This deployment scenario describes how a marine multipurpose terminal operator can use ARL Berthing Planner to make planning faster and more efficient.

Multipurpose terminal is a marine facility, where vessels of multiple types are serviced; cargo is loaded to and discharged from vessels, using different means depending on the vessel type. The cargo is transferred to or from the shore storage facilities or barges. Busy multipurpose terminal with a long quay side operates around the clock. The staff has to change plans according to vessel schedules changes, agreements with vessel operators, and their own technical procedures and limitations

Once Berthing Planner tool is properly configured the planning process runs in WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) interface with a drag-and-drop mode. The easiest way to plan is to use fully automated mode, where all berthing positions are set with operator's single click. In the semi-automated mode operator locks certain vessels in place and lets Berthing Planner position the remaining vessels automatically.

Supporting Multipurpose Terminals. The tool distributes all vessels respecting all known constraints. For example, vessel types are known when ETA/ETDs are imported, so arriving vessels are placed depending on handling gear they need and storage constraints. In manual mode constraints are also taken care of. When operator moves any vessel in time or along the berth, valid placement is highlighted in green and invalid in red color.

Managing Sea Side and Berth Constraints. Berth configuration is saved in Berthing Planner setup with all characteristics such as berth names, draught, bollards, tides, and more. Sea Side Constraints feature visually displays the draught available for all vessels within the planning horizon. Berth Constraints feature shows all berth or handling gear under repair areas as "berth unavailable zones" both in time and space. Whenever automated re-planning takes place or the operator makes changes manually, Berth planner checks all the constraints automatically.

Re-planning when ETA/ETD changes. The Berthing Planner imports vessels schedules from existing data sources, e.g. a port information system, via a neutral XML or CSV file interface. All schedule changes are automatically read by the Berthing Planner and the berthing plan is refreshed every time operator makes changes manually or using full automation mode. Multiple berthing scenarios can be also evaluated in parallel.

Handling Gear Planning. The Quay Crane planner add-on manages allocation of berth or barge mounted handling gear, with limited or unlimited mobility within the berth. The Quay Crane Berthing Planner add-on assigns cranes to individual vessels in visual mode. The tool keeps track of assigned gear and only offers to assign gear which is not assigned to other vessels yet. Operator generates a handling gear assignment report for a specified time period, and distributes the report to his colleagues by email.

Planning Terminal Resources. The Resource Planner Add-on has a set of pre-defined multipurpose terminal resource types as well as some generic resource types, ready for use. The pre-defined resources are easily extended by the operator. Terminal resource types include cranes, ramps, gangways, stevedores, security officers, tugs, bunkers barges, inspectors and customs officers. The resources are visually assigned to vessels or organized in pre-set shifts. Resource assignment reports are distributed to stakeholders or exported in XML-format for detailed resource planning in an external system, for instance an LMS.

ARL Berthing Planner supports operations of a multipurpose terminal operator in the berthing and resources planning process. It allows the operator to:

• automate the planning process,
• optimize time and resources utilization for the port stay,
• evaluate multiple berthing scenarios when resources are limited,
• exchange data with other people and IT systems without retyping.

Many names, all the same?

The variations of names reflect the partly technical, commercial and service packaging being part of the offering. Some of ARL's arl-shipping.com solutions are offered from the principle that the transport provider doesn't have to think of technical issues; there are no investments -only usage fees- and the solutions are serviced by ARL and their partners' IT professionals.

This means that it is easy and fast to get started, and that the costs can be directly related to the business benefits provided.

ARL's approach is to partner with a professional and recognized hosting partner already having the required physical infrastructure for hosting established, complement with change management and professional services by its own capable resources, and let the pricing reflect that many customers use the same solutions and thereby can share the costs.

A personal computer might be powered by Intel, even it is produced and marketed as Dell, Lenovo or HP. Powered by signifies that the 'engine inside' -in the case of the personal company, a central processor- is provided by a trustworthy engine supplier, who specialises in the engine and not in the final product. A powered-by-provider is an 'enabling provider', not a provider of the final product.

ARL's e-Yield, e-Book, e-Quote and e-Schedule are 'powered by' solutions, which allow a transport provider to focus on the transportation product and let ARL provide the IT-engine. This is technically done by integrating the ARL solution into the transport providers own website.

See how this is done here.