Towards digitalized and automated work processes in port environments

Requirements for safety and productivity in container terminal processes are the key drivers for automation and digitalized processes. While automation development has so far been focused on large terminal environments and introduction of smart port concepts and utilization of digital technologies are to large extent limited to megaports and forerunners, there is an increasing interest in implementing automation and digitalization at smaller ports in profitable manner. Current paper discusses the enablers and barriers of automation and digital services at such ports, presents a framework for customer value in the contexts and outlines focal development targets