A new video from port automation specialists TBA has shown how yard crane scheduler software can improve productivity and operations in container terminals.
TBA looks to answer several key questions, what a Yard Crane Scheduler (YCS) is, what are its main benefits and where it has been implemented.
View TBA's automated solutions for ports and terminals in their PTI supplier directory
At RTG and RMG operated terminals, the yard cranes are a key driver of productivity, and quay cranes and terminal trucks depend on a steady flow of containers.
A recent Port Technology technical paper from TBA's Yvo Saanen listed the 10 pre-requisites for smart terminals
The difficulty for many terminals is in managing the yard crane workflow, especially when there are dozens of cranes to maintain.
This lack of visibility creates a bottleneck, but TBA’s YCS helps terminals ensure they have the right number of yard cranes in the right place at the right time.
It can assist in identifying what other equipment is needed, preventing clashes and spotting potential safety risks.
As far as implementation goes, it can act as a support programme connected to the terminal operating system (TOS) and give feedback on the plans, where they can be manually changed.
It can also be fully integrated into the TOS where it can automatically set the optimal pattern and plan the RTGs activity.
TBA says the YCS can increase RTG productivity and efficiency by approximately 10%.
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