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.

How Liner Agency Software Helps in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emission

About 5% of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from merchant vessels. As the volume of maritime trade continues to grow rapidly each year, this figure is expected to rise in the following years. It is not surprising therefore that the shipping industry is under a lot of pressure from governments and environmental groups to take steps to reduce carbon dioxide emission from their ports and vessels. One way the shipping industry responds to these pressures is by adopting the concept of green or clean shipping which involves improving energy efficiency through use of marine software solutions and other shipping technologies.

Efficiency in shipping can be achieved in many ways. For some it can be as simple as switching to a different power source such as biofuel and nuclear power. Other measures implemented in the past few years include use of more efficient engines, propellers, and propulsion systems, reducing vessel speed, re-designing vessels to improve hydrodynamics, and installing better navigation tools. All of these measures have worked so far, but still there are so many improvements left to be made.

So, what is the role of shipping company software in carbon dioxide emission reduction?

As it appears, the above-mentioned measures are mainly technical and operational in nature – not directly related to shipping software. However, operators can make more informed decisions when implementing these measures if they have reliable liner shipping software to support the technical and operational components of their logistics process.

For example, in managing vessel speed, vessel operators must take into account several factors including load, voyage distance, arrival schedule, and external factors such as weather and sea conditions. Shipping companies can generate these data by integrating voyage calculation software into their shipping process. Using this software, vessel operators can determine the right timing to reduce (or increase) vessel speed to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions while ensuring that vessels arrive at their destination on time.

Another way liner agency software helps reduce emission is by streamlining communication systems between ports and vessels. Studies found that while most emissions happen during navigation in the vast expanse of the ocean, a significant amount of emission is produced while ships are moored in ports. While berthed in these ports liner vessels usually leave their primary engines idled to generate electricity to support onboard systems while loading and discharging cargo. Emissions from these activities account for about 5% of total emissions from navigation activities.

Considering the amount of time container vessels spend moored in ports, and the proximity of these ports to populated areas, there is reason for everyone involved to worry about health and environmental risks coming from emissions from shipping activities in and around ports. Integrated shipping software streamlines communication between ports and vessels to facilitate forecasting of incoming vessels and ensure that vessels move in and out with minimal obstruction. Port operators can then carry out plans to ensure a smooth flow of traffic especially in busy harbors and avoid port congestion. This helps reduce the time liner vessels spend berthed and likewise the amount of emission they produce around the area.

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.

Use Liner Agency Software to Improve your Shipping Operations

Most of the functions performed in the liner industry are labor intensive and time critical. As more reporting deadlines are required on the industry and clients are often not able to provide the information more quickly, the main challenge is to process information more efficiently.

Liner agency software has allowed principals, agents, shipping operators and all other parties involved in shipping to process all information more efficiently. The software's ability to streamline critical processes such as sales and marketing, tariff/quotation/contract management, booking, documentation, invoicing, intermodal, dangerous goods handling, voyage account and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has made them more productive and keen toward every single data.

One proven liner agency software today is LIMA. It provides principals the ability to manage and control agency business all over the world. It enables them to set rules applicable to agents and make decisions regarding what takes place and what doesn't. In addition, the impact of the software is significantly improved by setting in place an IT-controlled structure for minimum tariffs, service contracts, special rates, bookings and manifests data.

The entire system also comes with complete and tight user security. Security administration tools are there to set agent authorization, to determine agent's rights and limits, and to secure critical information.

This set up has also kept agents and authorized clients updated on equipment status, schedules and booking data, thus allowing them to get control over their earnings. It also provides them quick validation of business processes. Take this for example, if you prefer no agent can place a shipment in your system via the Internet or EDI without an authorized freight agreement, no Bill of Lading will be issued without booking approval.

It's guaranteed that any shipping business will fail if it lacks management control. Wrong information for instance can cause shipment delays and discrepancies. With the use of liner agency software, principals can effortlessly monitor processes and proactively control vessel employment and revenues. This shipping solution gives you the power to manage your liner business in a manner that increases your profitability without wasting your operational budget.

Overcome Shipping Barriers with Liner Agency Software Solutions

Shipping sector is considered to be one of the fast-growing industries in the world today. And surely the economy will be in great danger if there will be failure in the shipping of goods to and from different parts of the globe.

The demand for better service delivery and industry keeps on growing and unfortunately along with this growth come the various shipping barriers that may impair the movement of shipping operations.

