ABP strengthens digitization efforts with advanced cargo management system at Newport port

ABP strengthens digitization efforts with advanced cargo management system at Newport port

(IN BRIEF) Associated British Ports has successfully implemented a new Terminal Operating System (TOS) at its port in Newport, South Wales. The TOS, called CommTrac v4 and supplied by TBA, is designed to manage AgriBulk operations and streamline supply chain operations across ABP’s non-containerised cargo management network. This is the fifth deployment of the system across ABP’s port network, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to digitize its operations and provide better visibility and efficiency for its customers. The system offers improved data recording and real-time optimisation for managing stock levels and delivery orders, as well as a record of vessel details and manifest data.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 15-Feb-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The UK’s leading and best-connected port owner and operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), has announced the successful deployment of CommTrac v4, a new Terminal Operating System (TOS), at its port in Newport, South Wales. This new system, supplied by TBA, is set to streamline the management of AgriBulk operations at ABP’s second-largest bulk handling port in their Wales and Short Sea Ports region.

The CommTrac v4 TOS has been deployed to improve the digitisation of supply chains through ABP ports across all cargo types, offering benefits of visibility and efficiency for both ABP and its customers through advanced operational data recording and real-time optimisation of non-containerised cargo management.

This new deployment in Newport marks the fifth implementation of the CommTrac v4 system across the ABP network, having previously been launched at Teignmouth, Hull (two terminals) and King’s Lynn.

The introduction of this system will bring several capabilities to the future operations of the port, including:

• Recording vessel details, berthing location, and date/time information
• Creating manifest data in the CommTrac v4 system
• Generating clearly formatted and highly detailed collection tickets for customers and receivers
• Creating reports with significantly less time and richer detail than previously
• Viewing current/future Delivery Orders for improved turnaround time with collections
• Bringing previous haulier details/DO Details/Stock Allocation onto booking out screen to reduce turnaround time for collections
• Recording an accurate stock hold for each customer and location on the port estate
• Providing information to customers on stock level with a greater degree of accuracy and confidence
• Improving quality assurance when assembling discharge orders and automatic stock-control updates
• Increasing visibility of commodity dwell time on the port and evidencing billing events
• Capturing ‘operational events’ such as recording asset breakdowns, weather events, and ops teams breaks
• Improving the ability to measure operational KPIs and evidence effects of continuous operational improvement initiatives.

Tom Batchelor, Head of Operations at ABP’s Port of Newport said:

“ABP is committed making ongoing and significant investment to ensure ABP’s customers benefit from the most efficient port operations – across all of our ports, and whatever the cargo.

“The latest rollout of CommTrac V4 at ABP’s Port of Newport highlights how ABP is working hard to deliver this.  Since 2019, ABP has invested approximately 50 million in its infrastructure, digitalisation and sustainability measures in Wales alone, and our customers and hauliers at Newport have already given us positive feedback on the new system and reports.

We look forward to building on the system to improve bulk handling going forward.”

The successful deployment of CommTrac V4 at ABP Newport was achieved thanks to the strong partnership and comprehensive framework agreement between ABP and TBA Group.

David Trueman, Managing Director of TBA Group said:

“The powerful alliance between ABP and TBA Group has enabled us to seamlessly collaborate and establish a sturdy framework agreement that fully aligns with ABP’s goal of delivering CommTrac to their bulk cargo terminals. With the successful deployment of CommTrac in five ABP terminals, we continue to fine-tune the system, resulting in increased value and reduced lead times. ABP’s vision to standardise operational processes is fully supported by the versatile CommTrac solution.”

The successful rollout of this new system in Newport will ensure that ABP continues to deliver efficient and effective cargo management solutions to its customers while maintaining a commitment to digitising the operations of supply chains throughout the ABP network.

Media contacts:

Tim Morris
Head of Corporate Communications
tim.morris@abports.co.uk
Mob: +44 (0)7850 501 903

Pressiana Naydenova
Corporate Communications Manager
pressiana.naydenova@abports.co.uk
07702900830

SOURCE: Associated British Ports