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:

• Flexibility – 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.
• Automation – 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.

TIC 4.0 was founded in 2019 and brings together leading terminal operators, equipment manufacturers and solutions providers to promote, define and adopt standards. Now, the initiative has been formally registered during a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium.

In a statement, TIC 4.0 said Boris Wenzel, Managing Director, Terminal Link, would be its president and Norbert Klettner, Managing Director, RBS-EMEA, its vice-president.

Frank Kho, who has numerous experience with terminal operators and equipment manufacturers, will become CEO. The current 20 members of TIC are a good mix of terminal operators and suppliers in the industry, who are Hyster-Yale, Kalmar, KoneCranes, Kuenz, Liebherr, NAVIS, Phoenix Lighting, RBS, SICK, TBA, TMEIC, ZPMC, APMT, Bollore, Eurogate, Port of Koper, PSA, Terminal Link, MMC Ports and Yilport, several other organizations have expressed their interest to join this unique initiative.

The goal of TIC 4.0 is to promote, define and adopt standards that will enable the cargo-handling industry to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution. Therefore TIC 4.0 will also strive to attract more members from the terminals operators as well as industry suppliers.

Its initial objectives are as follows:

• Define and agree on a common semantics and definitions among the companies involved in the cargo handling industry, both terminal operators and port solution providers.

• Develop communication protocols and frameworks that will be adopted by the port industry players for seamless data communication regardless of the manufacturer or type of equipment/machine.

• Facilitate the inter-operability of different information sub-systems of a cargo handling facility.

• Promote the adoption of selected existing standards and those developed by TIC 4.0 by the sector.

“I really feel that both energy and commitment prevail among TIC 4.0 members to achieve the goals we have set. I believe that to achieve these goals, the cooperation between terminal operators and solution providers is a great critical success factor,” said Frank Kho.

“TIC 4.0 members all believe that the work on standardization is of utmost importance for our industry in the context of increased digitalization of the supply chain. It will also enable the adoption of innovative processes and solutions” added Boris Wenzel.

Click here to visit RBS EMEA.

Reference: Huynh, L 2019, ‘Cloud Technology – are you really in control?’, World Port Development, June 2019, pp. 38-41.

Technological advancement is a perpetual trend that precipitates a revolution and heavily influences the way industries operate. Strenuous and mundane everyday tasks have become the central concern acting as a catalyst for innovation. Cloud computing is an epitome of one of the greatest creations of the Internet that made its impact dating back to over a decade. However, its growing nature to delve into new fields and open new opportunities for industries significantly attributes to its relevance and current prominence.

Nowadays, cloud computing is commonly known as the paradigm for hosting and delivering services over the Internet. The semantics of cloud computing removes the necessity for users to plan for provisioning which inherently enables organizations to start from the small but develops upon resources according to an increase in service demand.

Due to its consumer-driven and versatile composition, it has procured a strong reception by entrepreneurs, innovators, technology evangelists, and technologically connected users, facilitating its ubiquitous prevalence in organizations. More recently, a Terminal Operating System (TOS) that is entirely on the cloud is no longer a premature idea but a large reality catapulting the Container Handling Industry into a frenzy. Although the cloud technology can bestow a plethora of benefits for ports and marine terminals, it is imperative to outline the exact business objectives and implications that require attention to depict the most suitable and feasible TOS.

