carried out by foreign shipping lines. This gaping lack of contribution in the industry of sea-borne commerce is what’s keeping South Africa from becoming a global naval influence, Mokhele said.

If South Africa is to commission its own commercial fleet, these shipping liners must be equipped with the latest improvements in maritime technology for South Africa to become a substantial player in the maritime shipping industry. An integrated shipping software that streamlines the operations of the shipping agency onboard the container vessel will make the shipping operations more productive, efficient, profitable and secure.    

Shipping software companies have long been providing shipping agencies with integrated shipping software that incorporates all the necessary functions needed by a shipping vessel. By utilizing these business solutions, South Africa is sure to become a significant country in the maritime shipping industry.

Why Shipping Container Repairs Are Important

After years of use, constant transportation and exposure to harsh environmental conditions can cause significant wear and tear on shipping containers. Container integrity is an important factor in the shipping industry. In particular, the necessity of cargo containers to transport large amounts hazardous materials across vast oceans highlights the need for safe and secure shipping containers. Shipping lines transporting these hazardous materials are often cited by wildlife and nature preserving organizations to be the leading cause of marine pollution and damage, often resulting to lawsuits and litigation. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of these containers is a major industry concern.

Additionally, damaged containers pose serious risks for the safety of shipping crews, stevedores and warehousemen. These can easily collapse during stowage or drop when being loaded or unloaded on shipping vessels.

Replacing damaged containers is extremely costly, which is why these containers are instead sent to ports that provide container repair services. This option, however, is still considered expensive. Shipping software companies have developed business solutions to help ensure shipping agencies that reliability of container repairs are guaranteed. A reliable container repair software can be purchased to reassure any shipping agency that all damages in the containers are repaired and its transportation worthiness is restored.

It is best for liner shipping operators to utilize other industry solutions to further minimize container damages and reduce costly repairs. There are maritime software solutions available that include container management software to facilitate proper container stowage planning that will effectively remove the risk of container-related accidents.

Could These Be Desperate Measures From The Maritime Shipping Industry?

Due to the economic recession in Europe, companies in the international shipping industry continue to report financial losses amounting to millions of dollars, leading maritime shipping companies to brace for an uncertain scenario in the future. Shipping lines have already laid up shipping containers equivalent to 5 percent (or 800,000 twenty-foot equivalent units) of the total global shipping container capacity. Global shipping lines continue to struggle with losses as the maritime shipping industry gripes with continuing bunker fuel hikes and subsequently low freight rates. These issues are further compounded by weak demands for cargo globally. A container management software with proven efficiency developed by reliable shipping software companies would enable shipping liners to optimize cargo capacity per trip to minimize bunker fuel consumption.

Cargo ships are not the only casualties of high bunker fuel rates. Feeder shipping lines have been consequently affected by the decrease in mainline ship numbers, resulting in fewer feeder ships calling at loading ports, particularly at Kochi port. The primary agent for the overall decrease in feeder ship numbers appear to be feeder shipping liners that have been maximizing cargo carrying capacity, when previously, ships only utilized 60-70% carrying capacity. Feeder shipping software aboard feeder ships would help to ensure safe cargo container transportation between loading ports.

Maximizing cargo carrying capacity for both mainline cargo ships and feeder ships are viable solutions, but this only provides a temporary solution to the current global shipping problem. If fuel costs continue to rise in the future, cargo shipping companies are bound for a truly bleak future.

NVOCC Shipping Security

CaroTrans, the leading global NVOCC (non vessel operating common carrier) recently announced the expansion of its global network through their new LCL (less-than-container load) export service from Miami, Florida to Itajai, Brazil. The ocean freight consolidator’s newest shipping route option is now available to transport cargo coming to and from Brazil, which is quickly emerging as an important trade region for international containerized shipping. Aside from LCL, CaroTrans also provides FCL (full container load) services for its customers.

