THE CHALLENGES OF BULK BREAK CARGO & CMS AS THE SOLUTION
Since the globalisation of world trade and commerce one of the
most challenging tasks for shipping lines, port authorities and
stevedoring companies has been how to manage the
movement of bulk break cargo as it moves around the globe.
If cargo is not measured correctly then inaccuracies can lead to
incorrect billing, customer dissatisfaction and disputes. In turn
this can lead to loss of customers, loss of revenue and increases
in insurance and other premiums.
However, much worse than that, incorrect measurements can lead to accidents when loading and
unloading cargo. This can lead to delays in vessel departures, customer insurance claims and even in
extreme cases casualties and fatalities amongst personnel involved in the process.
Technology has helped in the globalisation of trade
throughout the world of shipping and transportation in
many ways. Information Technology has l helped in the
economies and the savings that have been made by
transportation organisations. It would therefore be natural
to assume that Bulk Break Cargo had enjoyed the benefits
of the developments in technology that other sectors now
take for granted. However, that has not been the case….
UNTIL NOW.
CMS – the Automated CARGO MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
Autotrakker Ltd is a UK-based company with a history of developing practical technological solutions
at the cutting edge that bring value-add to their customers in the Logistics industry
(See www.autotrakker.com). In early 2006 Antwerp Euro Terminal (AET) – part of the Grimaldi
Group invited Autotrakker Ltd. to undertake some Research and Development work for an
automated ‘Ro-Ro’ Bulk Break Cargo Measuring System.
Between 2006 and 2011, Autotrakker evaluated a number of
possible technologies which could be used to replace the
current manual mode of measuring such cargo. These
technologies including photographic capture and various types
of scanning technology before low-power laser scanning
technology was determined to offer the best solution.
After the final, successful, test in July2011 AET instructed
Autotrakker to commence with the full installation in Antwerp.
By design, CMS addresses the historical challenges of manual cargo measurement. CMS is designed
to offer its users an automated solution using cutting-edge technology to simplify the process and
deliver enhanced benefits to all parties involved.
CMS SUMMARY
The following key points summarise how CMS addresses the challenges associated with the manual
process:
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Cargo is driven into the measuring station area
Eye-safe Infrared Scanners automatically scan and measure the dimensions of the Cargo and
store it in the local database
A digital photograph may be taken and stored in the local database
The data image is displayed on the operator’s console
The operator may optionally edit the scan image to eliminate unwanted elements such as the
tractor and trailer
All captured data stored in the local database is available for further use e.g.
a) Linked to an automatic Loading and Costing system.
b) E-mailed to the client
Total time to scan and do the calculations for a 20m object will be just over 2 minutes.
BULK BREAK CARGO: KEY FACTORS: ACCURACY & SPEED
With the need to deliver accuracy and speed, CMS has been designed as follows:
 It takes a set of readings for each vertical slice.
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If any of the reading sets are beyond the error limits (because of dust or rain drops for
example) the readings are eliminated. Another set of readings can/should be taken.
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The target scanning speed was 3 minutes – overall 5 minutes including processing: CMS
Achieved 2 minutes
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The height, width and length measurements will be ± 25mm accurate
The way in which the scanners operate means that it is 99+% likely that the height will never be
underestimated with a scan. The height is always going to be the most accurate measurement and
as this is the most important measurement in the dealing with Bulk Break cargo it is a key factor in
why CMS can bring strategic benefits to the users of the solution.
THE BENEFITS OF CMS
Autotrakker believes that it is probably unique in its approach and the technology it uses to bring its
users the following benefits:
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More efficient manpower and improved management information
Accurate Measurements = less errors & increased revenue
System does not rely upon personal skills for accuracy of measurement
Guaranteed (Instant) repeatability of measurements
Backup calculations with both digital images and optional photo stored in the
database
Opportunity to automatically link to an external automated costing, accounting,
customer service system being run by the user.
Improved customer relations – digital evidence – less disputes