PORT INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR CARGO HAULAGE AND FOR THE ORGANISATION OF CARGO HANDLING RESOURCES

Research and Technical Bulletin No. 4 (November 1968) contained a summary of Elliot Automation Space and Advanced Military Systems report Cargo Management in the 1970s, describing a proposed computer-based information system for cargo-handling in large ports. The proposal was named the Compound System since it called for the combination of information from the individual organisations concerned. In essence, the system consists of a central data bank, containing detailed information on all consignments passing through the port, from which all those concerned can draw their individual data requirements. In subsequent work EASAMS developed a number of specific designs for such a system which varied in cost and complexity, and concentrated on different aspects of the cargo information network. When these designs came to be assessed more closely it became apparent that even the least complex design was rather too advanced to gain acceptance as a whole, and that a step-by-step implementation would be preferable. Accordingly a working party was set up in 1969 to define select areas of the Compound System which would be capable of independent development and implementation and which would prove useful in assisting port managements and users now, and could later be assimilated into a Compound System proper. The important criteria employed in choosing these areas were feasibility, profitability and the capture of useful data early in the transport chain. This article describes one area chosen for development and outlines plans for the detailed design work which will be directed by the Councils Research Division. The chosen area has been divided into three sections as follows: (1) Vehicle Booking Schemes, (2) Vehicle loading and unloading resources, and (3) Import-haulier introductions.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Ports Council

  17 North Audley Street
  London W1Y 1WE,   England 
• Publication Date: 1970-8

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 325-328
• Serial:
  • Research and Technical Bulletin
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: National Ports Council

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cargo handling; Delivery service; Freight documents; Highway traffic control; Information systems; Port operations
• Old TRIS Terms: Cargo delivery; Cargo receiving
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00007596
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 29 1974 12:00AM