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Westport which introduced the New
Generation Conventional Cargo (NGCC)
system by integrating the entire
conventional operation in early this
year has recorded satisfactory
progress of the system aimed at
enhancing productivity at the port.
The system, now in its fourth phase,
will now integrate the Smart Card
and the Self-Service Terminal into
the NGCC system developed by the
port.
Once integrated, the conventional
transporters will then be able to
use their Smart Cards, which contain
their particulars, at the
Self-Service Terminal to generate
their own gate passes to collect
their consignment.
They would then proceed to the yard,
collect their consignment, and then
head back to the gate where a
security officer will use Bar Code
printed on the Gate Pass, along with
the Smart Card, to ensure the
transporters are carrying the right
cargo.
Phase III of NGCC system focused on
the full automation of the billing
system and the inclusion of the
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
system was introduced in November
this year.
Under the phase three all billings -
shippers, shipping agent, contractor
payment, and shift and vessel
operation - were automated and were
integrated with the financial system
of the port.
The billing modules are still being
tested. Once the system has been
satisfactorily tested, the port
users will be able to submit the
documentation online.
The CCTV system, unveiled early last
month enables senior-level
supervisors to monitor conventional
cargo terminal with greater
effectiveness.
With the use of the CCTV system, the
officers able to supervise the
wharf, open yard and the gate
simultaneously.
The system uses six strategically
mounted CCTV cameras to provide a
bird's eye view of the areas where
operational activities take place.
"The CCTV gives the supervisors a
greater control over the workflow.
Prior to installation of CCTV
system, port officers had physically
go to wharfs, moving from one ship
to the other and replying often on
traffic executive to monitor work
progress," said the MIS Manager for
Conventional Terminal at Westport,
Manivanan Rethinam.
The system also promises significant
increases in productivity.
There will be at least 25 per cent
reduction in manpower requirements.
What it took four men to accomplish
before; we now manage with just
three. We also do it faster, better
and with greater ease. Since the
stevedores know that with CCTV we
could constantly monitor them, they
work harder," said the Senior
Operations Manger at Westport,
Kalimuthu Perumal. |
