Holding a poised stance during the global economic crisis will most likely be one of, if not the most, difficult hurdle industry stakeholders may ever encounter. As a result, cloud solutions, along with an array of other technologies, have presented grappling businesses with an opportunity to continue operating and develop some form of control over the operations – a rarity these days. Given the quick pace of change in combination with a lack of cloud expertise, experiencing cybersecurity threats and migration delays occur as a strong likelihood. The number of ports and terminals turning to cloud strategies has risen, but in an act to quickly alleviate the impacts of the virus, a rushed job can create more harm than good.

A lack of proper training and cloud security talent highlights the skills gap between cloud service IT professionals and general IT skills inherent in companies. The general approach is to manage all hardware and resources independently, and hence, opt for Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) to run their relevant Software-as-a-service (SaaS). Consequently, businesses have a dual responsibility to manage and maintain both services, overcomplicating their countermeasure. Instead, companies simply should be operating purely as a SaaS to develop and leave system infrastructure maintenance to the cloud provider’s cloud specialists. Therefore, with workloads streamlined, operational expenses inevitably decrease, respectively.

Undoubtedly, the global crisis has accelerated technological acceptance, even in the most conservative industries. However, some are still not ready to fully embrace and entrust in what native-cloud systems have to offer. A common misconception reveals companies making projects more complicated than needed and without the correct pool of expertise, creates a system vulnerable to many threats. Traditional IT security skills are vital, but not sufficient to battle data breaches in real-time.

Furthermore, the cloud talent gap inflicts a costly outcome as it is more likely to delay cloud migrations by two years or even more. Consequently, expenses increase, which completely contradicts what cloud-native applications have to offer. Another alarming figure reflected in Gartner’s analysis, predicts through 2023, 99% of cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault. It is a massive wake-up call; a warning that timeliness goes hand in hand with responsibility.

Although it is a substantial move forward in both the digital and business landscape, many things can go wrong with deploying strategies at high speeds. Security threats, data breaches, and expenses exceeding planned budgets would be a direct result of poor planning compromising diligence. Therefore, avoiding project failures require executives to determine the business requirements and filter out what is not needed. Simply put, the lesson to cultivate is to plan, research, evaluate, and re-evaluate.

RBS enters the new year with a milestone marking our 30th anniversary in operation. Since founded in 1991, we have been humbled by the many valuable opportunities that allow us to connect with fantastic operators and container terminals across the globe.

We have also witnessed a great deal of change in the last three decades since the industry has endured several technology landscapes shifts, fluctuating economies, and evolving standards. Being present and involved in these changes attribute to our expanding knowledge as we are inspired to innovate further and strengthen our partnerships. As a result, RBS has developed unique products over the years, which offer a holistic solution driving innovation and efficiency for our clients. Rolling out the first real-time TOS on the market, achieving powerful automation tools, and followed by developing the first true cloud TOS are few of the most noteworthy achievements over the years.

Our achievements reflect the dedicated efforts of our founder, Harry Nguyen, and developers which continue to push boundaries and nurture ideas that facilitate, streamline, and develop better prospects for our clients. As a company, we have learned a great deal and are devoted to cultivating RBS’s vision of offering guidance that prepares terminal operators alike for uncertainty and a better future.

We thank all our clients for their loyal support and choosing us as your TOS provider – it would not have been possible without you!

The world has endured a series of disruptive events, and the pandemic has taught valuable lessons that warrant permanent changes in the business landscape. Powerful technologies like cloud applications have become one of the most prominent forces driving business continuity which enable remote work and e-commerce. 

Active approaches regarding the nature of cloud applications driving business continuity have taken an uprise – instilling a glimmer of hope and confidence in the uncertain economy. Employing a Terminal Operating System (TOS) which inherits pure cloud characteristics, has made large-scale remote work possible. As a result, virtual environments have fended off staff layoffs and even help employees cut on expenses typically invested in commuting, laundry, eating out etc. Native-cloud applications award a dual benefit for employers as well, as they can continue to commit and secure supply chains. However, working from home, let alone, adopting a true cloud TOS is still a very new concept in the maritime and container industry. Aside from the most obvious advantage of a true cloud TOS offering work from anywhere at any time, it has fueled business survival by highlighting new and more efficient routes to working. 

Cloud computing has taken prevalence in most sectors as companies across the globe leverage its capabilities to navigate through uncharted waters and progress forward. A breakdown of ways it has developed a better alternative for conducting business involves:

• Shortening the project lifecycle

The timeframe of business remodelling from initiation stages to closure typically concludes over six to eight months. However, given the pandemic enforcing several challenges upon businesses, COVID-19 proved enterprises can pivot with accelerated speeds and adapt to changes over just a matter of weeks. It has challenged numerous leaders to re-evaluate their workflows and think about the speed of adjustment to save on their project budget.