So how can good liner agency software help overcome shipping barriers?

Using liner agency software, a shipping company can get complete control on critical actions in the business management. Shipping software application like LIMA gives the principals the ability to take control of the agency business across the globe. It also enables the principals to set rules that will guide their operations within the entire cycle. LIMA has the ability to incorporate full business functionality with a Windows-standard and easy-to-use interface for management and employees. This line management software application significantly addresses and resolves problems in schedule, management, voyage management, CRM, cost management, equipment handling, accounting and data management.

Furthermore, agents can also take advantage of another software application which is ALFA in streamlining processes for sales and marketing, tariff/quotation/contract management, booking, B/Ls, manifests, invoicing, dangerous good handling, voyage account, Intermodal, and EDI or Electric Data Interchange. With ALFA, work flow is optimized while redundancies are eliminated. 

For feeder and short sea business, applications like FAST offer solutions to enhance booking process, sophisticated invoicing, complex tariff and management and direct linkage to customers and partners to accommodate short transit times and lessen delays in the communication process. 

Shipping software solutions like LIMA and ALFA were created to manage and enhance all the processes involved in the shipping operations. With the use of liner agency software, principals can easily monitor processes and efficiently control vessel employment and revenues. Shipping businesses today can be very successful with the help of these cutting edge solutions.

Improve Shipping Operations With Liner Agency Software

The complicated and labor-intensive processes involved in the shipment of goods have led the shipping agencies all over the world to needing larger labor pool to carry out different business functions. Functions such as shipment bookings, container management, documentation, invoicing, equipment maintenance, cargo releasing and delivery require both shippers and consignees to have a professional and dependable shipping agency.

Even though shipping agencies have taken preventive measures to secure and control shipment procedures, still the chances of mishaps happening are inevitable. Conventional shipping mechanisms that involve tons of administrative work and lengthy manual activities are highly vulnerable to errors that may put the shipping operations in danger. Businesses that are still into old-school methods require time and design adaptability to provide competent service.

There are still shipping companies that use conventional transporting and processing systems for cargo handling in spite of the availability of modern shipping technologies. These conventional methods are facing several problems that include prolonged data processing, erroneous reporting, double entry, altercations in shipment forms and other documents, lack of transparency in costs and expediency and expensive data exchange with all involved parties.

The problems given above create inefficiency and low return on investment. Yet, thanks to many shipping solutions available today that can now address these problems and help businesses gain dominance in the market.

By using reliable shipping software solutions, shipping process is simplified, employee productivity is increased so as the profit. The key lies on the business’ decision to use modern technology which will improve operational conditions.

Liner Agency Software Solutions: Overcoming Shipping Barriers

The demand for better service delivery and industry excellence keeps on growing and changes should be made to retain reliability of operations. This is the reason why shipping companies adopt modern sea freight technology and utilize cutting-edge shipping software solutions to carry out various tasks in the liner business.

Using liner agency software enables a shipping company to get complete control over critical actions in the business management. For shipping agents have varying styles and strategies in quoting, booking, accounting and documenting, having agency liner software will keep the company from committing shipping errors and compromising shipping processes.

Shipping software suites like LIMA provides principals the ability to take charge of the agency business across the globe. The application enables the principals to set rules and make decisions about what should take place and what should not. Ideally, the liner agency software is significantly improved by setting in place an IT-controlled structure that manages service contracts, special rates, bookings, minimum tariffs and manifests data. The whole system also comes with complete security. Security administration tools are set to confirm or to guard agent authorization and the system will determine the limits and rights of the user. This kind of user authorization set up also gives the agents and authorized clients, updates on equipment status, schedules and booking data, and provides centralized link to agents and control over their earnings.

There are still various aspects of the liner business that can be improved significantly with the help of shipping software solutions. Principals, agents, feeder or short sea business, NVOCCs, terminal and port operators can get maximum benefit from acquiring modern shipping technology that provides features that are user-friendly. This software application addresses and resolves problems in schedule management, voyage management, CRM, cost management, equipment handling, accounting and data management.

With the use of liner agency software, principals can effortlessly monitor processes and efficiently control vessel employment and revenues. And businesses today can be ushered towards success with the right liner agency software solution available.

