Westports launches world’s first wireless remote P-Check system
Westports RPS was developed internally over two years from the proof-of-concept in 2018, to pilot test in 2019
On 9th July 2020, the Minister of Transport, YB. Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong officiated the launch of Westports’ Remote Physical-Check System (“RPS”).
Every container that is being unloaded from or loaded onto a vessel has to be verified at the wharf. The RPS allows the verification process to be performed via Video Analytic cameras installed on the Quay Cranes structure instead of having stowage clerks physically walking around container boxes performing the same function onsite at the wharf. Westports RPS is the world’s first in implementing this technology via a wireless network and infrastructure.
RPS marks another milestone in Westports journey towards digitalisation as the Company progresses from the manual process before 2000 to digital handheld devices in the 2000s and finally to wireless tablet devices before the introduction of RPS. The RPS’ 24/7 video streaming also facilitates weather and pollution proof verification process.
Westports RPS was developed internally over two years from the proof-of-concept in 2018, to pilot test in 2019, and finally full-scale gradual implementation in 2020. The Company has already implemented the RPS on 29 units of Ship-to-Shore Cranes and is expected to roll out the full application of the RPS by end 2020.
With the RPS, the stowage clerks’ work scope is upgraded as RPS clerks can perform the verification process remotely in the comfort of the office environment. Verification accuracy improves. Without the need to physically walk around the containers onsite at the wharf, work safety is enhanced – this incidentally improves verification efficiency as the turnaround time to check the containers is reduced by one-third to only 30 seconds.
The digitalisation with the RPS also reduces the need for RPS clerks as one staff can now multitask and perform the verification work of three staff previously. This allows Westports to redeploy and train staff for other areas of operations to support the Company’s growing requirements even as Westports plans for its multi-billion container terminal expansion at Pulau Indah.
Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, Group Managing Director of Westports, remarked that:
“The Remote Physical-Check System demonstrates Westports’ ethos and culture of striving and even developing innovative solutions to achieve improvement in operational efficiency for our clients and work safety for our staff. The system was developed at a fraction of the cost compared to some alternatives, and it is the world’s first wireless network system. The RPS will also support greater operational efficiency of Westports eventual expanded multi-billion container terminal expansion in the future.”
