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ESC offers software and services to automate
intermodal operations by integrating cargo handling and providing
visibility across the supply chain, both within and outside
the terminal. Terminal operations management systems plan
the yard, manage the loading of outbound trailers and containers,
forecast chassis requirements and supplies, monitor chassis
inventories, and track all equipment. Windows- or text-based
Wireless RDT (Radio Data Terminal) applications integrate
on-the-ground changes into the system.
Terminal operating system software is
complemented by ESC's Web-based visibility tools (VoyagerTrack
and webTAMS), Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS),
and wireless local area networks (WLANS) to report on the
exact position of equipment and provide real-time communication
for the terminal community. Outside the terminal, ESC also
provides cargo visibility at any event using real-time Web
access tools. With automated intermodal solutions from ESC,
terminals improve yield management by increasing terminal
and yard efficiency, reducing operational costs, improving
throughput, and elevating levels customer service.
The Challenge
Automating the transfer of containers between ocean, rail
and motor carriers at the port has become increasingly complex
with the evolution of inland networks. Steamship lines in
the past loaded on-dock cargo to two or three destinations.
Now, the same on-dock operation may load cargo bound for dozens
of different destinations.
With nearly 11 million rail intermodal traffic
moves in 2002, terminals are challenged to provide a secure
environment for the seamless transfer of freight while reducing
dwell times on ramps. Terminals require a software solution
that manages all of the logistics complexities at the point
of origin. Efficiently loading railcars reduces expensive
and time-consuming rail switching. Effective motor carrier
planning improves throughput and reduces gate congestion.
Better visibility along the supply chain offers terminal operators
greater confidence in making deliveries on time.
What ESC Offers
ESC offers intermodal management solutions
including operational and visibility tools to plan, load, and
track containers.
System Integration
ESC services allow intermodal terminals to streamline gate
processing operations. ESC provides proven technology that
seamlessly integrates with intermodal customers' back end
systems, including:
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
- Access Control
- License Plate Readers
- RFID
- GPS
- Smart Camera Technologies
Gate Systems
ESC offers smartGATE™ providing centralized, remote processing of gate transactions for intermodal facilities, resulting in improved productivity, fewer lost time injuries and better security. smartGATE includes hardware and software to propel your existing terminal systems into the future with the newest in electronic data collection and validation technologies. A key module of smartGATE is Intelligent Camera, an engineering innovation for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) that provides new efficiencies and accuracy at the terminal.
ESC's Web-based visibility applications
VoyagerTrack and webTAMS-allow intermodal customers, motor
carriers and other transportation community stakeholders access
to secure real-time critical information and notifications.
With VoyagerTrack and webTAMS, container transportation communities
have the ability to check container availability, schedule
appointments for pickup and delivery, and make on-line demurrage
payments.
Rail Planning with CATOS
The CATOS application, a software product of
ESC's partner Total Soft Bank, offers automated and dynamic
rail planning, yet provides a high level of flexibility for
incorporating manual adjustments. The CATOS Rail Planning
module manages container reservations, rail loading based
on blocks and on-dock loading, all with the objective of building
each train to maximum efficiency. Import and export rail loads
are efficiently planned as to reduce the lifts required by
an on-dock rail marine operation. Just as with CATOS yard
and vessel applications, Rail Planning interacts with wireless
RDTs (Radio Data Terminals). The application supports various
types of container recognition for gate-in and reefer container
control.
Custom Development
Most terminals require some degree of customization when implementing
a new or upgrading their current intermodal systems. Development
teams within ESC's Software Solutions group collaborate with
our terminal clients to both analyze their requirements and
deploy the most effective automated intermodal solution for
their business.
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