Modern container terminals represent a tough test field for any kind of innovation; with their unique mix of hardware and software, heavy equipment and sophisticated integrated management systems, which often pose serious challenges to the original equipment manufacturer and suppliers, due to the fast-paced activities, narrow margins for errors and tough operating environment.
This has certainly been the case for Cagliari International Container Terminal (CICT). Back in 2015, CICT trusted the rugged Toughpad FZ-M1 tablet produced by Panasonic to overcome the challenges. The Toughpad is being used as the essential tool to equip vehicles and key equipment.
It is a reliable device for quay and yard operators, capable of performing multiple tasks for the operators carrying out loading and unloading, as well as controlling and maintaining operations.
The core business of CICT consists of transferring the containers from mother vessels, deployed in the main overseas routes, to smaller feeder vessels, connecting the Mediterranean Sea regional ports.
Operating within a very competitive environment, CICT sees customer satisfaction as one of its main business goals. CICT works toward fast and efficient loading and unloading operations at all times as well as maintaining the capability to react quickly and effectively to unexpected events and operational challenges.
In the terminal, many different vehicles operate together, continuously, to move the containers: from ship to shore quay cranes and rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGs), to reach stackers and multi-trailers, all operations move according to a precise scheme, following rigid instructions that identify the right box to be moved, its current position and its next destination.
To be able to manage the workflow efficiently, each vehicle must receive real-time information, providing operators with full visibility on the operations they carry out.
To achieve this result by offering an easy access to all the needed information to the drivers and the other operators involved, Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1s have been mounted in the vehicle cabins and provided to ground operators such as checkers, who will verify vessel unloading and loading operations.
After a long test-phase organised to prove the Toughpad resistance to bad weather, direct sunlight and potential accidental falls, CICT chose the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-M1 7" tablets.
"The Panasonic solution allowed us to obtain the best performance and utmost versatility – " explains Alessandro Barrocu, the IT manager of CICT –
"The product is suitable for different uses and for all vehicles operating in the terminal. This allowed us to rely on one single solution, with no differentiation, to simplify the management of the devices in the production cycle."
In addition to the product's quality, Alessandro said he and his team appreciated the high level of customer care offered by Panasonic.
"During the long-lasting field tests, we already had the chance to establish a direct relationship with the company, aimed to rapidly solve any possible problems. The devices had never been used in this kind of environment, and on some occasions, we asked Panasonic to help us to solve problems such as the heavy vibrations on the vehicles. This proved that Panasonic was a reliable partner.”
CICT introduced the Panasonic devices in the operation in March 2016 and completed the full replacement with over 100 devices in early 2017.
