Port Computer Services Limited (PCS), the premier provider of technology in the shipping industry, has signed a contract to provide technology support to the St Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority (SCASPA) in St Kitts.

The software called ADVANTUM Port Manager is an upgrade to the Wharfage Information System (WIS), which was previously used at SCASPA. WIS is an online warehouse inventory system created in 1987 by PCS for the domestic cargo terminals of the Port of Kingston. The system is used to process charges related to cargo movements over the terminals and to keep track of the inventory of shipments under the custody of the terminal. WIS is currently being used in Jamaica.

Strengthened position

Frances Yeo, executive director of PCS, said the new deal signed by PCS has further strengthened its position as a company poised to offer its services to the region.

"We have continued to develop technological solutions for our clients to cater to the growing demands as the industry becomes more modernised and as several ports throughout the region seek to automate their activities," Yeo said.

She added that PCS is committed to the task at hand and is poised to offer ADVANTUM, as well as other software technology, to the local and regional shipping industry. Yeo, however, pointed out that the technology developed by PCS extends beyond port and shipping operations.

ADVANTUM is a multi-user, multiple-principal windows-based software in which manifest information can be inputted manually or electronically imported for quick retrieval and billing of charges. This manifest information can be extracted and sent electronically to customs departments and other relevant agencies. It also enables shipping agencies with multiple principals to segregate data according to principal.

ADVANTUM offers great flexibility to the user. "Compared to WIS, ADVANTUM is able to distinguish gate pass processing from break-bulk cargo, container cargo as well as motor vehicles, and so facilitates container/motor-vehicle tracking," David Watson, systems development and software engineering manager at PCS, explained.

Payment types

He added that payment types are flexible and includes cash, credit and debit cards, and cheques. He further stated that debit notes can be managed by the user and that payment options, waivers and discounts are also easier to apply.

ADVANTUM can support any platform that has an SQL database and, as a browser-based application, provides a rich user interface and can be made accessible over the Internet.

PCS, a subsidiary of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, has been delivering IT support and services for over 20 years. The company offers software development, network and hosting and is a reseller of various IT products including Microsoft, Fortis Document Management and HRA Human Resources Information System.