By Christophe Reynaud,  Innovation Manager

 

 

 

 

Data science to capitalise on operational data

A next-generation CCS like Ci5 must constantly offer better ways to use shared data. This is where data science comes in. Its role is to extract knowledge from the mass of available data. Here are some ways it is used in Ci5:

• Query forms are now available for port professionals, who can now carry out highly advanced searches to generate statistics. The functional, architectural and technological choices made in building Ci5 ensure high-performance query functions that output relevant results, which can be downloaded and processed by users.
• Similarly, the billing module gives instant access to relevant data, with a chart to display the distribution of billing units.

These two innovations provide even more efficient information to help operators in decision-making and optimise their financial flows by giving them a better vision of their receivables.

Ci5 Mobile – closer to your operations

Another technological advance was the introduction of a Mobility module that can be accessed by all users for the usual functions, particularly tracking, but also specifically by road hauliers. Haulage companies and their drivers are the first to know information affecting port transit, like booking/container or container/seal number combinations. With the Ci5 mobile app, drivers can input container and seal numbers earlier in the process, significantly reducing the time required to transmit information to prepare for cargo arrival, and making port transit smoother and more reliable. The mobile application also records when a transport operator crosses the port gate, to determine the waiting time. This data is key to helping optimise drivers’ rounds.

Blockchain to secure data exchange

Ci5 has already incorporated blockchain technology into its processes, in a simple solution with two uses:

• The first consists of directly integrating blockchain components into the architecture so that all statuses generated by Ci5 (movement reports or releases) are saved and secured in a consortium blockchain whose members are port community professionals and Ci5 users. Thanks to its open and scalable architecture, Ci5 implemented blockchain technology with no major modifications.

 

• Secondly, blockchain is used to certify documents via an external provider that uses a public blockchain. Documents from Ci5 or other sources use verified data to optimise inland logistics operations and facilitate document flow management, especially for more complex intermodal operations.

 

Ci5 is constantly changing and innovating, with the support of its customers, users and partners to make port communities even more efficient and competitive. New features are already in the pipeline. Watch this space!