The Challenge (and Benefits) of Choosing the Best Shipping Line Software

In the past decade, new solutions for shipping companies have been introduced, ushering a new era highlighted by higher profitability and better quality of core operations. Shipping software companies have been churning newer technologies that could achieve such ends as lesser costs in container transport operations. This comes as present market conditions are prompting operators in the liner shipping sector to consider integrated management systems, whether developed in-house or bought from a solutions provider.

Today, it is easier to find a solutions provider that can supply shipping management software in the face of increasing software demands. Options for shipping line software are available out in the open, and it is imperative for operators to take crucial steps in automating complex shipping functions. In fact, the absence of shipping management solutions can potentially cripple logistical operations and management, resulting in but not limited to delayed arrivals and lost containers. It will ultimately lead to a huge waste of investments that will place the company in a difficult position to compensate for its losses.  Luckily, these problems can be easily mitigated if efficient software solutions are in place.

But considering the volume of shipping software in the market, operators face the recurring difficulty of choosing the best shipping solutions. The problem is that there is simply no telling a shipping line software package is effective until it is purchased. No doubt, it requires a great deal of deliberation, since quality is more important than having a system package in place. Quality shipping operations present better benefits against uncontrollable circumstances affecting the supply chain: vessel failure, weather disturbances and congestion.

Anyway, finding the best shipping line software should not be a pain in the neck for operators.

What is important is to find a software solution complete with these core components.

Bunker calculation. High costs of bunker fuel have forced many shipping line operators to execute vital actions to maintain profitability. Replacing structural components like engines and propellers with fuel efficient ones can be considered, although it would entail expenses in installing the modifications alone. Bunker management software enables operators to adjust and calculate expected fuel consumption based on voyage time, rendering structural redesigns unnecessary.

Voyage scheduling. Voyage time is a big factor. Customers want their shipments to arrive on the dot to ensure a steady transportation of goods. Simultaneously, operators need to determine optimum vessel speeds and economize bunker consumption and cargo space. Cargo management software is needed for such tasks so make sure that a software option enables easier decision making.

Repair and maintenance streamlining. Managing repair invoices are a hassle. Too much paperwork is involved and losing track of repair orders is almost always unavoidable. Vessel management software acts to avoid these complications by allowing operators to determine repair estimates and keeps track of maintenance processes underway.

Software system complete with these facilities will give operators ample opportunities for a higher rate of revenue, lesser maintenance costs, accurate vessel tracking and container invoicing, and on-time deliveries. 

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.