Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the new buzzword for the Indian ports as the same is expected to change the dynamics of port operations, thereby making operations more accurate, fast, transparent and efficient. ERP or simply e-project refers to the use of IT tools in port operations in a bid to make it more robust, secured and reliable. Kochi port has earned the distinction of being the first major port in India to implement ERP, which has resulted in increasing its efficiency manifold.

Advantages of ERP

According to a survey conducted by Shippingbiz 360, a whopping 100% of the respondents feel that implementation of ERP will elevate port operations in India. ERP ensures that customers do not have to fill in multiple forms for getting berth allocation, thereby making port operations much faster. “Ports play a major role in the growth of a country. Mega port projects act as catalyst for the country’s economic growth. ERP is a vital tool to enhance port operations,” says C K Narang, proprietor of Param Cargo Movers, a mid-sized cargo movers and packers in New Delhi.

Under ERP, attendance of employees gets recorded by a biometric identity system. An employee’s salary, overtime done and other entitlements can be calculated easily under the system. It is particularly beneficial for retired employees who do not have to face delays in getting their pensions. The system processes everything well in advance before an employee retires.

ERP ensures that ports get the all important information on their key performance indices (KPI) and thereby improve upon it. In this context, Rajdeepak Bhargava, proprietor of Avignon Shipping Company, a mid-sized shipping firm in Pune says, “After setting goals, it is very important for an organisation to analyse the progress towards achieving those goals. ERP plays an important role in analysing them.”

Another major advantage of ERP is that it helps customers to conduct their business without having to visit the port as it provides a single window provision to customers to fill applications, make payments and enquiries. It provides a reliable database for administration of ports and therefore assists ports in making decision to make services more transparent and user-friendly.

Arup Choudhury