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 hyperdynamic COVID-19 has caused tumultuous events to unfold, cornering businesses and operations into unfamiliar grounds. For a long time, the industries involved with the supply chain and logistics have adhered to traditional methods, which has proved to be detrimental as it can no longer sufficiently respond to the downturn of economic health. The operational flow will continue to suffer a dear amount if authorities fail to emerge from complacency and accept some technological innovations like AI. Therefore, the implementation of a consistent and ubiquitous framework is necessary to deliver best-practice measures to protect the livelihood, wellbeing, and safety to both individuals and businesses.

Achieving a consistent industry-wide solution requires diligence and patience. Technology is continually evolving, and although it may impose significant changes, it is a sustainable approach offering long-term benefits that provide reliability and stability in unprecedented events. However, to ensure the best performance derives from an AI application:

1. TOS must operate on a true real-time architecture that enables both shared memory and in-memory processing.

2. TOS can move operations in the cloud to achieve maximum flexibility, as well as implement optimization and automation tools to strengthen AI capabilities.

3. TOS must operate in a single server infrastructure for consistent and instantaneous data flow.

Although tactical planning consists of smaller short-term steps to reduce immediate impacts, you cannot remedy a problem of global magnitude with a temporary solution. Therefore, it is crucial to practice precaution and evaluate product specifications against your criteria before implementation. More substantial due care must be employed to keep an open mind and leverage optimal levels of such an incredible innovation. Technology advancements no longer connote a downturn of investments or revenues, but rather, has risen as a catalytic force that fights economic contractions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), at its full potential, can help solve the world’s most significant challenges. Its promises to synthesize, analyze, detect patterns, develop insights, and determine predictions across various dimensions, beyond human capacity is what truly makes us marvel at its constructs. The idea that AI can apply across all industries ranging from health to supply chain further endorses its rising endearment. However, before the world can progress from machine learning into deep learning, it will only prove useful if the foundation already embeds the core blocks required in its current infrastructures and system architectures.

Why is AI relevant to the maritime and container industry?

Nations worldwide have now entered a low-growth economic reality, and the impacts of the worldwide pandemic that were not immediately obvious are now gradually coming to light. While some shipping liners and ports have projected a positive Q1, the epidemic has declared a pandemic in March. Consequently, reports generated for January to March are not accurate indicators, and we are likely to foresee a stark change in results for Q2.

Global trade relationships have had to readjust and implement new reforms to respond to the dwindling supply as crucial players of the supply chain have had to disconnect since the financial burden is too much to bear. Blank sailings, low cargo volumes, and a stark drop in consumer demand are a few of the many impacts ensued from the pandemic. Port authorities overwhelmed at the limited resources on-hand and forced to navigate through such unprecedented events have called for an imminent introduction of technologies like AI.

How can AI help achieve goals and visions?

AI may well be our savior, guiding us to answers we have been struggling to construe. Gathering data is an easy task; it is making sense of the masses of data that proves to be a challenge. Now that the world is adopting a more liberal approach towards technology, AI is gradually gaining traction and will soon deploy more intelligent integrated tools that combat problematic areas within operations. The availability in computational power doubling every three and a half months allows software providers to expand on AI applications and close the gap to achieving deep learning.

Port and terminal operators can heighten operational visibility by introducing predictive analytics. It is a subset of AI that resonates with machine learning and contributes significant value to TOS operators by determining the possible scenarios when dealing with bottlenecks and supposes the best alternative while factoring in specified parameters. Processing the data, then learning, and devising predictions at a magnitude and detail level impossible for an individual human to comprehend, inherently achieves optimization in operations, processes, and resources – something all ports and terminals desperately need in this time of uncertainty.

