Destin8 has eight product advantages
Better utilisation of plant and equipment
The port and its customers benefit in this respect. Data relating to cargo being received can be transferred electronically and in advance, so the port is better able to allocate the appropriate resources. The certainty of availability of the shipping lines' containers and trailers means that they are similarly able to plan for the re-use of that equipment.
Less dwell time
The whole community is able to take advantage of the fact that consignments are available for collection much more quickly. Status information, such as notification of discharge from the vessel or release by Government agencies, is made available to all interested parties immediately and electronically. This allows the logistics operation to be properly planned and results in the true application of the just in time philosophy by importers. A similar situation applies to exports. Information necessary to allow authority to load to be granted can be distributed in advance of the cargo arriving at the port; this enables deliveries of exports to take place much closer to the time of sailing of the vessel.
Reduce paperwork
This has long been the aim of Electronic Data Interchange and Destin8 provides for the elimination of a large number of documents relating to the movement of goods. A whole range of documents has been replaced by electronic messages, right though from the original import manifest to notification of delivery from the port, and from initial export booking instruction to notification of consignment shipped.
Speed up cargo information flow
As soon as an event takes place, immediate notification of that event is passed to any user having an interest in the consignment. This takes place in real time and without the need to make enquiries. This can be either an operational or an administrative activity, but the end result is that because the information flows quickly and directly to the places it is needed, this allows cargo to be moved much more quickly.
Simplify planning
This is closely linked to equipment utilisation advantages. Information which is required for advanced ship or yard planning can be passed from computer to computer, via Destin8, so that it is readily available for the relevant departments. This applies for imports and exports, but is also extremely important for transhipment traffic, where co-ordination of ship-side and shore-side operations is vital in order to complete the transfer of cargo between vessels efficiently.
Reduce errors
This has always been held up as one of the the main advantages of Electronic Data Interchange. Destin8, through the provision of data exchange facilities, covering every aspect of cargo movement and control for all sectors of the port community, makes it a reality. The numerous checks and balances which take place during the transport cycle also ensures that, where errors are made, they are identified and rectified quickly and without causing a delay.
Trade facilitation
During the implementation of Destin8, the company works closely with the various sectors of the port, including regulatory bodies such as Customs. The services provided by the system enables paperless trading in the port environment, and allows its users and their partners in the trading chain to take advantage of simplifications in procedures which would otherwise not be so readily available. Being free from administrative constraints, companies can concentrate on their business activities and thus trading becomes a much easier process.
Demonstrable cost benefits
The costs involved in the trading and transportation of goods has been well documented. Destin8 provides functions which lead to a reduction of paperwork and the use of system to system transfer of data. Perhaps just as important, it provides services which allow and encourage information to be exchanged in advance. All of this means that resources can be used more efficiently and effectively. This clearly demonstrates that cost benefits accrue to all those involved in the trade and transport environment.
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