Everyone knows it: the most efficiently run shipping companies are those that hire less and invest more in technology. Today, widespread use of multi-carrier shipping software solutions reflects how modern technology has changed the way supplies are shipped from one port to another across the globe. Traditional freight procedures that were prone to human errors have been automated using highly-efficient shipping agency software, all designed to streamline processes, reduce costs, and boost revenue.
However, the maritime supply chain industry has encountered some serious setbacks in the last couple of years. News of shipping companies declaring bankruptcy, such as South Korea’s STX Pan Ocean Co. just a few weeks ago, has some carriers worrying about the apparent global slump in shipping. Singapore’s Neptune Orient Lines reported underlying losses in the first quarter of 2013. Oversupply of ships, weakening global demand, declining freight rates, and skyrocketing fuel costs are hurting the industry as a whole, and are especially painful for small companies.
For large companies, building higher capacity vessels appears to be a practical solution. Deploying larger vessels allows these companies to double or even triple the amount of load per rotation, thus reducing cost through economies of scale. Smaller players on the other hand implement stringent cost-cutting measures to make sure that their vessels, terminals, and containers are optimized to increased efficiency.
To level the playing field for both large and small carriers, shipping software companiescontinue to develop off-the-shelf solutions to support changing financial, operational and logistical requirements for vessels, ports and terminal operators: port call registration and handling, contracting and invoicing, warehousing, and container freight station (CFS). Liner shipping software is easy to install, easy to customize, and can be easily integrated into existing platforms. RoRo vessels, container ships, break bulk carriers, ports, and terminals must have one or more of the following integrated shipping software solutions:
1.Container ManagementSoftware allows operators and port authorities to control and manage container fleets remotely from a central office. Using this software, operators can monitor container stocks and expenses, and make best use of container space to minimize cost and maximize profit. It can also be used to forecast and plan movement of container stocks to avoid terminal congestion.
2.Container Repair Software is designed to identify existing and potential damages involving containers to ensure safety throughout the voyage. Once damages have been identified, operators and crews can then make necessary steps to address the problem before it leads to more serious and costly damages.
3.Container tracking software offers the capability to monitor container movement including departure, transshipment, and estimated time of arrival. It keeps operators and customers aware of the actual location and status of individual containers, and eliminates problems relating to lost and or delayed shipments.
4.To maximize profit and avoid unforeseen costs, shipping companies run accurate calculation of possible expenses (port costs and canal fees, bunker costs, etc.) and revenues they would generate from individual port call using voyage calculation software. Operators can use this software to simulate and compare impacts of various port rotations, cargo mixes, and vaessel speeds to determine options which offer best commercial value.
With too many ships and more coming, competition in the shipping industry has reached a critical level forcing smaller companies to merge with larger players to reduce competition or risk going out of business. Taking this fact into consideration, shipping software integration is not just a good option but a necessity in order for shipping companies to remain alive and profitable amid weakening global demand.
