Technology and systems
Ports of Auckland offers New Zealand's leading range of port technology products.
The Ports of Auckland website provides all customers with easy-to-use online products at the click of a button. Immediate, up-to-date information allows customers to track containers as they are being handled at the Port, view clearance details and obtain comprehensive information about each container.
Details of ship calls are updated hourly and webcams allow customers to monitor road exchanges, facilitate truck scheduling and obtain accurate pictures of truck movements.
An eNote tool allows customers to streamline container requests and details directly to our planning and control team. Subscribers to the Supertrack facility are also able to relate directly with our database to submit import container release information.
Our EDI (electronic data interchange) systems allow the interchange of shipping manifest data into our computer operating systems. We use all seven of the major UN/EDIFACT messages in our EDI with shipping lines.
Ports of Auckland has also recently developed and launched its Shipment Management System, or SMS. The new web-based track and trace utility for shipping lines, logistics service providers and importers and exporters uses expanded EDI tools and is a major step toward an e-commerce portal to support the entire supply chain for containers through the Port of Auckland.
VENUS uses handheld barcode readers and a web-based interface to track vehicles.
The Vehicle Booking System (VBS) allows road carriers to book timeslots for the pick-up or delivery of containers at either of the two container terminals. The system has been instrumental in helping the port cater for increased truck volumes while simultaneously reducing turnaround times. VBS allows each truck to enter the gates at the Port with a paperless, verified code and have it arrival automatically alert a straddle to collect or deliver its container.
The Vehicle Entry User System (VENUS) streamlines the supply chain for imported vehicles through the Auckland port. VENUS allows the shipping lines, importers, stevedores and road carriers to view all information on imported vehicles, including Customs and MAF clearances and bill payments, online. The vehicles can be tracked from arrival at the Port all the way to the showroom floor. VENUS utilises barcode-scanning technology and hand-held devices to identify and record events and locations against vehicle records as they occur within the supply chain.