AI capacity broadens from its ability to draw on a substantial database of scenarios instantly, develop responses to questions, and devise a decision or device that can challenge a way that a human cannot. Its ability to naturally learn from previous answers, and continually improve its learning approach to meet requirements, further reinforces the power of AI. If this is the beginning of AI, imagine the possibilities as it progresses…

As previously discussed, real-time architecture cannot be easily accomplished. Though, with absolute knowledge of the core components, the foundation of a TOS can strengthen and cultivate a platform open to limitless capabilities. Paralleling these notions, TOPX Expert has leveraged an accurate depiction of a real-time architecture which has made shared- and in-memory possible. It has primarily served as the underlying foundation for expanding capabilities into new horizons like 自动化 in the Cloud, the 云计算 itself, and Artificial Intelligence. RBS has adopted an open mind to technological advancements which propel business processes but have not forgotten the essence of having a robust system built from a reliable architecture for the base of a TOS.

TOPX Expert has been able to retain its reputation for its proven solution of being true to a real-time architecture that can facilitate startups ready for operation with virtually zero wait time. This is credited by the single server infrastructure enabling shared memory, contrasting against the traditional TOS which generally requires pulling and downloading data from multiple servers then re-uploading once an action is confirmed. When more data is required for planning, the steps for retrieval will take longer. This directly proportional relationship mirrors transaction processing as it incurs a sequential queue of work instructions and can take long periods since one instruction is executed at a time. Consequently, data is also likely to become obsolete by the time CHEs receive these work instructions as vessel data or container data can change at any stage of the planning process. Therefore, decisions derived from fragmented data is not only liable to many errors but can accumulate into problems which enforce correctional strategies reprimanded for its resource-intensiveness.

However, shared memory maintains data-integrity and -interoperability while in-memory immediately loads all worked on windows in the previous workspace after initiating TOPX Expert. All steps taken for downloading and re-uploading is eliminated with in-memory, accelerating data processing to grant greater control for better decision-making. From this architecture, collaboration on tasks is made possible, dividing the total workload into smaller and manageable tasks. Flexibility in planning is also a result of TOPS real-time sustaining a combination of real-time, shared-memory, and in-memory processing. Faster task completion rates inherently evoke an enhancement in operational efficiency.

Time is a common metric used to measure performance and degree of efficiency in terminal operations. At RBS, immense efforts have been invested in developing software that addresses the complete operational spectrum, using time as the most valued factor shaping the architecture and overall infrastructure of the TOS. By accounting for time in TOPX Expert, processes are streamlined, owing to shared memory instigating faster startup times.

Subsequently, real-time processing has strengthened the infrastructure of TOPX Expert in expediting the benefits in increased workflow and data sharing. Therefore, the disparity drawn from transaction processing requiring micro-planning is incomparable with real-time processing as it enables shared memory for macro-planning, allowing terminals to increase their cost savings.

Choose RBS for a customer-centric TOS that always has your needs and prospects in hindsight.

Terminals have the dual duty to assess their overall business operations to depict any flaws and evaluate the best fit terminal operating system that can combat these hotspots. The era of terminals taking a crucial point in the global supply chain is fast approaching, and terminal operators may be facing circumstances that are outside their expertise and capabilities. Autonomous operations abreast the help of artificial intelligence in computing masses of data to determine reliable decisions will come to fruition by all industry experts.

A thriving terminal is reflective of terminal operations which are responsive in the scalability of container throughput while maximizing the use of their existing resources. Therefore, terminal operating systems incorporating true AI capabilities become the intrinsic option when decision-making is very time-consuming and are liable to errors. Turnkey software like TOPX Expert has cultivated the essence of AI which overturns these implications. TOPX Expert leverages greater control for terminal operators since the AI instituted automatically learns from the substantial pool of data and creates algorithms to which the knowledge is applied, and different scenarios are deduced for selection. These scenarios have been determined with the consideration of set parameters to achieve the optimum position, time, and departure for a vessel to berth. Early detections of bottlenecks are also another benefit derived from TOPX Expert as it facilitates forecasting any upcoming constraints, driving greater visibility over operations to make faster decisions. The lead up to the completion of berth planning and scheduling is a complex process that is almost impossible for the human to calculate free from errors, requiring automation and artificial intelligence to cease errors before they even appear. Not only does this indicate AI in berth optimization is necessary but requires real-time data to make accurate decisions which benefit the overall terminal.

