UAB-Online, a cloud platform for digital collaboration in dry and liquid cargo logistics, and Dropboard, a planning and scheduling platform developed by Systems Navigator, are enhancing their integration to assist terminals in linking loading planning with the daily coordination of port calls.
Current Challenges in Loading Planning
Many terminals still perform loading planning using spreadsheets, whiteboards, or separate planning tools. While these methods may provide support for internal planning, they often make coordination among agents, inspectors, vessels, customers, and other stakeholders regarding the latest operational status difficult.
Integration of UAB-Online and Dropboard
The integration between UAB-Online and Dropboard is designed to bring planning closer to the operational process. UAB-Online currently assists terminals in managing pre-arrival coordination, readiness notifications, documentation, digital flows, and stakeholder communications in a secure environment. By linking this environment with Dropboard's planning capabilities, terminals can turn planning into part of the same operational context where port calls are prepared, coordinated, and executed.
This integration provides a practical pathway towards more advanced digital planning for terminals. Teams can start with an accessible planning setup, including drag-and-drop loading planning, while terminals that require more complex planning needs can benefit from the advanced scheduling capabilities available in Dropboard.
The value of this integration lies not only in creating a plan but also in making its continuity easier for those who rely on it. When planning is connected to the operational process, stakeholders can work from a shared planning view and coordinate earlier, reducing the number of calls, emails, and manual updates needed to understand what to expect in future stages.
This integration is an important step in UAB-Online's JIT operational vision. UAB-Online sees JIT Operations as a practical pathway for terminal growth: from manual coordination towards digital flows, shared planning, and over time, a more connected operational picture among stakeholders, systems, and data resources.
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