Businesses with established cloud infrastructures supporting a smaller scale of remote work were able to transition into a larger scale with more ease compared to companies which lacked the facilities to accommodate the unprecedented changes. As a result, there is a more substantial focus on automating processes and inducing agility in processes by going cloud. 

• Communication

Accessing data in real-time is equally vital as maintaining information flow between all layers of management. Operational transparency and visibility go hand in hand with communication. Cloud tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have emerged to facilitate meetings and conferences in a period where face-to-face interaction is considered dangerous. In a bid to move forward and ensure communication channels strengthen operational visibility, terminal executives need to employ software infrastructures that are purely in the cloud.

• Learning to predict the future

An established cloud infrastructure presents a foundation for proactivity – a massive benefactor in this rapidly changing environment. If manufacturers, ports, and terminals alike knew about shortages in PPE and spike in blanked sailings, would they have increased production in advance to meet demands? Operating on the cloud can offer powerful benefits due to its ability to process external data such as news feeds from multiple countries and analyse trends on a real-time basis. Pure real-time data will facilitate a dynamic response to significant events in the future and overall better decision-making.

• Facilitating long-term outcomes

Thousands of businesses that once relied on direct face-to-face sales or methods of operating have now invested in building a cloud platform. Realizing the advantages of working from home and extending reach to a worldwide audience has convinced industries to evolve into e-commerce businesses. As a result of employing cloud-native applications to power e-commerce and typical operations, it will help drive a significant rate of sales going forward. The container handling industry and maritime industry have experienced a considerable reformation in the past few months as evaluative factors now prioritize agility, cost-efficiency, environmentally sustainable, responsive to change, etc.

The world has experienced the highest level of change since the global economic crisis. At the same time, resilience and perseverance performed in the initial stages of the crisis played a tribute to the quality of the organization. So far, we have seen businesses achieve incredible outcomes, reinforced in their ability to adopt innovative technologies quickly, and leverage its power.

A key takeaway of staying viable in this continually changing environment requires businesses practising agility and being swift when reacting to unanticipated circumstances. Therefore, having the cloud foundation as a platform of stability builds confidence in the ability that we will have to continue to meet challenges, now and in the future.

The likelihood of returning to former business practices grows more elusive as the pandemic proceeds to strain consumer behaviour. At least until a vaccine develops, online commerce will subsist as one of the most significant drivers of the global economy. Meanwhile, business models which rely on offering services must proactively adapt to changing markets and new government regulations. As a result, many affected industry stakeholders have converged with innovative technologies like cloud solutions.

Service-oriented businesses bear the most impact due to the nature of operations which cannot transform into a digital workspace. Consequently, the ongoing crisis exposes deep flaws embedded in rigid system infrastructures which require reconfiguring to ensure business continuity. Supply chain visibility and operational transparency have crumbled at the weight of the pandemic, creating congestion and bottlenecks at a rate unforeseen. Consequently, ports and terminals operating under an inflexible Terminal Operating System (TOS) may have encountered warehouse clogs, disorderly truck management, limited yard space, and exhausted more resources than anticipated. Therefore, a new mindset embracing technologies is critical for this day and age, especially moving forward.

During this unprecedented period, cloud solutions combined with the internet have proven to be the most exceptional facilitator, allowing both operations and individuals to continue communicating and working. Video conferencing, as well as collaboration tools, have paved a new avenue which may transcend well into the future and become standard business practices to save on resources and free up capital spent on travel. Two-thirds of respondents participating in Deloitte 2020 survey, continued working during the peak of the pandemic due to IT infrastructures supporting a virtual workforce. Similarly, expenses usually invested in commuting, clothes, and dry cleaning dramatically reduced, which built an employee appetite to proceed to work from home. Therefore, a TOS operating purely in the cloud can add substantial value and flexibility that is necessary for unpredictable times.

Cloud technology is also taking industry prevalence for increasing visibility within global supply chains. Economies spanning across nations are at risk of collapse amidst this pandemic, particularly with ports and terminals operating manually. Autonomy has been highly encouraged by governments to strengthen information and communication flow which has highlighted the cost-benefit and opportunistic functionality offered with a true cloud TOS. Information and communication are core business components and implementing a system governed on a cloud architecture will grant operators the flexibility to work from anywhere at any time, adhering to recent physical distancing restrictions on-premises.

All industry experts in the supply chain have been enduring significant hardship in this time of ordeal. However, this period has warranted many valuable lessons that will only drive resiliency and strengthen strategic plans. It is also crucial to note that given the crisis, the available pool of resources has depleted to meet the new level of demands, forcing ports and terminals to cultivate or make further adjustments to their strategy that will drive optimum performance.

