Managing ICD (Inland Container Depots) and Rail Terminal Operations are complicated to handle. With endless regulations and restrictions, it becomes harder to manage them as compared to other business operations. It is best to opt for an ERP for Transport and Logistics like Dynamics 365 for Logistics.
Inland Container Depots and Container Freight Stations (CFSs), also known as dry ports, are responsible for conducting all custom formalities surrounding the export and import of goods. It is a hub in the logistics chain within a multimodal logistics system. ICD and CFS deliver containerization services of break-bulk cargo.
ICD is usually situated inside the country, distant from the gateway ports which is the key difference between ICD and CFS: CFS is close to the mother port and often does not connect with rails. Both are liable to perform the following functions:
- Receipt and dispatch/delivery of cargo.
- Transit exercises via road/rail to and from serving ports.
- Loading and unloading of containers.
- Custom clearance.
- Provisional storage of containers and cargo.
- Assimilation of LCL (Less Than Container Load) cargo.
- Repair and maintenance of container units.
Rail terminals on the other hand are the conventional shunting yards where the rearrangement of railcars is operated to trains through a system of switches, intermodal terminals, and shunting tracks where the exchange of containers between trains and trucks happen.
Dynamics 365 for Logistics helps manage Rail Terminal Operations via its modules which include:
- Container Booking
- Rail Journey
- Hub and Spoke Journey
- Other CTO Journey
- Non containerized rail movement
- TXR log tracking
- Capturing of FOIS (Indian Railways) System
- Trainload plan
- Merchant haulage
- Career haulage
How Dynamics 365 for Logistics Streamlines ICD and CFS Operations?
It is hard to effectively track your cargo as soon as it is inside the yard with conventional technology. Instead, it is recommended to opt for an ERP for Transport Company like Dynamics 365 for Logistics provides which ensures visibility of content, marks priority, helps in planning, and manages rail terminal operations besides tracking cargo.
Helps Moving Shipments and Trucks Seamlessly
The ERP Software for Logistics Industry enables the user to track inbound trailer-load data right at the gate with RFID (radio frequency identification) tags while transferring the inputs straight to the automated systems which schedule dock-door assignments.
Enables Effective Yard Planning
This Transport Management Software is specifically designed as a modular solution having both customizable and self-supporting modules to the specific requirements of every yard. You can plan according to your customers and as well as cargos. The solution apprehends yard inspection, required area based on cargo quantity, the average stay at the yard, available area, damage tracking, investments, and so on. You can track the everyday stacking report and check the cargo stacking area availability.
Leverage Content Transparency
The Logistics ERP Software lets you know what each container possesses right when it enters the gate. This Yard Management Solution saves trailer and container data which is accessible to workers through their mobile devices for more secure content handling.
Helps Prioritizing Items
You can cross-dock the urgently required shipments with live updates of both warehouse management systems and container information, without having to leave the yard.
Facilitates Robust Shifting Planning
It becomes easier to differentiate between cargos and choose available areas with a considerable degree of automation. Shift management is a strategy that covers change management keeping individuals, NGOs, businesses, and government in mind to generate equity and achieve the desired results.
Enabled Vehicle Tracking
Through Dynamics 365 for Logistics, the user can track their vehicles within the port area, hence improving vehicle tracking and visibility as the system is linked with Vehicle Transport Systems. Logistics managers can monitor, track, and get deep insights into any vehicle’s hold, movement, cause of hold and release anytime via VTS. Your vehicle is now secured, theft-proof as you can track its accurate locations through a GPS tracker.
Reduces Operational Costs
This system helps organizations cut their operational costs and boost productivity with robust automation; rework costs are decreased with a ranking of vehicles. You can reconcile assets in the yard regularly while boosting yard productivity and throughput.
Customized Reports in the Yard
This technology enables a clear vision of the live yard status and forecasts which eventually helps in future yard planning. This helps stabilize the process. You can visualize all the reports based on the dates and ranges provided.
Why Trident?
The first step to streamline your ICD, CFS, and Rail Terminal Operations is to get technology that supports your requirements. Dynamics 365 for Logistics is one of the best yard management software which also supports rail terminal operations. The second step is to find the right implementation partner. Trident Information Systems is a Gold Microsoft Dynamics Partner who has specialized in many vertices including transport and logistics industries. With a robust track of accomplishments and a massive team of experts, Trident has successfully helped businesses grow. Our services have surpassed Indian borders to the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. Contact us for further information or a demonstration.
