News Release:  September 21, 2011

Contact: Clay Kent, +51.951.751.269

Email:  info@aps-technology.com

MultiRio Chooses APS Technology for Crane Automation at Container Terminal

Process automation and OCR will reduce operating costs and improve visibility into operations and safety

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal container terminals, announced the award of a crane automation solution project for the MultiRio container terminal in Rio de Janeiro.  MultiRio is owned by the Multiterminais Group, one of the largest marine terminal and dry port operators in Brazil. MultiRio chose the APS Crane Automation Solution to support a major expansion at the terminal. The APS Crane Solutions will automatically identify containers loaded and discharged by the STS cranes to improve data accuracy, efficiency, and safety while reducing operating costs.

The MultiRio container terminal covers 185,000 square meters and handles more than 45 containers per hour. The company is embarking on a major expansion and updating technology is a key to the process. APS will implement the Crane Automation Solutions along with its local maintenance and support partner, Deskline Technology Solutions. The solutions will be fully integrated with Navis SPARCS. The solutions being installed include:

• Crane OCR – automates identification of containers during the load/discharge process.
• MatchMaker – to automatically associate containers to terminal-owned trucks during handoff, allowing for work assignment and confirmation without manual intervention.
• SureStow – to automatically verify the final load position of containers onboard the vessel.  SureStow compares the planned load events to the actual placement and notes any deviation from the plan.
• X-Clerk Exception Handling System to enable remote resolution of OCR misreads, stowage exceptions and MatchMaker errors.

“We pride ourselves in being a technology leader, and we choose our partners accordingly. APS provides the right mix of product capabilities with proven integration.  We expect the return on Investment (ROI) for this project to be two years or less,” said Antonio Rodrigues, IT Director for MultiRio.

About Multiterminais

Multiterminais, an integrated logistics company, was founded in 1986 and began operating the first Customs Bonded Dockside Terminal in Brazil in an area contiguous to the Port of Rio de Janeiro.  Today, Multiterminais is among the largest marine terminal and dry port operators in Brazil and a leader in providing integrated logistics solutions to support Brazilian foreign trade. For more information, visit multiterminais.com.br.

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 43 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, and DP World.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

Solution provided by Navis Star Technology Alliance will allow Santos to improve vessel operations and provide projected $1.5 million annual return on investment

Oakland, CA — September 1, 2011 — Navis, a part of Cargotec Corporation and the global technology standard for managing the movement of cargo through terminals, today announced Santos Brasil S.A. Terminal (Santos) in Santos, Brazil will deploy Quay Crane optical character recognition (OCR) solution provided by the Navis STAR Technology Alliance. The Navis STAR Technology Alliance brings together Navis’ terminal operating system (TOS) solutions with best-of-breed technology vendors (partnering with APS Technology Group for OCR) to offer complete solutions for terminal operating customers. The solution will allow Santos Brasil to increase vessel loading and discharge productivity and accuracy on vessel´s stow.

“We chose the Navis Star Technology Alliance solution because it provides a proven, fully-tested, fully-integrated solution, allowing us to seamlessly increase efficiencies and in turn deliver a significant return on our investment,” said Washington Flores, terminal manager at Santos Brasil. “We are confident that the Navis solution will meet our needs because of Navis’ proven track record with customers around the world.”

The system couples the Navis SPARCS 3.7 terminal operating system (TOS) and the Navis Marine Telematics Automated Vessel Load and Discharge with Quay Crane OCR and MatchMaker™ from APS Technology to automatically capture information as containers are loaded and discharged from vessels. Cameras read the container information and, using MatchMaker, automate container handoff to terminal trucks. Through the interface with SPARCS, the data is automatically processed within the TOS. SureStow™ from APS then tracks the container load positions back to the vessel.

“The Navis Star Technology Alliance will provide a turn-key process automated solution for Santos Brazil,” said Bill Walsh, president and CEO of Navis, LLC. “It is exciting to be an integral part of key automated terminal process implementations as terminals worldwide are looking at the latest technology advancements to improve their efficiencies and reduce costs. We look forward to developing our relationship with Santos as they realize the benefits of automating container information reporting and vessel operations.”

About Navis, LLC
Navis, a part of Cargotec Corporation, is the global technology standard for managing the movement of cargo through terminals, standing the test of time. Navis combines industry best practices with innovative technology and world-class services to enable our customers to maximize performance and reduce risk. Whether tracking cargo through a port, automating equipment operations, or managing multiple terminals through an integrated, centralized solution, Navis provides a holistic approach to operational optimization, providing customers with improved visibility, velocity and measurable business results. www.navis.com.

About Cargotec Corporation
Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargo flows on land and at sea – wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec’s daughter brands, Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are recognized leaders in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Cargotec’s global network is positioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec’s sales totaled EUR 2.6 billion in 2010 and it employs approximately 10,000 people. Cargotec’s class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com.