Given the current and unprecedented circumstances, ports and terminals are struggling with lessened cargo flow and the reduced size of personnel. In response, the industry has investigated the potential of Cloud TOS and automation. 

A cloud environment that can support TOS users working from home without compromising security has taken a more profound interest. Strict quarantine social distancing measures have compelled port and terminal executives to realize this digital transformation previously dismissed. Similarly, automated CHEs will rise in the upcoming years to reduce costs and errors while maximizing return on investment. Therefore, we can anticipate a positive outlook on advancing technology as port and terminals become accepting of the Cloud TOS combined with automation.

COVID-19 has taught nations across the globe valuable lessons. Countries at the frontline have tested their strategies while others trailing behind have learned from their leads and refined their approach to obstruct the same mistakes from occurring. The one priority that remains unanimous in every country’s decision is protecting the health and well-being of individuals. With many isolated at home, port and terminal operations are at a standstill. As a result, Cloud TOS solutions are true testaments reminding the economy it can still operate despite the events of COVID-19 shackling industries.

Given the infectious nature of the virus, Cloud TOS’ offering flexibility to work from anywhere is no longer a novel idea. Terminal operators could consider it as a viable alternative to contain the spread but also sustain the supply chain. The speed and scale of the outbreak could expedite the use of Cloud TOS in the future and lead an increase in automation equipment adoption. Practice preventative measures with the Cloud TOS since it offers:

• Flexibilidad – The Cloud TOS offers a safe and secure environment for TOS users to work from home. Cloud TOS features and functionality are exactly as on-premise TOS except on-site presence is not a requirement. Contact is limited to zero because planning, monitoring and control decisions can be made on a workspace from any web-enabled device.
• Automatización – Automated CHEs interfaced with the cloud TOS will further reduce the need for human interaction. The combination will exist as a powerful solution that can jumpstart and strengthen all inactive nodes of the supply chain. Now is the time to consider moving onto the cloud and get serious about investing in automation.
• Massive Savings – Inconsistent numbers of imports and exports, scarce resources, and yard space not used to its full capacity are strong reasons to adopt a Cloud TOS. Operating on a pay-per-use model offers terminal operators the flexibility to plan for what is needed. Therefore, the structure of the payment model only calculates charges according to the number of TEUs currently in the yard.
• No up-front investments – Implementing new TOS infrastructure changes are attached to misconceptions of a costly investment. The Cloud TOS, on the contrary, requires no up-front investments, completely free of charge right from deployment. Moving TOS capabilities into the cloud can save ports and terminals that may struggle to make it out from the pandemic.

It’s a crucial time to start instilling safe practices for healthy wellbeing and sustainable economy. When a catastrophe of this magnitude brings immediate attention and forces restructuring, it’s not entirely impossible or too late to leverage control before it entirely implodes.

COVID-19, a virus invisible to the eye, is rendering drastic changes to work structures across the globe. For some organizations, the increasing restrictions on quarantine control have forced closures as the nature of the business cannot sustain a work from the home approach.

However, for others within the global supply chain, essential goods still need to be transported. As a result, many impacted sectors such as shipping liners, truck companies, and terminals are under immense pressure to deliver upon the demands. With many fighting on the frontlines, these sectors must consider the alternatives if they seek to protect the wellbeing of individuals and continue operation in the face of the evolving pandemic.

The outbreak has undermined the traditional infrastructure of on-premise systems and liberated the birth of cloud solutions. A TOS in the cloud is the prime example of allowing personnel to enter a secure environment from home and conduct terminal operations without physical or on-premise interaction. Current cloud practices are saving terminals and are even heightened in the breadth of automated equipment, limiting the number of staff required.

More than a third of the world’s population is under some degree of quarantine measure, and workforces are exhausting different avenues to adapt. Arguably, COVID-19 is leading a global business digital transformation, and many terminal operators may reconsider their current TOS infrastructure and nature of the business.

Technology is advancing faster than the world can handle, with only the few people who truly grasp the underlying concepts of the cloud being able to understand them. Are you one of them?

The surge of connectivity in IoT is the main contributor to the grand shift towards the takeover of cloud technology. This cutting-edge technology inspires organizations to adopt a cloud TOS which ought to resolve many operational inefficiencies, drive operational efficiency, and enhance their overall performance.

Although several TOS providers tend to pitch this buzzword at every opportunity, nearly all system infrastructures evade entirely from the core cloud characteristics and components. Instead of achieving maximum ROI, which is a forefront deliverable of the cloud, they confront a surplus in expenses and experience a downturn in performance. As a result, these TOS which claim to be cloud-based foster an undermining perception of how powerful a true cloud TOS can manifest on a terminal.

