From tomorrow, ACFS e-Depot Port Botany will introduce Optical Camera Recognition (OCR) and License Plate Recognition (LPR), along with CAMCO Technology Gate entry processing for trucks.
These improvements, according to ACFS, will have a positive effect on industry by bringing increased security and promoting faster truck turnaround times during a period of ongoing volatility.
The company anticipates turnaround times will be reduced by as much as 30 per cent, which in turn should further reduce vehicle idling and with that heavy vehicle emissions.
The camera technology will scan and read the truck registration on arrival and match it against a valid slot booking while the CAMCO screen will confirm the job and issue the driver with a ticket indicating the depot location for drop-off or pick up of containers.
This development comes at a time where severe delays are being met at every key milestone of a container movement.
“The new technology introduction by ACFS will assist in getting trucks processed more efficiently, having the truck back on the road for its next job in a timely manner,” the company said in a statement online.
“ACFS prides itself on being at the forefront of the latest industry technological enhancements.”
Automation in truck processing in port logistics appears to be fast gathering speed.
Last year in Burnie and Hobart, Monson Logistics completed major upgrades across its sites with the installation of facial recognition scanners.
Two-factor authentication of people movements in and out of the depots was a recommendation by a taskforce created by Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to ensure greater security compliance.
“With the newly redeveloped 7.04 hectare Empty Container Depot, this most recent project implemented is another jewel in our ‘Better Way’ program list of initiatives and investment,” said ACFS.
“ACFS will continue to invest to ensure best in class service facilities, that provide the best possible service to both Shipping Lines and Transport Operators, ensuring efficiencies are being shared with all.”
A backlog of some 44,000 containers is expected to take months to clear as industrial action brought by the Maritime Union of Australia against DP World continues.