Showing posts with label Liner Shipping Software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liner Shipping Software. Show all posts

Monday, December 15, 2014

Smooth Sailing Ahead with Liner Shipping Software

Smooth Sailing Ahead with Liner Shipping Software

The maritime logistics sector is beginning to see the importance of marine software solutions in shipping management owing to several factors. Stringent trade regulation and not to mention an increase in cargo-related charges remain as top challenges among industry players. Processing a large amount of documents is another factor that has to be confronted. Adding to that are unforeseen complications that can cause delayed deliveries. Weather conditions in this sense pose a huge bust to supply chain reliability. These issues thus explain the demand for efficient shipping software solutions to enhance supply chain reliability and profitability.

Modern shipping operators cannot guarantee a better logistics experience without effective shipping line software. And considering they handle a large variety of goods, it is essential to digitize core processes that constitute much of stress-inducing work among freight forwarders, carriers and non-vessel operating common carriers or NVOCCs.

There is however much more in store once shipping solutions are installed. First of all, integrated liner shipping software gives management and analytical options for a range of shipping functions. With such solutions, operators can maximize cargo space and reduce costs. Since managing cargo mixes is prone to human errors, the software can secure and consolidate important data on current contracts and orders, thus avoiding duplications and minimizing the stress of processing an enormous amount of paperwork.

Shipping software companies also provide cost-saving and stress-relieving solutions in terms of document handling. Paying for tariffs and other expenses can be mindboggling, especially when it comes to managing a huge amount of container goods throughout the supply chain. Likewise, keeping track of operational expenses is a daunting task that, if not properly handled, will result in unnecessary payments. NVOCC software can mitigate such issues by determining projected expenses that cover loading/unloading, packing and documentation. Such information is stored in a database that provides accurate estimates on actual expenses. This eliminates financial losses and avoids much of the stress in accounting.

Besides cargo management and cost control, liner shipping software also undertakes a variety of intricate tasks within the supply chain no matter the conditions. Although there is nothing operators can do to change weather patterns, intelligent voyage calculation can be considered to pinpoint the location of cargo in real-time. The system highlights any changes in voyage schedule, thus maintaining visibility and improving accountability, allowing customers to breathe a sigh of relief knowing their goods are in safe hands.
From bills of lading to demurrage and detention invoices, processing these complex documents can be simplified through an effective line management system. Having one installed can also mean faster accounting and processing of disbursement accounts, which also translates to a lighter workload. Finally, shipping agency software can streamline the tracking of insurance claims for damaged containers using an efficient management database.  

The modern NVOCC enterprise knows better than to disregard efficient shipping software solutions. Shipping line software is the key to fast-tracking cargo deliveries, maintaining revenue and improving the workload, regardless of the pressing challenges that trouble the modern carrier.

Friday, August 23, 2013

A Caveat on Implementing Shipping Software Solutions

A Caveat on Implementing Shipping Software Solutions

As marine shipping requirement change, shipping companies are always on the lookout for best possible maritime logistics solutions. When marine software solutions were introduced to the maritime supply chain industry, shipping became a lot different for ship owners, operators, and logistics service providers. Since then, most processes involved in liner shipping have been automated, leaving only a few areas of business untouched, particularly those which required manual operation. Yet, it is no surprise that nowadays many logistics programs are powered entirely by integrated shipping software.

As it appears, full automation of the shipping process seems to be the ultimate goal of every shipping company. Or it may not be. Either way, what is clear is that shipping software companies are unceasingly trying to find ways to make shipping more convenient and efficient. Time and again, new software solutions are being developed – for tracking freight (container tracking software), reducing cost and improving shipping voyage efficiency (voyage calculation software), or detecting issues involving containers (container repair software).
Additionally, there have been significant efforts by these companies to create something resembling an end-to-end or all-in-one solutions capable of managing all aspects of shipping process which includes:

·         Data Encoding
·         Documentation / Inventory
·         Load Management
·         Voyage Calculation
·         Tracking
·         Billing
·         Compliance Filing
·         Reporting, etc.

