Ocean Carrier and Terminal Ops Collaboration Remain Key Concern for Supply Chain Managers

Editor’s Note: In this exclusive interview with Navis senior vice president, Andy Barrons, SCMR presents an overview of the recently-concluded Navis World 2015 in San Francisco.

Supply Chain Management Review: What part of the Navis World agenda generated the most interest?

Andy Barrons: Topics around automation and operational performance generated a lot of interest, in particular, how to leverage software to manage and improve operational performance. In addition, sessions on training and how to ready terminal staff for the new technologies were also well attended. The general session and follow up workshop on leadership, conducted by George Kohlrieser, were standing room only.

SCMR: How will Navis address some of the concerns voiced in conference sessions?

Barrons: The feedback that we received at Navis World on our solutions will have an impact on software roadmaps and development, how we address professional services offerings and how we can provide more support for operational performance. We are also focusing on the development of the carrier- terminal collaboration tool, XVELA, and received feedback at Navis World on how we design tools to enable more collaboration.

SCMR: Were you surprised by any of the presentations?

Barrons: We saw first-hand that there has never been more industry-wide collaboration than there is today. There is a distinct willingness to learn from one-another, to openly discuss and overcome challenges together, and to seek advice from those who are going through similar experiences. This level of camaraderie - even among competitors - is unusual, but is thriving in our industry. Nowhere was that more evident than at this year’s Navis World.

We were surprised by the remarkable submissions we received from terminals worldwide for the Navis Inspire Awards, which illustrated how much work has been done and is currently being done by our customers to improve the productivity and efficiency of the terminal for the shipping community.

While there were no “surprises” in the presentations per-se, the sessions, case studies and informal conversations that took place during the conference brought to life that our customers and industry partners are truly innovators in the field. From massive, first-ever terminal development projects to the active use of automation to make the movement of cargo more efficient, cost-effective, and safer for all involved, our global container shipping community is achieving unbelievable ‘firsts’ through the use of cutting-edge technology solutions.

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