Transporting cargo through an NVOCC can raise uncertainties for exporters and importers. These operators are cargo shipment integrators and often do not own a transport vessel of their own. There are risks that include: unsafe cargo warehousing, tampering or falsification of shipping documents such as the bill of lading and non-discriminating NVOCCs booking vessel space from shipping liners whose container ships are unfit to sail. Shippers who need to transport their cargo through these agents have to make sure that the NVOCC and its transportation affiliates are insured, experienced and trustworthy.

There are software solutions available for NVOCCs that feature fully integrated shipping software solutions including NVOCC software and container tracking software, delivering unparalleled streamlining of operations, enhanced communication between shipping agency and shipping liner and complete security throughout cargo transit.

These software solutions are developed by shipping software companies who have vast experience in the global liner shipping industry. By utilizing the most advanced shipping software solutions currently available, NVOCCs and other shipping integrators can reassure exporters and importers that the integrity of all their cargo shipments will always be maintained.

APM Terminal’s Admirable Dedication To Container Handling Safety

APM Terminal stated a 21% decrease in work-related injuries on their 2011 Second Sustainability Report. A member of the A.P. Moller-Maersk group, the shipping port terminal’s officials have been concentrating on critical areas of operation that present the most safety concerns regarding cargo handling which include lashing, working at heights, internal traffic and falling objects. The port and terminal operator based in The Hague, Netherlands aims to completely eliminate all work-related injuries in the near future, a goal that must be shared among all shipping port terminals. Improper stowing of shipping cargo can lead to extremely serious and fatal accidents, both at sea and on land. Unsecure lashing particularly during voyage can cause precious cargo to fall overboard, leading to complicated insurance claim issues for the shipping liner involved. Cargo stowing and lashing is the responsibility of deck officers, and to help them perform their duties properly, shipping software companies have developed advanced container management software that will effectively streamline this critical task. This shipping software will ensure the safety of the ship and its crew members throughout the voyage, especially during loading and unloading of all cargo. Cargo management safety is of great importance to APMT, particularly after it took over Gothenburg’s container operations last January 4, 2012. With this acquisition, APMT now handles 60% of Sweden’s total shipping and inland container traffic. Other shipping ports that plan to expand their container-handling operations similar to APMT should not only invest in cargo handling equipment but also in reliable business solutions such as advanced shipping software to prevent avoidable container-related accidents.

Help Reduce Costly Human Error And Maritime Crime With Voyage Estimation Software

The days of carrying out the arduous task of manual voyage calculation - which is prone to faulty data input and miscalculations - are long gone as continuous advancements in technology allow shipping software companies to aid shipping lines in streamlining critical business operations. Incidents of fraudulent or faulty estimates purposefully intended by opportunistic officers or employees are minimized or generally effaced. When voyage calculations are produced by an automated software, maritime fraud and crime are greatly reduced, ensuring that all financial transactions labeled as shipping expenses and commission are actually for the benefit of the shipping company.

Advanced business solutions such as voyage estimation software offer shipping lines with accurate data to complete critical business transactions efficiently and securely. An accurate voyage calculation software enables a shipping company to quantify the exact cost and duration of a shipment voyage, provide accurate dates for the departure and arrival of shipment and the actual quantity and nature of shipment.

A voyage estimation software is usually integrated into the company’s ERP system, which means estimated calculations can be viewed by authorized officers whenever required. Should maritime fraud incidents call for the voyage calculation of a particular shipment, the necessary documents can be easily prepared and presented. The voyage estimate reports contain all detailed information about a particular shipment such as vessel details, cargo details, voyage results and all shipping expenses, facilitating procedures during maritime insurance investigations.

Shipping lines that utilize advanced shipping software have low percentages of maritime fraud and costly human error incidents and can look forward to expanding business with their clients and continued growth for their company.

Enhance Liner Agency Business with a Shipping Software Solution

In the days before the internet, conducting business in the shipping industry meant tons of paperwork, sales and marketing difficulties, data management problems, and of course, a lot of disgruntled employees. Logistics is a realm of complex business operations burdened with complicated industry rules and regulations.

In today's era of technological advancements, shipping companies are able to perform several functions with ease. Liner agencies can now facilitate various cargo transport processes by using sophisticated shipping software solutions.