Cloud computing architecture offers solutions to various business implications by utilizing its diverse components in a service model to leverage the power of cloud resources. There are mainly three cloud computing service models which distinguish as:

• Software as a Service (SaaS)

It is the most common practice of cloud computing duly for its ability to provide on-demand services hosted and maintained over the Internet, without having to install the software locally. These services are usually prebuilt, functionally dependent, vertically integrated, and universally available applications. SaaS services have a large marketplace where products can be leased and utilized by various users for different purposes. For instance, a true TOS Cloud is a direct embodiment of a SaaS.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS involves providing software and product development tools, including operating system support and software development frameworks where cloud consumers can build and deploy their applications for a specific use. PaaS services are typically readily accessible as they have been already deployed and configured. By implementing a PaaS environment, the cloud consumer does not have to set up and maintain any infrastructure. Giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform are the largest providers for a PaaS in the market.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides infrastructure and hardware usually to facilitate virtual machines running in the cloud with associated storage, processing capability, other relevant services, and network connectivity. In the IaaS environment, IT resources can be accessed and managed via cloud service-based interfaces and tools. IaaS services are essentially virtual machines that cloud consumers can utilize on a cloud platform. Some examples are Amazon EC2 which is available through AWS, and Google Compute Engine which is generated on the Google Cloud Console.

However, the shift from complex data machines towards online operations has instigated a stark trajectory in SaaS, accounting for 59% of all cloud workflows in 2018. Trailing behind, IaaS declined from 44% to 28%, while only 13% of workloads delivered as PaaS. Outpacing other cloud models, SaaS is projected to become the underlying foundation running operations for 73% of organizations by 2020.

In a global industry valued at billions, it is critical to be educated of the pervasive technologies that circulate the market and understand its potential; whether it can drive greater performance and reduce costs or become a massive flop. Cloud technology has become an integral asset for organizations as it engenders a spectrum of benefits. Container terminals should leverage their capabilities to derive the following benefits:

• Cost Savings

The most common economic rationale for investing in cloud computing architecture resources is the drastic reduction or elimination in upfront IT investments. All infrastructure such as servers, storage, and applications are managed by the service provider which enables organizations to start small and increase their IT resource allocation accordingly, whenever they require. As a result, capital expenditure becomes non-existent. True cloud software is ‘pay-as-you-go,’ a flexible payment structure also facilitating massive savings as it is calculated based on the capacity used that month which can vary henceforth. Overall, marine terminals strive to reduce risk and prefer a much more tangible relationship between a software’s benefit and its costs. By adopting a complete TOS with a true cloud architecture, terminals can easily meet that objective.

• Flexibility and Elasticity

Marine terminals confront large issues by focusing too much attention on their current computer and data-storage solutions, which can inhibit opportunities for terminal growth and enhanced efficiency. By implementing a cloud infrastructure, it counteracts these issues and offers marine terminals more flexibility overall. If a terminal were to require extra bandwidth, cloud-based services could meet their demand instantly, rather than having the terminal operators undergo a complex and expensive upgrade in their current IT solution, which leads back to the cost savings benefit. Mobility is another characteristic contributing to its flexible nature, as terminal operators are granted access to data and information from any location via any Internet-enabled device. Cloud computing operates on an abstract infrastructure so applications are not locked into devices or locations, and they can be easily moved if needed.

• Quality Control and Manageability

Cloud computing provides enhanced and simplified methods of managing as well as maintaining IT capabilities by centralizing administration of resources; vendor managed infrastructure and SLA backed agreements. In a cloud-based system, all files are stored in one centralized system in a single format. By doing so, everyone can access the same information with the provision of a consistent stream of data while avoiding any human error and have access to clear records of any revisions or updates. Many marine terminals which have yet to adopt cloud-computing services face the risk of data and information losses because of their current software and hardware malfunctioning – differentiating from the conventional on-premise solution for terminals, a cloud-based TOS stores all the information and data in one location safely, mitigating this threat of data and information loss.

• Scalability

If a TOS truly manifests a cloud infrastructure, it should hold the ability to scale resources to accommodate to terminals processing fluctuations in container moves or number of TEUs (Twenty-Food Equivalent unit) seamlessly and automatically in peak periods. The ability for marine terminals to scale is expedited by the flexibility and elasticity of cloud computing, as it provides pools of resources, tools, and technologies that are always readily available for terminals to leverage.