Having end-to-end shipping company software can significantly improve performance and reduce costs. However having good shipping software alone is not enough. Ship owners and operators must realize that it is in having a reliable logistics infrastructure that shipping operations becomes successful and profitable. In short, technology in the form of liner shipping software must be supplemented with good planning and flawless execution of strategies.

As of the present time, software companies have not yet come up with one-size-fits-all shipping solutions software, and there is reason to doubt there will ever be one due to the fact that business requirements vary from one shipping company to another. But, whatever the future holds with regard to this, shipping companies should be careful not to fall into the trap of over reliance on software solutions.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Maximize Profit: Count Shipping Costs with Voyage Calculation Software

Maximize Profit: Count Shipping Costs with Voyage Calculation Software
 
In any business or undertaking, there is a proverbial advice to always count the cost ahead of time. It is a timeless advice heeded even by ancient builders and kings before they undertake a large building project or go to war in that order. In the maritime supply chain business, it is vital for success and profitability that you count all possible costs including demurrage expenses against your projected revenue before leaving the port. This is the main reason why modern shipping companies are equipped with voyage calculation systems and other liner shipping software solutions.

Voyage calculation is a complex process where a lot of factors such as distance, load, weather, and sea condition are taken into account. Doing it manually requires a lot of effort and will expose your shipping operations to costly errors. Good thing, you don’t have to rely on spreadsheets and complex systems anymore with voyage calculation software.

Fully integrated shipping software ensures maximum efficiency when assessing the impact of different voyage options. It is not only faster and more accurate; it makes all other shipping tasks easier and more organized. Here are just some of the most outstanding benefits of voyage calculation software:

1.       Easy to install.
Like in any other liner agency software solutions, this software does not require advanced IT skills to install. In most cases, it is as simple as following on-screen instructions and you’ll be up and running in minutes.

2.       Generates comprehensive calculation.
It is easier to make decision when you have all the pertinent data available. Voyage calculation software takes into account integrated voyage distances, arrival time, loading/unloading costs, bunker /port costs, canal fees, draft, vessel speed, oil consumption, and bad weather allowance. It also supports calculation and analysis of revenues, running costs, and expenses.

3.       Supports simultaneous calculations.
To maximize profit, you can run several calculations simultaneously and identify options with best commercial value.

4.       Accurate calculations.
As with all other types of shipping company software, all input data are carefully validated so you can avoid potentially expensive miscalculations.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Liner Shipping Software: To Buy or Build?

It is not hard to find shipping solutions software these days. Software houses everywhere are packed with different kinds of off-the-shelf solutions designed for various shipping functions such as logistics, data entry, accounting, documentation, and tracking. They are cheap, easy to install, and can be customized to fit specific requirements of ports, terminals, and vessels. In fact, it is not unusual to find small vessels using advanced marine software solutions to automate and streamline their operations.

Aside from packaged or off-the-shelf solutions, shipping software companies also provide custom-built or bespoke software systems for different vessel types such as bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, Roll-on-Roll-off (RoRo), and container vessels. While this type of shipping software is generally more expensive, some, especially larger vessels prefer building and developing bespoke shipping company software instead of buying cheaper and equally effective packaged solutions. Here are some reasons:
  1.  Bespoke systems are created based on the company’s exact specifications.
  2. The shipping company has full control of the software development process.
  3. Users can modify or improve the software whenever necessary.

Despite these benefits, bespoke liner shipping software has many downsides:
  1. It requires hiring skilled programmers for maintenance and implementation of necessary upgrades.
  2. It is usually designed to perform a single segment of the entire logistics process only.
  3. It is expensive.

Packaged shipping software on the other hand offers a handful more benefits at much lower initial price:

  1. Does not require hiring in-house programmers to maintain and upgrade the system.
  2. 10 to 50% cheaper than bespoke options.
  3. Has “switching” feature which allows users to upgrade and customize applications making it adaptable to fast-evolving technology without doing any expensive reprogramming.
  4. Off-the-shelf shipping line software allows test-runs prior to installation to make sure it lives up to expectations.
In choosing between packaged and bespoke shipping software solutions, you must also consider the credibility of the shipping software company providing it. Buying from a reliable software company ensures that your shipping business is in good hands.