A state-of-the-art shipping software suite such as ALFA consists of a Sales and Marketing Module that provides the groundwork for business acquisitions with superior address management, detailed customer statistics and promotions history.

Furthermore, tariff information and quotations such as surcharges, rates and customer quotes are covered comprehensively no matter what mode of shipment is involved (FCL, LCL, RoRo, etc).

An advanced shipping software solution provides bookings generation capabilities from existing quotations to advanced booking state. Line Managers are able to access updated booking information from all offices at any given time. Commercial decisions regarding voyage profitability, shut-outs and allocation shifting can be made with Principals in real-time.

In addition, a shipping software solution enables efficient documentation. Import and export Bill of Lading (B/L) data processing is improved with plausibility tests and check routines to ensure that communication and reporting rules involving all parties are stringently followed. Manifests and other documentation that are stored in the database are created and printed quickly with just a few mouse clicks.

Shipping software solutions like the ALFA Suite also include other modules for:

• Invoicing

• IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods)

• Intermodal Haulage

• Voyage Account

• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)

Today, cargo shipping and transport pandemonium is a thing of the past. With innovative shipping software solutions, liner agencies can conduct business smoothly as well as save on operational costs.

IMPROVE CARGO MANAGEMENT WITH SHIPPING SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Cargo management entails time critical and labor intensive tasks. Every day, liner shipping companies are faced with commercial pressures in order to meet operational and service goals. It is extremely important to understand how shipping companies can accelerate development of cargo transportation and logistics environment in order to provide excellent service to their clients.

Establishing a quality cargo management framework is the reason why most companies in today's shipping industry are realizing how crucial it is to use a shipping software to mitigate shipment-related problems that significantly affect the flow of business.

Shipping software solutions can greatly impact cargo handling in several positive ways:

• Manage data such as B/L formatting, vessels, ports, services, routes, etc with efficiency.

• Access data in real time at any point in the shipping process.

• Reliable tracking and control of container movement for liner agents around the globe.

• Consolidate global online data from all agents for the purpose of cost control, billing reversal and optimized cash flow.

• Dependable, fast and scalable file handling solutions.

• Enhanced scheduling, state-of-the-art voyage calculation and detailed reporting between customers and shipping personnel.

• Comprehensive analysis and online management of business data and events to recognize progressive business opportunities.

• Organized administration of freighter trips consisting of quotes, inquiries, booking options, cabin and voyage information, etc.

• Neatly integrated equipment management and communications tools to streamline repair and maintenance processes for equipment managers and operators.

• Efficient claims handling, payment processing and invoicing.

These are just some of the great benefits using a shipping software provides. Shipping companies are now able to simplify operations, increase productivity, and expedite transactions with the use of a reliable, highly-sophisticated, and fully integrated management and operational shipping software system.

The Advantages of Using Terminal Management Software

In the shipping industry, container terminals elicit immense optimization problems, which often originate in the operations management at several decision levels. The processes involved in cargo management and control pose several challenges for terminal operators especially in today's rising global trade and chaotic business environment. This is why container terminal operators all over the world have been searching for management solutions and taking unconventional measures to ensure faster and more efficient cargo processing.

Technological advances in today's shipping industry have been created to address the issues stemming from container terminal management. Solutions such as terminal management software allow operators to manage real-time inventories, utilize flexible work flow tools, and integrate other business-critical systems. Various IT software companies have come up with this software to aid terminal operators in handling containerized, RoRo and general cargo for multiple shipping companies.

Other advantages of using terminal management software include:

• dependable cargo identification at the gate

• complete and visible cargo positioning and locating in the yard

• mobile mainframe access for tally and driver

• accurate load-/ discharge lists for yard planning

• hand in hand co-operation of documentation and yard management

There are several software firms that offer this type of solution, however, the cost-effectiveness of these products and services is always a great concern. The good news is, there are shipping software companies that offer state-of-the-art terminal management systems at affordable costs but also deliver comprehensive management functionality and scalable applications designed to fit the size of the business.