PD Ports amends .indd
Transcription
PD Ports amends .indd
PD Ports transforms operations using Honeywell Mobile Computers PD Ports have deployed Honeywell’s Thor VM1 vehicle mounted mobile computers and MX9 handheld devices to improve workflows and productivity. Key to the success of the project was the integration of these devices with the new Navis Terminal Operating System introduced at Teesport to give improved visibility of goods and operations. The terminals have proven rugged, reliable and easy to use. The Thor was also able to overcome problems PD Ports had previously been experiencing with loss of connection to the Terminal Operating System. In the past, PD Ports would lose connection to the Terminal Operating System when they moved a tug or computer Overview: outside of their own Wi-Fi coverage. The Honeywell Thor allows Client: PD Ports them to switch seamlessly between Wi-Fi and 3G hence keeping the Country: United Kingdom connection constant with the Navis software. This provides visibility at all times of each tug or trailer within its business processes, Market: Ports whether they are actually on a PD Ports site covered by Wi-Fi or Product Solutions: Thor ™ VM1 Vehicle-Mount Computer & MX9 on a third-party site covered by 3G. Honeywell partner Renovotec Partner: Renovotec installed Netmotion software on the Thor’s and MX9’s to provide this robust and complete solution. Company Profile The Business Challenge Owned by Canadian global asset manager Brookfield, PD Ports PD Ports has undertaken major redevelopment of its port facilities is a ports and logistics business operating throughout the UK with to provide additional handling capacity and to accommodate and a strong presence across the North East and the Humber estuary sustain the growth achieved by its portcentric business model. This region. It owns and operates the ports of Teesport and Hartlepool involved investment in new storage and handling facilities as well and employs over 1,200 people in port services and logistics. as new IT infrastructure and the Navis Terminal Operating System. PD Ports’ portcentric business model and logistics concept has Its existing mobile computers could not support the upgrade, so been a major driver behind its recent growth. Its ability to offer the company approached a number of vendors looking for suitable customers a full logistics solution focused around port-based touchscreen replacements. importation and exportation facilities has helped it to attract business Previously, PD Ports had experienced a particular problem with from major retailers including Asda and Tesco. mobile devices losing connection to the terminal operating system while moving from Wi-Fi to a 3G connection as vehicles moved around the port. It was therefore vital that any new solution was able to address this problem. The Solution After evaluating a number of alternatives, PD Ports purchased Honeywell’s Thor VM1 vehicle mounted computers and MX9 handheld mobile devices, which are now used by operatives to guide them through work routines while communicating continuously with the Terminal Operating System. The port’s gantry crane operators unload containers from docked ships and place them on tug vehicles, which in turn then take them to trailers, storage facilities or nearby distribution centres. Honeywell partner Renovotec installed Netmotion software on the mobile devices for a seamless handover between Wi-Fi and 3G radio connections. Benefits: Summary Since installation the Honeywell mobile computers have proven to be a rugged and reliable upgrade. Easy-to-use touchscreen operation allows operatives to follow workflows quickly and accurately with a PD Ports’ reasons for choosing Honeywell’s Thor VM1 and MX9 included: • Productivity and customer service levels increased by fast and easy minimal number of screen touches or keypad strokes. operation “The Honeywell equipment has made us more efficient as it is touchscreen,” says Gemma Holmes of PD Ports unitised • Substantially minimised errors management division. “Our operators can get through the work • Operations completed with minimal number of screen touches or queues quicker, meaning the flow of units out of the terminal remains high, keeping our productivity levels high and ensuring good customer service.” “Honeywell devices are very easy to work with. It prevents operational delays that occur due to incorrect data entry or confusion.“ explains keypad strokes • Reduced training time for new users • Successful handover between Wi-Fi and 3G connections • Leveraging of existing RF network for voice application Andrew Oxby, PD Ports’ general manager. “One of the other benefits is that it speeds up the training process, because it is such a simple user-friendly piece of equipment.” This is confirmed by operator Scott Clements who says: “Many of the functions that we require in day-to-day working only require one or two presses of a key or the screen. For more information: www.honeywellaidc.com Honeywell Scanning & Mobility Nijverheidsweg 9-13 5627BT Eindhoven The Netherlands +31 40 2901 600 www.honeywell.com © 2013 Honeywell International Inc.