Data Analytics as a Service consolidates information from across multiple business systems into a centralized, cloud-based data architecture.
Empower Visibility and Decision Making with Data Analytics as a Service
North Carolina Ports undertook a major IT modernization project, which included replacing its terminal operating system (TOS) and installing a new OCR-enabled gate system at its Wilmington and Morehead City port locations. As part of this technology refresh, the port wanted to improve visibility into its business metrics to enable more strategic, data-aligned decisions.
To help address these challenges and seamlessly deliver consistent, verified and easily retrievable information, North Carolina Ports turned to General Informatics, an IT services provider and trusted partner.
The solution provides a single source of truth that delivers accurate, real-time data that allows the organization to quickly analyze operations and make more informed business decisions that improve operational and cost efficiencies within its terminals.
- Centralized database integrates multi-sourced data
- Ready access to data enables improved operational and cost efficiencies
- Unified reporting strategy supports data-driven decisions
Project Highlights
Manual data mining introduces error and threatens operational efficacy
Prior to this project, the organization lacked a cohesive strategy for compiling and reporting information, and relied on manual processes to collect data from siloed business systems and input it into a spreadsheet. This approach was prone to human error and inconsistencies as business units defined data sets differently. Additionally, the amount of time involved in amassing this data often resulted in outdated information by the time the spreadsheets were completed.
Integrate siloed data for accurate, timely reporting
General Informatics recommended its data-analytics-as-a-service (DAaaS) solution, which reliably aggregates data from multiple business systems into a unified, cloud-based data repository to deliver a more holistic view of terminal operations. The automation in the solution eliminates human error and provides point-and-click access to data to foster consistency across all reports.
This streamlined process allows on-demand, real-time access to information—anywhere, anytime and from any connected device. Allowing North Carolina Ports to quickly interpret TOS, labor, operations and financial information, and make proactive decisions that facilitate enhanced efficiencies.
Data Analytics as a Service provides a single source of truth that North Carolina Ports can leverage to confidently track business metrics and KPIs, identify trends, and ultimately, make decisions based on a complete and accurate picture.
Chief Operations Officer, General Informatics, formerly Versiant
Unified Database Strengthens Decision-making Capabilities
As additional data sets are integrated into the DAaaS solution, North Carolina Ports will enrich visibility into its terminal operations and achieve unlimited opportunities to build value by improving its processes.
One of these key operational metrics will be yard density. For North Carolina Ports—and the maritime industry as a whole—optimizing space is an ongoing challenge. The predictive capabilities built into DAaaS will help the organization plan its yard by integrating data points that allow the port to model yard densities prior to vessel arrivals. This capability will allow the Ports Authority to maximize the amount of cargo and number of containers in its yard to boost revenue.
To further elevate its efficiency—from both a cost and productivity standpoint—North Carolina Ports must minimize the number of moves a container makes while in the terminal and improve turn time. By pulling reports that analyze existing shipment data and historical trends, North Carolina Ports can better plan its yard to improve these benchmarks and the overall customer experience
