Smart port status is on the horizon, with the introduction of IoT.
The Port is currently installing next-generation smart technology to speed up the movement and processing of cargo.
Internet of Things (IoT) devices have been put on cranes and transport equipment, in a partnership between BT and Associated British Ports (ABP). The insights provided will help speed up operations, cut costs and ensure machines are used efficiently.
Smart IoT sensors collect data and feed it into a BT digital platform that helps track the unloading and travel of cargoes in near real time.
The solution interprets the data from a wide range of port equipment, producing a record of time, travel distance, routes taken, and weight unloaded. The information is then automatically delivered clearly and quickly to port management, allowing them to track the progress of the ship-to-shore operations.
This enables the Port of Ipswich team to make decisions based on the data they are seeing, as well as collaborating with customers more and making the best use of resources and assets.
In addition to tracking the movement of assets, the data collected from the solution also tracks periods of inactivity, underutilisation, and maintenance needs. For instance, the data provides better understanding of how cranes are used to reduce costs as well as greenhouse gasses.
Cranes are used more when downtime is assessed accurately, and resources can be flexibly deployed to reduce periods of inactivity. The solution also gathers insights such as how often the equipment is being used, and how much distance they have covered. This provides an accurate view of maintenance requirements for plant equipment and machinery.
BT spokesman Dean Terry said: “In deploying our IoT solution, we’re able to help produce intelligent, actionable insights to support the teams on the ground to monitor equipment in real-time, and make instant, autonomous decisions to speed up the supply chain.
“This is made possible by combining our award-winning 4G EE network with our deep expertise in sensor technology, network infrastructure and supply chains.
Andrew Harston, from Associated British Ports, said: “The trial with BT is an exciting step in the Port of Ipswich’s journey to becoming a smart port. The data generated by the Internet of Things solution gives the team in Ipswich the power to manage our resources and assets more effectively, improving our productivity and reducing our costs. Ultimately, this trial will help us to provide even better customer service.”