AI is introduced to assist in complicated tasks that typically fail to address all set factors optimally, and as a result, inhibits resource-, process-, and operations optimization. All this is only made possible due to the real-time and in-memory architecture allowing for the centralization of data. An environment that provides a centralized space for information flow allows all users, independent of the type of operation, to work on data that is always maintained in its most updated state. This is exceptionally important for berth optimization since all these data fuels AI in inferring the most viable decision without sacrificing efficiency in any area. Another benefit of AI conceived on a real-time architecture is that it enables process agility, allowing operators to make changes to previous tasks without compromising the current operation or the overall process. Challenging the conventional TOS, TOPX Expert is built on a robust architecture that makes automatic changes in real-time, despite when it was made within the process timeline. Outcomes such as the elimination of congestion before and after is rendered as the fore benefit of AI in berth optimization. Therefore, decisions are always achieved with precision in TOPX Expert and remain fully functional even when exposed to drastic changes in data.

All in all, terminal operators have the responsibility to take control and define the most ideal solution that captures the entire spectrum of terminal operations which streamlines processes and delivers efficiency. Common deciding factors when searching for the right TOS derives from short-term goals which have precluded revolutionary technology offered in a quality TOS. Consequently, terminal operators miss the opportunity of meeting better capabilities which drive higher efficiency. Every functionality should always be evaluated and proved against its acclaimed level of AI inherent in the technology to understand what the TOS is truly capable of. Don’t just limit your vision to the present, look ahead, and invest for a future. Click here to find out more factors to look for when researching into AI in a TOS.

What does AI mean for Terminals?

In this current era, existing processes and available resources which cannot efficiently or immediately meet operational demands, has become the incentive for terminal operating systems to expand their field into alternative technologies. As a result, AI has become quite the common buzz word, sparking opportunities for the Container Handling Industry to venture for strategies which enhance operational flow and decision-making. However, AI is still in its early stages due to its complexity requiring immense efforts and strong expertise in the area to develop a quality product manifesting its true capabilities. Subsequently, little to no terminal operating systems integrating capable and skillful AI into their systems are available on the market.

Is it really AI in your TOS?

Terminal operating systems are the heart of every terminal powering operations right from planning down to execution. However, when AI is integrated into a TOS, it must be unwavering of the centralized server architecture. Before we continue to expand on this, it is crucial to understand the constructs of AI which follows a process that collects pools of data, then learns from it, makes algorithms, and applies this knowledge to make independent decisions automatically. As a result, Big Data is not only an integral component of the initial stages of AI learning, but having accurate and reliable data is also another necessity.

Your conventional TOS requires multiple servers to load information, which not only instigates longer wait times but inherently pulls fragmented data. Data becomes redundant when flowing through a TOS with a decentralized architecture that cannot support real-time control and planning. A non-true real-time environment instills inefficiencies within operations and management, mainly when changes made to data has already been processed onto the next step. Static control processes respond ineffectively to changes since the information which is now deemed redundant will continue to be worked on until the new modified data is retrieved from the previous workstation operator. Changes made from the previous process may not inflict such drastic impact upon the current planning task, but what if alterations need to be made from five steps prior?

Consequently, if data is not in its most updated state, poor decision-making from AI is a strong likelihood, inducing inefficiencies in terminal operations. The omission of core AI components will directly tamper the execution process such that CHEs will misplace containers in the yard or move containers in a yard bay that is no longer available, incurring additional moves and time for it to be placed in its correct location. These events will snowball and will inevitably yield a reduction in ROI. Therefore, for AI within a TOS to be beneficial for a terminal, it must devise an architecture that sustains real-time control planning to ensure that CHEs are always making the optimum number of moves and achieve accurate decisions.

Terminal optimization is segregated into divisions that are allocated different roles and responsibilities. Optimization in the Container Handling Industry is conceived due to terminals experiencing various bottlenecks when vessels berth at the port, inefficient yard planning affecting container movement, the disarray of CHE instructions causing congestion, and poor management of resources which fail to maximize time. If an area of a terminal evokes inefficiency, it will inevitably impact another which can engender various risks that will accumulate until a complete catastrophic outbreak dismantles the entire terminal. Consequently, terminals are in pursuit of a terminal operating system that incorporates a suite of capabilities that counteract these implications.