As technology advances to introduce innovative and new trends to the market, it is only a matter of time before it becomes liable to scrutiny as its benefits along with its drawbacks unravel. On the contrary, cloud technology per se is one of the most significant Internet breakthroughs that have proven until this day that it is no longer a trend but has become the natural solution to run operations for any organization of any size due to its numerous capabilities. Cloud computing architecture thrives in any environment, as its flexible framework makes it operable across all industries. However, aside from its notable benefits, there are potential risks that must be considered:

• Security Vulnerabilities

Even though cloud computing services implement very rigid security standards, migrating business data and information to the cloud means that the responsibility for data security is shared with the TOS provider. Due to this, there is an underlying conception that cloud services are easy to access, facilitating nefarious users to scan, identify, and exploit loopholes within a system. However, the likelihood of this happening is extremely low. Adopting an on-premise TOS solution invites more security vulnerabilities since enterprises only have very few personnel who deals with all the IT software and hardware maintenance on the field whereas, in the cloud, there are many levels of security. The physical storage of data resides in cloud servers which are managed in highly protected data center facilities. Stringent protocols are implemented in these cloud campuses to fend off infiltration. It is also important to note that trained professionals with strong expertise maintain these facilities, offering greater coverage of security than on-premise TOS solutions.

• Vendor Lock-In

When a terminal decides to implement a cloud-based TOS, all their information and data is stored into one cloud service used by its TOS provider. Vendor lock-in refers to the issue that arises when a terminal wishes to move their information and data to a different cloud service provider. TOS providers may experience difficulty when migrating information since different TOS Cloud may utilize different formats. For example, a terminal may be currently using a TOS that operates on a Microsoft Azure infrastructure, and it may not work properly if they decide to migrate to AWS EC2. However, the incompatibility issue is alleviated if the TOS Cloud truly adheres to cloud computing characteristics as it should not form binding data and be flexible for transfer.

• Limited Control

Cloud services heed the most control as they provide the foundational platform for TOS providers to build their infrastructure and application. TOS providers can control the frontend infrastructure; information, data, and applications that operate on the platform but will have limited control of the backend infrastructure. Though this is not at all considered a detriment to any parties involved, and instead derives a beneficial relationship where responsibility is divided according to its capabilities such that cloud providers facilitate data storage, and the TOS provider  offers its functionalities on the cloud to terminals. Arguably, a paradox is also rendered from cloud computing as mentioned before; its increased mobility inherently attributes to greater control over terminal data.

The only real threat that requires imminent attention when acquiring a cloud-based TOS is when planning and management are executed poorly. Only organizations which fail to align its IT strategy with its business objectives, experience the drawbacks of cloud computing. Failure to effectively depict precisely the areas of inefficiency in a terminal makes it challenging to select the correct TOS which will render maximum advantages from cloud computing.

A few existing businesses fear their data and information is exposed to security vulnerabilities if they decide to adopt a cloud infrastructure. This factor remains as the most significant deterrent, preventing organizations from operating at its maximum potential level of efficiency. Cloud computing is portrayed as a liability when organizations make uninformed decisions which creates a rippling effect, accumulating into more significant and threatening issues. For instance, if a terminal adopts a TOS with forged cloud infrastructure in conjunction with not scaling resources correctly, expenses escalate while revenues dramatically drop. Investing in a multi-vendor strategy is also another poor management decision that incurs unnecessary costs to deviate from vendor lock-in.

Conventionally, the selection of a TOS has been contingent on the efficiency of the products powering applications and data as well as the volume of discounts incorporated into enterprise agreements. However, marine terminals confront the predicament of determining the optimal architect system to run their terminal operations. The notion to diverge computing workloads between different vendors  is instigated by the risk of service disruption and data lock-in. The well-established GPS application Waze is an epitome of this, where it simultaneously runs its applications across Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services to strengthen their survival of a potential DNS DDOS attack, regional failure, or even a global failure of an entire cloud provider. Though, employing a multi-vendor strategy is not financially viable as committing resources to various cloud platforms is costly and resource intensive, enforcing additional staff training. Therefore, marine terminals must define and evaluate their business objectives to ensure there is a strong alignment with the cloud architecture they plan to implement.