 

 

  

TOC Americas

November 15-17, 2011

El Panama House, Panama City, Panama

Presenter: Allen Thomas, COO, participating in PEMA Live Technology Forum

Visit us in booth B-12

Lloyd’s Maritime Academy – Terminal Automation Seminar

September 15-16, 2011

Bonhill House, London, UK

Seminar speaker: Allen Thomas, COO

Terminal Automation Seminar -  exploring industry trends, new technology and positioning for recovery

 

 

News Release: August 4, 2011

Contact: Clay Kent, +51.951.751.269

Email:  info@aps-technology.com

 

APS Technology to Provide Terminal Automation Solutions at Tecon Suape in Brazil

APS brings first crane OCR solution to Brazil; plus automated gate systems providing fast ROI for container terminals

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced today their entry into the Brazilian market with the award of a terminal automation project at Tecon Suape S/A in Recife, Brazil.  Tecon Suape, a member of ICTSI Group, is implementing the APS solutions to support volume growth, reduce operational costs and to meet the Customs mandate to install OCR at its gates. Tecon Suape expects to increase their movement capacity to an annual throughput of 1.5 million containers.  This project represents the second in Latin America for APS within the ICTSI group, including Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA) in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

APS will implement and maintain the solution which includes its fully Automated Gate System, STS Crane OCR and its patented MatchMaker tractor identification solutions to automatically identify containers to improve data accuracy, throughput and security while decreasing overall operating costs.  Also included in the project will be two APS software solutions X-Clerk exception management system, which allows OCR misreads to be resolved in near real-time; and SureStow, which compares the planned load events to the actual placement, and notes any deviation from the plan.

“Recife is considered one of the biggest logistics centers in Brazil, and at Tecon Suape we are updating our information technology infrastructure to meet continued volume growth at the terminal,” said Sergio Kano, CEO for Tecon Suape.  “We chose APS Technology as our partner because we have the most faith in their approach and they proved to have the most experience in the region,” added Roberta Siqueira, Information Technology Manager.

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About Tecon Suape

Tecon Suape is situated in the Port of Suape, Northeast of Brazil.  Belonging to the Philippine group ICTSI – International Container Terminal Service Incorporated (www.ictsi.com), TECON SUAPE S/A won a public tender in 2001 for building and operation during a period of 30 years of a container terminal in the Port of Suape, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, and began operations in July 2001. Between 2001 and 2007, TECON SUAPE invested around 80 million dollars in human resources, information technology, equipment, sheds and patios for storing general cargo and containers, which resulted in an increasing and continuous demand of container movement.  For more information, visit http://www.teconsuape.com

 

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 42 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, DP World and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

TOC Middle East

September 25-27, 2011

Dubai World Trade Center, UAE

Seminar Guest Speaker: Matt Ramsay, Director of Business Development

OCR System and Gate Automation, 14:30, Monday, September 26^th  

Automated gate systems that use OCR technology are increasingly allowing terminals to fully automate the processing of entry and exit traffic. Benefits include increased capacity and a more accurate service. This session will explore the latest trends in OCR technology and innovative gate automation solutions.

Visit us in booth C-14

 

 

News Release: June 6 2011

Contact: Allen Thomas, +1 858.571.4444

Email:  info@aps-technology.com

 

APS Technology Wins Ports America Vessel and Gate Automation Project in Baltimore, MD

APS will provide OCR and process automation systems to improve productivity and safety for the Seagirt container terminal

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced the award of a multi-phased automation project for Ports America Chesapeake Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore, MD.  The APS solutions will automate critical functions in conjunction with the out-gate, in-gate and STS crane operations to improve efficiency, safety and reduce operating costs.

Ports America chose APS to automate the container identification process at its entry and exit gates and vessel operations with the collection of high-resolution images to increase throughput and enable remote equipment inspections.  Images will be archived for later retrieval. The implementation of APS solutions is part of a larger initiative for Ports America Chesapeake to optimize operational efficiency and improve customer service.  Recent projects include an off-dock chassis facility, berth expansion and purchase of four new STS cranes.

APS has existing OCR solutions with Ports America, and the company chose to expand its APS solution with the addition of a new lane with OCR at the out-gate, adding OCR to eight lanes at its entry gates and outfitting both with damage inspection components.  APS will supply the X-Clerk Gate Operating System to enable remote clerks to review damage inspection images captured at the portals.  

The Vessel Automation Systems include STS Crane OCR, patented MatchMaker STS Tractor ID system and SureStow solutions on each of the eleven STS cranes to automatically identify the container being loaded/discharged, the associated yard tractor as well as the final vessel stowage position of the container move.  The APS X-Clerk Exception Handling System will enable remote resolution of OCR misreads, stowage exceptions and MatchMaker errors.  All solutions will be fully integrated with Navis Sparcs and Navis Express.

About Ports America

Ports America, headquartered in Iselin, N.J., is the largest independent marine terminal operator in North America, providing terminal management and a full suite of stevedoring and related services. For further information on Ports America, please visit its Web site: www.portsamerica.com.

