ICTSI launches enhanced online container tracking system
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) flagship, Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), updated Track and Trace, an online container tracking system developed in-house for MICT customers, to version 4.0. The latest update further improved overall system functionality and user experience, the company said in its press release.
“The new version of the MICT Track and Trace further enhances the system’s overall functionality and value for both ICTSI and our clients at the MICT. As we have developed this system in-house, we could easily update and improve Track and Trace to become a more robust and dependable system,” says Christian Lozano, ICTSI Commercial Director.
Version 4.0 features the new email notification function that delivers container movement updates straight to a client’s inbox. Users simply need to enter an email address where they want to receive updates. The email notification feature follows the release of the SMS notification system, which came out with version 3.0.
“The Track and Trace system was specifically built to provide clients with visibility, control and automation, allowing them to stay updated on the status of their containers. The system embodies ICTSI’s initiative to provide clients with transparency, helping them improve their daily work output by giving them access to important information anytime and anywhere,” Mr. Lozano adds.
Users can search for import and export laden containers, as well as empty containers within MICT premises. Registration is not required. Clients simply need to input the bill of lading and container number. Container movement and storage period are on record, and stored in the system for three months.
Trucks’ time of entry and exit to and from MICT are recorded into the system. Clients need to enter the plate numbers of their trucks to monitor their movements within MICT in the last 30 minutes. ICTSI aims to improve this feature to provide real-time tracking by early 2015.
ICTSI uses data gathered by Track and Trace as a business metric to gauge increases and declines in container movement, as well as system efficiency. “We’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of users, daily search hits and unique container searches, which points to how the system has improved in terms of value and usability,” explained Mr. Lozano.
Track and Trace also monitors and records every invalid search attempt by users. ICTSI contacts its clients at the end of each month to ask for feedback regarding the invalid search attempts. The Company uses the feedback mechanism to fine-tune the system and help clients use Track and Trace more efficiently.
ICTSI is working to add more features to Track and Trace. One such feature is the live chat, which will allow MICT clients to engage the Company’s customer care agents to ensure that inquiries and concerns are attended to in real time.
An application, the MICT Mobile, is also being developed. The application will enable clients to access Track and Trace using their mobile devices. ICTSI aims to offer full mobile functionality through another mobile feature called Text and Trace. This feature will allow clients to receive container movement updates via text messaging.
In the pipeline is a client dashboard interface for Track and Trace, which will transform data into a visually appealing and easy to understand monitoring tool. It will allow clients to see all data and reports on container movement. This will provide MICT customers with useful information in making business decisions.
Track and Trace was first implemented in February of 2012 to complement the MICT iBox, an e-commerce facility designed to provide MICT clients with information on vessel schedules, cargo movements and statement of accounts among others. As ICTSI continues to improve Track and Trace, port users can expect better and more transparent terminal operations and handling of containers at the MICT.
ICTSI is an international operator of common-user container terminals serving the global container shipping industry. ICTSI is the largest port operator in the Philippines and has a portfolio of 29 container terminal operations in 21 countries across six continents.
