Container terminal operator increases production efficiency

Vancouver’s largest container terminal operator is using rugged mobile devices from Psion Teklogix and wireless software from NetMotion Wireless to increase efficiency at its container terminal in Vancouver.

TSI Terminal Systems Inc. says the investment will help the company realize greater reliability and overall production efficiency while managing thousands of shipping containers, multiple shipside gantry cranes and dozens of trucks.

About the technologies

Psion Teklogix manufactures Workabout Pro rugged handheld computers and technology designed for mobile workers.

The NetMotion Wireless Mobility XE mobile VPN maintains secure, reliable connections for those devices as they transition between networks and encounter coverage gaps throughout a worker’s day.

TSI Terminal Systems deployed Psion Teklogix’s rugged mobile devices at its container terminals in Vancouver, New York and New Jersey in order to keep up with the constant motion of billions of dollars worth of goods.

Workers stationed at the gates use the Workabout Pro devices to inspect containers on and off vessels as "bomb carts" shuffle containers about the 162-acre yard, and movable gantries load and offload trucks and rail cars for damage. 

In addition to implementing Psion Teklogix rugged mobile devices and Wi-Fi & 2G vendor SIM cards, TSI Terminal Systems turned to NetMotion Wireless for a better, more reliable, and faster wireless connection through its Mobility XE client to ensure connection of the Psion Teklogix devices as they transition between networks and encounter coverage gaps throughout a worker’s day.

"The Psion Teklogix Workabout Pro devices provide precise and reliable tracking to help make the inspection process of containers and other checks faster and simpler," said Kurt Jesson, senior terminal support specialist responsible for data communications infrastructure with TSI.

"With real-time data, our team is able to meet tight shipping schedules and run at peak efficiency. Mobility XE made a huge difference keeping workers connected. It really reduced our support calls."