Not only does the undesirable outcomes that emit from a forged cloud TOS misconstrue cloud computing, but the acute fear detesting the security of a cloud TOS illustrates the device as belligerent and detrimental. Data insecurity inherits the main deterrent against adopting a true cloud TOS. Although many sources suggest a resistance against the cloud, there are not many valid reasons justifying this proposition.

Before making a misinformed decision, it is critical to fully understand every aspect of what a true cloud TOS can offer a terminal. Outlined below, are the debunked speculations challenging data insecurity.

1. 2048-Bit Encryption

Anything connected must be supported by well-defined and well-implemented security. Therefore, a cloud TOS must provide 2048-bit encryption; the highest encryption rate available. This level of encryption is exponentially more secure than 1024-bit, setting the new standard across the Container Handling Industry. Do not settle for less.

2. ISO Standards

Standardization for data must be enforced to ensure a decree of legislation is governing the continuously growing cloud computing landscape. As cloud computing expands into new fields, new standards regarding security and privacy are introduced, becoming stricter and increasingly rigid. The latest ISO/IEC 19086-4:2019 has been instituted, heeding strict conformity from all cloud service providers. This standardization also serves as guidance whereby infringement of the regulations instigates viable litigations.

3. Multi-Layered Security

A TOS operating in the cloud is essentially a SaaS running on a PaaS belonging to a cloud service provider. As opposed to the conventional on-premise enterprise TOS solution, there is a higher concentration on data security since cloud servers maintained in data centers are rigorously safeguarded and managed by professionals with strong IT expertise. These professionals are highly experienced in responding to any malfunctioning or system failures with imminence. Entrance to these warehouses also requires numerous levels of authorized clearances. The rollout of stringent compliance requirements, firewalls, policies, processes, and control activities collectively fortifies an ethical use of cloud technology to instill a safe environment respecting global privacy and data protection.

Traditionally, a terminal restricts their resources and delegates limited-to-one IT maintenance personnel to maintain the hardware and system infrastructures. As a result, this limited expertise can engender additional implications such as being incapable of detecting the issue early which prolongs the timespan to resolve the issue. Therefore, if anything, security is heightened in the instance of adopting the cloud which starkly distinguishes against the common on-premise TOS.

4. Cloud in Everyday Use

The masses of Internet-enabled devices expedite cloud use and has become an unknowingly natural practice for all Internet users. Cloud technology is prevalent in everyday operations and activities inducing greater dependence as it continues to expand across all industries. Many users entrust their private data to cloud-based software giants such as Facebook, Instagram, and Google Drive, baring the question – what is the difference?

5. Non-sensitive Data

Data processed in a TOS is predominantly non-sensitive as it primarily comprises of EDI messages providing discharge as well as load orders, and container throughput sent from shipping lines. Therefore, the terminal operator does not own any data that enters or departs from the terminal other than their KPIs, which is of very little value to external stakeholders.

When terminals face results that deviate heavily from their expectations and objectives, it is crucial to understand that it is yielded from poor decision making in implementing a forged cloud TOS. A true cloud-based TOS will offer higher revenues, lower expenses, and instill paramount security measures. Conduct research, understand the true meaning of cloud infrastructure and select the correct cloud TOS to leverage only benefits. It is time you start seeing a difference.

Emerging technologies are no longer just changing the online landscape but altering the way devices interact with humans. As the pool of devices and machines increase, the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem grows accordingly.

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is commonly referred to as a system of interconnected computing devices or virtually any physical object that features an IP address for Internet connectivity. The communication channel established between these Internet-enabled devices, objects, and systems also attributes to the concept of IoT.

IoT and the cloud are closely linked such that it is typically rendered as an application of the cloud. The interrelationship is formed based on the fact IoT requires the cloud to operate and interchangeably; the cloud’s prevalence is dependent on the scope and influence of IoT.

Connection between IoT and the Cloud

Product manufacturers quickly understood that devices do not require to be transformed into a computer with intelligence and data storage to operate independently. Nowadays, the cloud is no longer limited to just tablets and smartphones but is incorporated into objects varying from household appliances to vehicles. Users can subsequently, garner greater control as all data is shared on a centralized system and can be accessed via any IoT device.

What does this mean for the future?

IoT is forecasted to cumulate to a remarkable 31 billion worldwide as of 2020. Similarly, Discrete Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics and Utilities are projected to devote an estimated USD 40 billion each on IoT platforms, systems, and services. This anticipated growth in correlation to the continual innovations in real-time data analytics and cloud computing are set to drive IoT to the forefront. The influx in connectivity will empower enterprises as small data is procured from various Internet-enabled devices to engender Big Data in the cloud. While IoT is becoming increasingly reliant on the cloud, the cloud infrastructure must be prepared for expansion to serve the requirements of the IoT era. Therefore, cloud computing will continue to transpire as a vital player for IoT in cultivating complex systems aimed to simplify interactions.