Terminal operating systems (TOS) manage the movement of containers at cargo terminals. Managers of cargo terminals use TOS software to monitor a range of activities across an entire port or inland terminal and maximize efficiency when loading and unloading container ships and other vehicles. These systems help terminal managers coordinate complex daily logistics involving ships, trains, trucks, cranes, various types of cargo, and port workers. Cargo terminal professionals use a TOS to manage vessel and equipment scheduling, track the movements of cargo containers, optimize space allocation in the yard, and make decisions based on real-time information about terminal operations.
A TOS can integrate with other software used in logistics, including “ERP systems” and “accounting software”.
To qualify for inclusion in the Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) category, a product must:
- Manage the movement of goods and containers at cargo terminals
- Optimize utilization of terminal equipment, such as cranes
- Plan and schedule the loading or unloading of vessels or vehicles
- Automate management of space in the container yard
- Monitor operations of cargo terminals in real time