APM Terminals, in partnership with Vietnam’s Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal (HHIT) Group, is spearheading the development of Vietnam’s largest port terminal, set to launch in early 2025. The state-of-the-art facility will include two deep-water berths, five ship-to-shore cranes, and 14 gantry cranes, designed to handle some of the world’s largest vessels. As part of its vision to establish a benchmark for efficiency and service delivery in the region, the terminal is undergoing a major digital transformation initiative, with Envecon implementing IFS Cloud ERP as the backbone of its operational ecosystem.

Location: Vietnam
Industry: Ports, Shipping & Logistics / Maritime Infrastructure
Customer Since: 2023
Solutions Used: IFS Cloud (Modules: Finance, SCM, EAM, Billing) with third-party integrations (Pay Integration, Bank H2H, e-invoicing, MRP, Barcode Scanners, Financial Reporting)

Vietnamese Localization Bridging Local Language with Global ERP

One of the significant challenges faced during the ERP implementation was the absence of Vietnamese language support within the platform. The project team undertook extensive research and development to address this gap, successfully translating over 1.6 million records. This innovative approach not only facilitated effective communication but also resulted in substantial savings in consultant support time, showcasing the team’s commitment to overcoming language barriers in a globalized environment.

Digitization Journey from Compliance to Customization

The integration of existing systems with the ERP platform required tailored solutions to meet local compliance standards. Customizations were made for generating official document number and processing supplier invoices, etc. ensuring that all necessary fields were accurately updated within the system. This level of customization demonstrates how effective partnerships can lead to successful technology implementations, allowing for real-time updates that improve operational accuracy.

Addressing Data Governance Gaps Resulted in a Smooth Migration Experience for Stakeholders

Data migration is a key challenge in digital transformation. Envecon addressed it by improving data governance and working closely with the client to define clear roles and responsibilities. The team used pre-built templates to speed up and simplify the migration process, ensuring quick and accurate transfers. Through step-by-step testing, they reduced errors and ensured the system worked smoothly with existing operations. This approach provided the terminal with reliable and compliant data, ready for its successful go-live phase.

IFS Cloud Finance Customization Improved Financial Accuracy and Transparency

The IFS Cloud Finance module was customized to streamline financial operations:

Real-time tracking of financial transactions ensures transparency and operational accuracy.
Automated workflows for accounts payable and receivable align with compliance requirements.
Custom configurations enable seamless integration with local financial reporting standards.

Customized Procurement Solutions Enhanced Efficiency with Minimal Manual Intervention

The IFS Cloud Procurement module optimized sourcing and supplier management processes:

Automated workflows for purchase order creation, approval, and invoice processing improved efficiency.
Integration with supplier networks facilitated compliance and reduced manual intervention.
Custom tools for generating official document numbers ensured adherence to local regulatory requirements.

Proactive Maintenance Made Easy with IFS Cloud Solutions

The IFS Cloud Maintenance module empowered proactive management of critical assets:

Preventive maintenance schedules for cranes and other key equipment minimized downtime.
Real-time monitoring of equipment performance enhanced reliability and lifespan.
Comprehensive tracking of maintenance history supported strategic planning.

IFS Cloud Inventory Resulted in Timely and Accurate Resource Handling

The IFS Cloud Inventory module played a crucial role in resource management:

Real-time stock visibility streamlined inventory control and replenishment.
Integration with the procurement module ensured timely availability of critical resources.
Automated reporting tools supported compliance with inventory management standards.

Tailored Localization Boosted Envecon’s Confidence in Scaling Globally

Vietnamese language functionality was a critical and mandatory requirement for the project. Since IFS Cloud did not provide this as standard functionality, Envecon’s team developed a comprehensive solution using advanced configurations and data migrations.
Vietnamese language localization was achieved by mapping English text in IFS Cloud to Vietnamese, making the language available across the application.
This innovative approach enhanced the ability to adapt IFS Cloud for any language, even when it is not available as a standard feature, significantly boosting confidence in global deployments.

Pre-Defined Templates Cut Down Planning Time and Improved Accuracy

Envecon successfully implemented the IFS Cloud Scope Tool to align project execution with the customer’s business requirements:

The tool facilitated collaboration between the project team and the customer to model business needs accurately.
Using the Scope Tool, HHIT’s project managers could visualize the project lifecycle and ensure that goals were achievable within defined timelines.
By defining the scope during the design and discovery phases, the tool helped manage stakeholder expectations and aligned outcomes with organizational objectives.

Reusable Frameworks were Created to Maximize Efficiency across Future ERP Projects

The modernization project at Vietnam’s port terminal has laid the groundwork for future initiatives through the development of reusable components. By creating permission sets, role matrices, and data migration templates tailored to specific requirements, the team significantly reduced the time typically required for similar projects. These reusable artifacts will serve as valuable resources for upcoming implementations, ensuring that lessons learned from this project are effectively applied to enhance efficiency and reduce costs in future endeavors. This success story highlights how strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and a commitment to overcoming challenges can transform traditional operations into modern, efficient systems. As Vietnam’s port terminal prepares for its grand opening, it stands as a testament to the power of technology in driving industry advancements.