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 39 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

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News Release: Date, 2011

Contact: Allen Thomas, +1 858.571.4444

Email:  info@aps-technology.com

 

APS Technology to Participate in PEMA Technology Forum at TOC Europe

Leading port equipment and technology suppliers gather to discuss emerging trends and advances in terminal automation

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced that COO, Allen Thomas will be presenting at the  “State of the Industry” forum at TOC Europe on Tuesday, 7 June 2011. The Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA), in conjunction with TOC, will host a ‘State of the Industry’ forum at the upcoming TOC Europe 2011 show to discuss advances in technology and equipment for terminal automation.  Thomas will be presenting “Complex IT Project Integration” in conjunction with Grup TCB discussing a new greenfield terminal in Buenaventura Colombia. The session will be held in the Innovation Zone on the TOC exhibition floor and is open free to all attendees. 

Running for a full afternoon on Tuesday 7 June, the forum will feature five panels discussing the shape of the industry today and what to expect in the near future for terminal automation, including:

•  Automated Cranes – Adoption of automated stacking cranes in container yards continues to gather speed, with a significant number of new projects now in planning worldwide. This session will look at what’s driving the growth, where the technology is headed and the prospects for quayside crane automation
• Real Time Data Capture and Tele-metrics – Tele- metrics are hot. The panel will talk about what new technologies are coming and how data capture technologies like OCR and RFID are changing the face of traditional and automated terminals
• Automated Horizontal Transport – To complement the automated crane discussion, three experts will discuss the use of AGVs and other horizontal transport technologies for quay-yard transfer
• Application Software- Software brings it all together. This session will address new applications in the process automation sector and how terminals can benefit from them
• Complex IT Project Integration – In this key closing session, suppliers and their clients will discuss what it takes to integrate multiple systems. Joining this panel will be Oscar Pernia Fernandez, Processes, Systems and Innovation Team Leader at Total Terminal International Algeciras, the first automated terminal in southern Europe, and David Serral, IT Manager for Grup TCB. Mr. Serral is responsible for Grup TCB’s new greenfield terminal in Buenaventura Colombia.

 

“The forum is a unique opportunity for PEMA to demonstrate its commitment to education in the ports industry,” said Rachael White, Secretary General of PEMA. “From its inception, the mandate of PEMA has been to advance knowledge and best practice in equipment and technology, which play such a crucial role in helping ports and terminals meet today’s demands for productivity, efficiency, safety and sustainability.”

Founded in late 2004, PEMA’s mission is to provide a forum and public voice for the global port equipment and technology sectors. The Association has seen strong growth in the last few years and now has more than 45 member companies, including crane, equipment and component manufacturers, systems and software providers, consultants and other experts. www.pema.org

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal’s gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 39 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

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Event name:  TOC Europe

Dates:  June 7-9, 2011

Location:  Antwerp Exp, Antwerp, Belguim

http//:www.tocevents-europe.com/

Allen Thomas, APS COO, is an expert advisor on a panel presentation on Technology, Business Process and Terminal Automation on June 7 at 10:15am. Get the latest views on where terminal technology is headed, plus practical advice on how best to approach today’s complex project implementation environment.

___________________________________________________________

Event name: Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Terminal Automation Seminar

Dates: September 15-16, 2011,

Location: Bonhill House, London UK

Allen Thomas, APS COO, is presenting the impact of process automation technologies at TCBuen Terminal, Columbia, including security, productivity and safety; OCR solutions at the gate, vessel and yard and command and control systems for remote exceptions management.  Click the banner above for registration.

News Release: February 28, 2011
Contact: Allen Thomas, +1 858.571.4444
Email: info@aps-technology.com

Deviceless solution applied to container transport vehicles provides automated ID and real-time visibility

San Diego, CA – APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and process automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced the US Patent and Trademark Office has awarded the company a patent for the identification process surrounding its MatchMaker OCR solution for container transport vehicles. The recently issued APS patent covers a system and method for visually monitoring the transfer of cargo between a container handling crane and a transporter, such as a truck or ‘tractor’ moving the container within a facility. The MatchMaker system matches tractors to containers and handling equipment, and is a more reliable, lower cost alternative to GPS and RFID systems that are expensive to install and maintain, and struggle to operate consistently within a dense container yard.

APS Technology is the only provider in the industry offering this optical tag technology which increases productivity and inventory accuracy at a container terminal, while reducing resource requirements, vehicle wait time and lost containers. The system uses proven OCR camera technology to identify 2D optical tags applied to the roof, doors or even windshield of the tractor. Although the system is guaranteed at 98% accuracy, each tag contains a human readable number which allows any missed reads to be remotely corrected in real time. This unique visual exception handling capability ensures terminal operations have visibility to 100% of the transactions.

Since 2008 the solution has been installed at container terminals for APM Terminals in LA,; Yilport Container Terminal in Istanbul, Turkey; California United Terminals in LA; and Trapac Terminals in LA, Oakland and Jacksonville.

“Quick response, 2D barcodes are becoming mainstream for consumers with smartphones as a convenient way to get immediate, additional information on a desired product or service,” said Allen Thomas, COO for APS Technology. “We are applying the same technology to the container terminal industry to provide a safer, more reliable, and lower cost option to fully automate the handoff of containers at a crane.”

About APS Technology Group
APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, port authorities and cargo security providers. The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a facility.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 39 marine and intermodal container terminals in 14 countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, and Dubai Ports World.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.