Being reactive to the new and growing trends in technology allows terminals to seek better alternatives to manage their resources so they can persist in prospering both financially and operationally. More recently, the wave of a TOS Cloud has motivated ports and marine terminals to restructure their operations by moving to a cloud infrastructure. However, a terminal must conduct thorough research and take correct precautionary measures to find the best solution which will spawn an increase in ROI, lower expenses, and induce an overall increase in operational efficiency.

Marine terminals most importantly must expand their trust boundaries to refrain from becoming obsolete in an extremely valuable industry. Therefore, they must move from any redundant technologies and assess the most viable TOS Cloud solution in the market. Only then can they propel their productivity levels, cater to their current implications, and deliver the best results without jeopardizing their resources or growth.

About RBS:

Realtime Business Solutions (RBS) specializes in highly specific state-of-the-art TOS solutions and have worked exclusively in the Container Handling Industry for the past 25 years. Over this period. RBS has carried out the installation of the RBS TOPS software to many Container Handling operations around the globe.

RBS most recent products include TOPS Expert Enterprise and Cloud. At RBS, we are the first to create and implement a full TOS Cloud that incorporates technologies of automation, optimization, and real-time control and planning, all in one system. For more information, please visit our website www.rbs-tops.com.

Blockchain technology is one of the most popular buzz words that has climbed to the summit alongside other terms like Cloud TOS and automation. This technology has circulated across different industries and even traded in the global stock market. But is it threatening to disrupt the Container Handling Industry or is it going to engender an innovative revolution that will transform the way terminals handle their finances?

As a new entrant in the container handling and shipping industry, blockchain technology threatens reformation on conventional financial practices conducted in a terminal. Its capabilities of being an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions have earned its trust by many individuals, companies, and organizations. Another component contributing to its substantial reception is that the technology can be programmed to record beyond financial transactions and virtually anything of value. In simpler terms, blockchain technology is a series of a time-stamped immutable record of data managed by a network of computers that is entirely independent of any entity.

More importantly, each block contains data that is protected and bound to another block using cryptographic principles and hence, creates a chain. Cryptography fends data from theft, alteration, and is used for user authentication by following an encryption and decryption process that converts any data in its original form (plaintext) into an incomprehensible form (ciphertext). Its blockchain architecture that is free of authority has engendered a decentralized and democratized system. Complete traceability and transparency are other underlying factors facilitating trust in this relatively new technology since all information encompassed in the uncompromisable ledger is not only free for anyone to view but holds everyone involved accountable for their actions.

Find the answers to commonly raised questions regarding a cloud-based TOS.

1. Who is controlling my data in the cloud?

The data in a Terminal Operating System (TOS) is mainly made up of container throughput sent from shipping lines and EDI messages, providing discharge and load orders. Other than their KPIs, terminals do not control or own any sensitive data that is of value to external stakeholders.

A cloud-based TOS is a SaaS operating on a PaaS. The cloud service provider, being the PaaS, supplies the infrastructure for cloud TOS providers to run their application. It is important to note that you are still in control of your data and the only difference to an on-premise TOS solution is that cloud service providers entirely manage the backend of the TOS software. Therefore, they reduce responsibilities for terminal operators by managing runtime, middleware, operating system, servers, storage, virtual machines, and networks.

2. Can I trust a TOS cloud?

Yes, a TOS in the cloud grants greater protection and security than an on-premise TOS. Cloud service providers specialize in delivering a quality PaaS such that the scale of IT personnel assigned to maintain and monitor data centers heavily outweigh the small number of IT staff managing an on-premise TOS.

