Transformation at a Glance

A prominent port operator in East Africa, handling over 8 million metric tonnes annually, was facing critical challenges in managing bulk logistics efficiently across its ports and inland terminals. The below outline shows how digital solutions addressed core challenges.

Industry Challenges

1. Inefficiencies in bulk commodity handling
2. Poor pre-gate planning
3. Weighbridge inaccuracies
4. Limited workflow automation

Tailored Solution

1. Envecon deployed GC TOS with Billing
2. Integrated modules for gate operations, logistics coordination, billing, and cargo visibility

Operational Impact

1. Reduced congestion
2. Improved compliance
3. Enhanced financial agility

Strategic Value

1. Digital control over logistics
2. Faster decisions
3. Long-term scalability across terminals

Challenges in Bulk Logistics Management

1. Manual Commodity Handling

Slow turnaround times and equipment under-utilization due to non-automated workflows in high-volume environments.

2. Uncoordinated Gate Operations

Lack of pre-gate visibility led to gate congestion, unplanned queues, and delayed co-ordination.

3. Weighbridge Discrepancies

As Billing is directly dependent on weighbridge records, inconsistent and tamper-prone weight records created billing conflicts and inventory mismatches.

4. No Real-Time Visibility

Manual cargo tracking and standalone logistics processes made it challenging to achieve real-time responsiveness and full accountability.

5. Inflexible Billing Processes

Billing could not accommodate real-time stock or exception-based adjustments for particular customers, causing delays in financial closures.

Solution Offered : Logstar GC TOS with Billing

1. Cargo-Specific Handling

• Tailored workflows for wood logs and clinker
• Real-time tracking with validations and storage rules

2. Rental & Storage Management

• Yard leasing, equipment hire, storage
• Live availability and automated invoicing

3. Gate & Weighbridge Automation

• Digital gate-in/gate-out workflows
• RORO flow and accurate weight integration

4. Vessel & Yard Operations

• Advanced berth planning
• 3D yard visualization and stacking logic

5. Commercial Workflow Automation

• Auto-generated invoices
• Waivers, SSRs, stay duration billing

6. System Configuration

• Custom roles, tariff logic, rental classes
• Adaptability for future cargo types

Streamlined Bulk Operations: From Gate to Invoice

1. Integrated Bulk Handling: Automated truck and conveyor operations
2. Real-Time Cargo Visibility: Digital dashboard with alerts and audit trails
3. Pre-Gate Planning: Verified vehicle/cargo data before arrival
4. Weighbridge Automation: Tamper-proof weight records
5. Adaptive Billing System: Rule-based invoicing and real-time waivers

Key Benefits & Value Proposition

1. Optimized Gate Flow: Reduced truck wait time
2. Enhanced Compliance: Automated weight verification
3. Faster Revenue Cycles: Shortened financial closures
4. Increased Operational Throughput: Higher cargo volumes with same resources
5. Improved Customer Experience: Real-time visibility and seamless documentation

Key Feature Breakdown

1. Pre-Gate Scheduling: Reduces congestion and idle times
2. Automated Weighbridge: Prevents discrepancies and unauthorized changes
3. Cargo Tracking Dashboards: Real-time movement visibility
4. Auto-Invoicing Engine: ERP-linked billing
5. Waiver Functionality: Business-rule-driven billing adjustments

ROI & Business Case

• 80% Improvement in truck turnaround time
• 100% Billing Accuracy for initial and final invoicing
• 60% Terminal Efficiency improvement

Digital Transformation Across the Port Network

Pre-Digitization: Manual weighbridge, disconnected billing, inefficient gate coordination

Digitization: GC TOS streamlined gate planning, cargo tracking, weighbridge automation, invoicing

Post-Digitization:

1. 30% reduction in truck wait time
2. 20% shorter billing cycle
3. 15% increase in cargo throughput
4. Stronger coordination and control across teams
5. Scalability achieved with unified digital control