IT\\\


Maritime Transport, the UK’s largest privately owned container transport operator, has been using Fargo Systems’ TOPS (Transport Operations and Processing System) for ten years now and believes that the technology has allowed it to develop its business significantly. TOPS – described by Fargo “the


as complete transport


and logistics solution” – was designed to handle the full range of container and haulage operations, both full and part loads, offering users “complete management control”. Roughly 90% of Maritime’s


business now comes in via EDI and directly into TOPS from customers, forwarders and shipping lines’ own systems. TOPS also allows for a direct interface with Maritime’s


telematics, sending job details direct to the drivers in the cabs, who receive automated job updates, which are processed in real time into TOPS and by retrieving vehicle positioning data for use on the traffic sheet According to Tim Goddard, IT


director at Maritime Transport: “The decision to invest in this new ‘off the shelf’ technology was made to replace an outdated and inflexible system currently in operation and to equip the business for growth. From the outset, what was appealing about working


with Fargo Systems


was the team’s understanding of our business; a result of their logistics background, and their commitment to work with us and further develop their systems to meet our evolving needs.” He continues: “The size of our


operation today, which includes over 350 desktop users, 17 depots, 1,400 vehicles and 2,000 plus trailers, means it is vital that our IT systems maximise every piece of data.” Maritime’s own customers


also share the real-time information afforded by TOPS as it relates to the progress of their shipment. MTLTOPS Lite enables customers to make bookings and provides real-time management information and reports, as well as to retrieve PODs online. Further IT development


is planned. Believing that a ‘joined up’ approach is vital to success, Maritime intends to soon launch a fleet vendor web portal. Goddard explains: “It’s important that we don’t treat any aspect of our business in isolation. Our fleet and our


Is it time for small


ports and airports to think electronic?


On 1 May next year, the Union Customs Code (UCC) – adopted as EU Regulation 952/2013 of the European Council – is due to come into substantive effect - a change that could have ramifications for many UK port authorities and the operators


working intended through


those facilities. The UCC legislation is to


streamline


European procedures and “complete the shift by Customs to a paperless and fully electronic environment”. Indeed, from that date next year, all communications with Customs will have to be made via electronic data processing systems. The EU believes that “the use


of electronic data processing techniques and electronic systems will support the application of the UCC” and many of the larger gateways in the UK already maintain the necessary electronic inventory systems. These include those offered by Pentant, Cargo


Community Systems-UK (CCS), Maritime Cargo Processing (MCP) and Cargo Network Services (CNS) – that readily allow such communication, whether it be in the air or ocean freight environment. However, many of the UK’s smaller wharves and airports do not. HM Revenue & Customs –


which has long wanted to see the nation’s gateways move across


Customs data


to electronic filing of – has worked


with interested parties on a trial consultation of the impact of the changes. It has also approached smaller port facilities elsewhere to gauge their reaction to the change and how they expect to meet the challenge. Peter MacSwiney, chairman


of Middlesex-based provider of Customs clearance software to the international cargo supply chain Agency Sector Management (ASM), believes that while those smaller wharves that don’t have access to a community inventory


system may feel the investment would be uneconomic, he insists that the actual cost is likely to be fairly small. There


are plenty of non-


expensive options, considers MacSwiney – who, as well as ASM chairman, is also a member of the joint Customs Consultative Committee. Those options are both offered by the larger community service providers


(CSPs) or in the


form of other, simpler system alternatives. It shouldn’t be too difficult


for any operators, he argues, while also insisting that there should be some leeway from HMRC on next year’s cutover date for those operators who may struggle to meet the deadline. Moreover, switching to electronic data submissions and away from the reams of paper used by some smaller facilities for Customs filing will undoubtedly improve efficiency and have long-term benefits for all, MacSwiney points out.


Issue 2 2015 - Freight Business Journal


Fargo is TOPS for Maritime Transport


employees are assets and it’s vital that all are achieving their maximum potential. “An example of the integration


the new system will bring is when a driver reports a tyre blow out, the repair company will be notified immediately and will then receive instant approval to attend the breakdown and undertake the repair.


The


system will pre-advise the driver of the ETA of the repair van and simultaneously raise a purchase order for the repair company to invoice against,” he concludes. Meanwhile, Fargo is also


continuing to invest in improving the TOPS offering. Says general manager Steve Collins: “We are


constantly developing the TOPS platform and have scheduled six releases for 2015 (releasing a new product every other month). The product is developed to keep in line with, and ahead of, industry changes, requirements and technical innovations.” It is already used by 90 different customers in 16 countries, with a total of more than 1,200 users, he says. Fargo will have to continue


to invest if it wants to remain successful. In the IT world, standing still means you are going backwards. The industry will its


change, and Fargo and like will need to adapt


evolving requirements. Collins, for example, believes that we


39 to


will see more transparency in transport management solutions (TMS) and a new range of tools to connect the supply chain. Efficiency saving tools – where customers, suppliers and other interested parties can securely access information such as jobs, tracking, estimated times of arrival for customers and consignees, and fleet suppliers have the ability to use GPS information to assist with fleet checks or breakdowns – and more automated systems will allow users throughout the supply chain to readily process service and maintenance documents through a secure portal and directly into a back office TMS, he predicts.


Soſtware firm appoints new analyst


Logistics software experts, Fargo Systems has a new senior analyst, Dan Falvey. His role will be to help customers get the most out of FSL products and ensure that it has the resources available to work closely with users of products


such as TOPS (Transport Operations and Processing System). Felixstowe-based Fargo now has an estimated 70% share of the logistics software market for the container transport sector.


Views wanted on future of non- inventory ports and airports


BIFA is urging its members to take part in an HM Revenue & Customs consultation on what do do about ports and airports that have no computerised inventory system from June next year. In an article in its magazine,


BIFAlink, the association says that, from 1 June 2016, the EU’s new Union Customs Code (UCC) will require all communications


with customs to be made electronically, which could pose a problem for smaller gateways that have not introduced such systems. BIFA has already worked with


HMRC on a trial consultation in the Humber region, where it was found that opinion was divided on the issue. The consultation runs until


31 March. BIFA stresses that it is important to read the information paper - CIP (14) 90 - and the accompanying consultation document first: www.gov.uk/government/


uploads/sys tem/uploads/ attachment_data/file/389430/ Non-inventory_linked_ports_ and_airports_consultation_doc. pdf


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