Shipping Software Solutions: Breaking Barriers in Liner Business

In liner business, the need for an all-in-one software solution has to be satisfied in order for companies to maintain their competitive advantage, deliver high-quality customer service and improve shipping and logistics competence. An advanced, off-the-shelf liner agency software solution such as ALFA maintains data accuracy and ensures adherence to the liner agency's workflow. Such software features a wide range of functions, advanced technology and user-friendly interface that will enable your company to fill in gaps in your business flow.

One of the noteworthy benefits of using liner agency software is its ability to streamline critical processes such as sales and marketing, tariff/quotation/contract management, booking, documentation, invoicing, intermodal, dangerous goods handling, voyage account and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

These functions, when carried out properly and efficiently with cutting-edge shipping software, can help you focus on your business' core initiatives, simplify cost center accounting, reduce overall shipping expenses and human errors, and link in-house systems. It can give you real time monitoring capabilities and let you evaluate statistics to figure out the most suitable way to load and ship cargos. This can all be possible due to an organized software platform which aims to eliminate inefficiencies that often occur because of old-fashioned liner shipping methods. Shipping software suites such as ALFA cover almost all elements of supply chain management enabling liner agencies to move shipments effectively and gain long-term business advantage.

Ultimately, reliable shipping software gives you the power to run your liner business in a manner that exceeds trade expectations and increases your profitability without burning your operational budget.

Improve Your Liner Business With Shipping Software Innovation

In the past ten years, the exchange of goods and services between countries has seen dramatic changes and rapid growth. This has put extreme operational and financial pressure on liner agencies because it is essential for them to provide high service levels to their customers while maintaining smooth operations. The only way to achieve both customer service and operational excellence is with the use of state-of-the-art but cost effective shipping software solutions.

A centralized operational and management software solution for liner shipping companies, NVOCCs and liner agents is a great way to optimize shipping processes without sacrificing customer service quality. Liner agency software such as LIMA ensures that processes involved in liner business are carried out with more sophistication and efficiency.

With the use of streamlined and off-the-shelf software, containerized shipping functions and procedures can be completed without the usual problems caused by old-fashioned and manual methods. The Ins and Outs of import/export and logistics are covered with cutting edge IT solution that is not only cost-effective but user friendly as well.

Shipping tasks such as booking, documentation, file management, invoicing, voyage control, equipment maintenance and monitoring, terminal management, claims handling, etc, can be done with ease. All parties involved can rest assured that their shipments' movement from port of loading to port of discharge are handled and monitored well.

Whether you own a shipping agency, are a liner agent or an NVOCC, the ultimate software solution for all sea freight problems is within your reach. Make your life in the shipping industry easier with avant-garde shipping software solution.

Take Charge of Agency Business With Liner Agency Software

Being able to ship goods anywhere in the world hassle-free is something that all shipping companies, operators and brokers want. In order to achieve this, the ability of employees to perform tasks efficiently should be one of the key considerations.

In the shipping industry, shipments placed by agents are what actually propagates revenue, so complete control over the agent's actions is critical to business management. Shipping agents have disparate practices when it comes to quoting, booking, accounting, and documentation of voyages. With varying work styles and strategies, it can be difficult to pin point who committed a mistake and identify where the problem lies. This can be detrimental to operations and the reliability of the entire shipping process can be compromised.

Using a cutting-edge liner agency software can put an end to this dilemma. Shipping software suites such as LIMA provide principals the ability to control agency business all over the world. With such an application, principals are able to set rules applicable to agents and make decisions about what takes place and what doesn't. The quality of the collaboration is significantly improved by setting in place an IT-controlled structure for minimum tariffs, service contracts, special rates, bookings and manifests data.

Aside from the above mentioned advantages, the entire system comes with complete and stringent user security. Security administration tools are available to set agent authorization. Whether an agent logs into the system via LAN or the Internet, his or her profile determines his or her limits and rights.

With this kind of user authorization set up, the company's website can be used to keep agents and authorized clients updated on equipment status, schedules and booking data. This provides centralized link to agents and control over their earnings. It also offers quick validation of business processes. For example, if you prefer no agent can place a shipment in your system via the Internet or EDI without an authorized freight agreement, no Bill of Lading will be issued without booking approval.

So many things can happen without organized connection to agents. Lack of management control can cause shipment delays and discrepancies. With the use of liner agency software, principals can effortlessly monitor processes and proactively control vessel employment and revenues.

Today, agency management does not have to cause headaches. Businesses can be steered towards success with the right liner agency software solution.