Vessel berthing is the most prominent area where optimization has been instituted to enhance planning processes which is accountable for maximizing terminal capacity and limiting congestion. A unique function only offered in RBS, is TOPS Expert is Artificial Intelligence (AI) Berth 优化, which incorporates cutting-edge technology that mimics human behavior by gathering then understanding data to develop algorithms utilized to optimize berth planning. Not only is discharge operations executed at the highest degree of productivity such that it meets the critical vessel schedule when AI is integrated into the vessel berth planning process, but it substantially reduces the amount of human intervention. Personnel no longer must spend copious amounts of time manually analyzing calculations to determine the best date and time to schedule a berth since this conventional method of planning is simply not efficient, nor is it reliable. With AI, decision-making is achieved much faster with extreme accuracy as ETAs and ETDs are strategically and automatically depicted. Real-time visibility is inherently amplified with TOPS Expert AI Berth Optimization module as terminal operators can foresee the actual workflow regarding the vessel operation, eradicating any ambiguity. A positive correlation also emanates from this module for vessel operators as they can save fuel and energy costs due to optimized travel distances. Terminals, therefore, must re-evaluate their TOS and berth optimization functionalities if they confront bottlenecks that are impacting their profitability – let AI do the thinking so you can work smarter not harder.

Deprived throughput may be attributable by a TOS lacking in infrastructure or competency to perform and deliver optimal decisions. As a result, yard space may not be used to its maximum potential, creating chaos when a container enters and departs from a terminal. These complications are offset by deploying a TOS that can efficiently plan the allocation for containers not just when they are active or discharged from the terminal but even prior to their arrival. Strategically managing the containers limit the number of container moves, facilitating CHE optimization as the task is executed faster, and the CHE can move onto other processes. Countermeasures such as seeking for an ameliorate TOS must commence when poor yard management pose as a constraint inhibiting optimization.

The performance of CHE, processes, and resources are the key drivers determining the criticality of vessel berthing optimization and yard optimization. The ability to calculate the minimum number of CHE moves required to move a container from one location to another should be reinforced in the TOS. Like TOPS Expert, every process is carefully planned to consider every set parameter, provide alternative scenarios, and heed only the necessary resources to calculate the shortest but the best path in executing the action. Therefore, as the components in berth optimization and yard optimization are derived and refined, there is a clear inference that optimizing CHE, processes, and resources are just as pivotal since they are the principal factors in defining terminal performance. Always conduct thorough research and evaluate each TOS against its infrastructure, capabilities, and range of functionalities before deciding on which to deploy.

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.

Realtime Business Solutions (RBS) is a private company founded by Harry Nguyen in 1991. We opened our first office in Sydney, Australia and over the 27 years of working diligently in the Container Handling Industry, we have since grown to power over 35 terminals worldwide. RBS was able to withstand and prevail over the pool of well-established TOS providers in the market, despite starting as a one-person company. By delivering the only true real-time TOS on the market, we were able to achieve the impossible and prove all odds by landing our first contract with Evergreen’s main terminal in Taiwan, 1996. Now our team consists of over 200 professionals from our office and partners around the globe, expanding our offices into Europe (RBS EMEA UG), South America (T2S – Tecnologia), and Asia (PT. Primus Indonesia and RBSVN).

Throughout these many years, we have never deviated from our core values, adhering to delivering a second to none TOS. Our TOPS solution operates “in memory real-time” and is the most advanced solution for terminals of any size, handled in a single server. We focus on constant evolvement and are the pioneers in offering state-of-the-art software in conjunction with premium support services. We also believe working closely with our clients to address their requirements, goals, and vision, cultivates optimization and operational efficiency.

We spend extensive efforts in research which indicated a poor system infrastructure as the root cause of inefficiency in terminals. As a result, RBS developed TOPS Expert Cloud which operates in a single server, of a cloud-based, and real-time architecture. This solution works in parallel to our dedicated professional services which cover the full terminal spectrum. TOPS Expert Cloud is the first complete, real-time TOS available on the Cloud. The comprehensive and integrated TOPS solution has warranted breakthrough results as now we are operating over 36 million TEUs globally, including manual and automated terminals.