In the instance of malfunctioning or system failures, cloud service providers have reliable IT professionals that can immediately respond to and resolve issues of any level. With strong expertise, in-depth technical support, and multiple levels of security enforced, cloud service providers not only offer a more safe and secure environment but allow terminals to focus on other business objectives and strategy due to a decrease in responsibilities. Therefore, terminals can then invest their resources in different areas which facilitate growth and efficiency.

3. How secure is TOPS Expert Cloud?

RBS values your safety and security. With your best interest always in mind, we have worked diligently to develop the best terminal operating system and have decided to work with the most reliable cloud service provider in the market, Amazon Web Services (AWS). Along with their strong expertise in cloud computing and cloud security, we have implemented more security measures to enhance accessibility and mitigate every threat.

TOPS Expert Cloud is supported by 2048-bit encryption, the highest level of encryption rate available. We take extra precautionary measures to ensure that all our software and services are of the best quality, assuring that your data is safe and highly protected from any potential threats.

4. How do I tell if my terminal is suitable to run a cloud TOS?

A cloud-based TOS is indiscriminate of size. This means that smaller terminals will draw all the benefits and experience the same capabilities as of a large terminal using a cloud TOS.

Running a TOS in the cloud offers terminals:

• Greater scalability to account for an increase or decrease in throughput
• Zero up-front CAPEX
• Pay-as-you-go pricing model

All of which are contributing factors to why a terminal of any size can now adopt a TOS and grow efficiently in this vital industry.

5. What is the difference between TOPS Expert Cloud and every other cloud TOS in the market?

Many TOS’ claim to be built on a cloud infrastructure and yet experience a downturn in profitability and performance. This is because they do not have the capabilities or expertise to create a TOS that can run entirely on the cloud without requiring numerous servers. As a result, the TOS fails to deliver core cloud characteristics of achieving maximum ROI and higher efficiency. Many of these proclaimed cloud TOS propose they can generate exponential cost savings but instead incur ridiculous expenses for terminals.

However, TOPS Expert Cloud is the first and only TOS to offer the entire suite of capabilities in the cloud within two servers. Because this Terminal Operating System is truly built on cloud infrastructure, we can promise that you will only experience the benefits of cloud computing.

Some key notes that determine it is a true cloud TOS include:

• Access is granted via a URL in a web-browser
• Pay-as-you-go/monthly pricing model
• Absolutely zero up-front IT costs

6. Does it cost more to run a cloud-based TOS?

No, using a cloud-based TOS is extremely affordable and generates more significant returns than an on-premise TOS. An on-premise TOS is resource intensive since hardware, software licensing, server room, air conditioning, IT staff, etc. must be paid up-front. Also, because the software is being installed locally on computers and servers, it induces a higher CAPEX.

However, a TOS cloud requires zero investments in infrastructure, installation, and licensing as both the cloud service provider and RBS manage it. Economies of scale can, therefore, be achieved which naturally produces more lucrative returns.

7. Why should I consider choosing a web-based TOS?

A web-based TOS offers more than the standard on-premise TOS since it is:

• Cost efficient due to no up-front CAPEX and follows a pay-as-you-go pricing structure
• Scalable for growth due to achieving economies of scale
• Accessible anywhere at any time through a web-browser via an Internet-enabled device
• More safe and secure as a result of enforcing strict ISO standards, policies, firewalls, compliance requirements, and control activities exercised both by RBS and the cloud service provider

Click here to view more benefits of a TOS in the cloud.

8. Is a TOS in the cloud limited in capabilities and functionalities?

By offering a TOS in the cloud, it expands the opportunity for growth such that RBS can customize to any need and develop additional modules. Therefore, a cloud TOS provides us with the platform to offer you the tools and functionalities that facilitate the ease of use and drive greater efficiency in operations as well as processes.

We are always seeking methods to enhance your terminal operations, and we can ensure you that all your requirements are fulfilled because your success, is our commitment.

If you need Automation, we have it. And it is ready in the cloud.

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.