PD Ports amends .indd

PD Ports transforms
operations using
Honeywell Mobile
Computers
PD Ports have deployed Honeywell’s Thor VM1 vehicle mounted
mobile computers and MX9 handheld devices to improve workflows
and productivity. Key to the success of the project was the
integration of these devices with the new Navis Terminal Operating
System introduced at Teesport to give improved visibility of goods
and operations. The terminals have proven rugged, reliable and easy
to use. The Thor was also able to overcome problems PD Ports had
previously been experiencing with loss of connection to the Terminal
Operating System. In the past, PD Ports would lose connection to
the Terminal Operating System when they moved a tug or computer
Overview:
outside of their own Wi-Fi coverage. The Honeywell Thor allows
Client: PD Ports
them to switch seamlessly between Wi-Fi and 3G hence keeping the
Country: United Kingdom
connection constant with the Navis software. This provides visibility
at all times of each tug or trailer within its business processes,
Market: Ports
whether they are actually on a PD Ports site covered by Wi-Fi or
Product Solutions: Thor ™ VM1 Vehicle-Mount Computer & MX9
on a third-party site covered by 3G. Honeywell partner Renovotec
Partner: Renovotec
installed Netmotion software on the Thor’s and MX9’s to provide this
robust and complete solution.
Company Profile
The Business Challenge
Owned by Canadian global asset manager Brookfield, PD Ports
PD Ports has undertaken major redevelopment of its port facilities
is a ports and logistics business operating throughout the UK with
to provide additional handling capacity and to accommodate and
a strong presence across the North East and the Humber estuary
sustain the growth achieved by its portcentric business model. This
region. It owns and operates the ports of Teesport and Hartlepool
involved investment in new storage and handling facilities as well
and employs over 1,200 people in port services and logistics.
as new IT infrastructure and the Navis Terminal Operating System.
PD Ports’ portcentric business model and logistics concept has
Its existing mobile computers could not support the upgrade, so
been a major driver behind its recent growth. Its ability to offer
the company approached a number of vendors looking for suitable
customers a full logistics solution focused around port-based
touchscreen replacements.
importation and exportation facilities has helped it to attract business
Previously, PD Ports had experienced a particular problem with
from major retailers including Asda and Tesco.
mobile devices losing connection to the terminal operating system
while moving from Wi-Fi to a 3G connection as vehicles moved
around the port. It was therefore vital that any new solution was able
to address this problem.
The Solution
After evaluating a number of alternatives, PD Ports purchased
Honeywell’s Thor VM1 vehicle mounted computers and MX9
handheld mobile devices, which are now used by operatives to guide
them through work routines while communicating continuously with
the Terminal Operating System. The port’s gantry crane operators
unload containers from docked ships and place them on tug
vehicles, which in turn then take them to trailers, storage facilities or
nearby distribution centres.
Honeywell partner Renovotec installed Netmotion software on the
mobile devices for a seamless handover between Wi-Fi and 3G radio
connections.
Benefits:
Summary
Since installation the Honeywell mobile computers have proven to be
a rugged and reliable upgrade. Easy-to-use touchscreen operation
allows operatives to follow workflows quickly and accurately with a
PD Ports’ reasons for choosing Honeywell’s Thor VM1 and MX9
included:
• Productivity and customer service levels increased by fast and easy
minimal number of screen touches or keypad strokes.
operation
“The Honeywell equipment has made us more efficient as it
is touchscreen,” says Gemma Holmes of PD Ports unitised
• Substantially minimised errors
management division. “Our operators can get through the work
• Operations completed with minimal number of screen touches or
queues quicker, meaning the flow of units out of the terminal
remains high, keeping our productivity levels high and ensuring good
customer service.”
“Honeywell devices are very easy to work with. It prevents operational
delays that occur due to incorrect data entry or confusion.“ explains
keypad strokes
• Reduced training time for new users
• Successful handover between Wi-Fi and 3G connections
• Leveraging of existing RF network for voice application
Andrew Oxby, PD Ports’ general manager. “One of the other benefits
is that it speeds up the training process, because it is such a simple
user-friendly piece of equipment.”
This is confirmed by operator Scott Clements who says: “Many of the
functions that we require in day-to-day working only require one or
two presses of a key or the screen.
For more information:
www.honeywellaidc.com
Honeywell Scanning & Mobility
Nijverheidsweg 9-13
5627BT Eindhoven
The Netherlands
+31 40 2901 600
www.honeywell.com
© 2013 Honeywell International Inc.