Design and Development of a New Web Platform for the Management of Physical Flows and Customs Documents at Port Terminals

Background: Telematization is essential for improving port efficiency by reducing dwell times and simplifying document management. Currently, only a few ports use informatic document management tools like the Port Community System (PCS), and customs documents are produced and shared in paper format. This results in long port dwell times. Methods: A platform was developed to allow sharing of documents among port actors. The platform shares export documents of each given shipment between export and import port actors; moreover, it serves as a document management platform for ports lacking PCS. In addition, the platform helps in reorganizing the shipment in case of disruptions. Results: The platform has global validity as it allows users to share documents among all port actors worldwide. The platform is formed by the following menus: “Path”, which provides the intermodal freight path; “Shipment”, which allows one to create or change shipment data; “Send notify” to send notifies in case of disruptions; “PMIS and PCS”, which redirects to these platforms of ports involved in the project; and “Documents”, which allows one to upload and share customs documents at the global level. Conclusions: The app contributes to speeding up port operations by reducing dwell times, assists in managing shipment disruptions, and enhances intermodality in freight transportation.