How Much Cargo Automation Do You Need?

Today’s highly competitive cargo environment requires high levels of customer service, improved employee productivity and timely, accurate management information. Although it is possible to automate almost any phase of cargo, only a detailed analysis will determine which areas can produce the desired benefits and are economically justified. This paper describes a practical approach to determining what type and how much automation is needed to meet your cargo operations objectives. Techniques for identifying requirements and quantifying benefits are presented from the end-user’s perspective. Because each user’s situation is unique, no attempt is made to recommend the automation of specific functions or to propose a particular system as a solution.