Softship - the global provider of liner and agent software applications – announces the launch of the industry’s first cloud-based, comprehensive solution designed specifically for port agents. Softship Advanced Port Agency Solution – or SAPAS – is a unique pay-as-you-go tool that manages all port agency and husbandry activities in a single on-line solution. Softship’s executive director, Thomas Wolff explains:
“Port agents provide the critical link between the charterer or owner and the port. They arrange port services, crew changes, manage port expenses and much more besides. Most agents are small companies who run their businesses on phone calls, spreadsheets and notebooks. SAPAS allows the agent to structure and control all this information and to manage efficiently the wide range of activities required when a ship makes a port call. Importantly, SAPAS is available from any internet connected PC or tablet making it completely portable for agents who are often on the move.”
Key functions of SAPAS include: Master data: A user defined database to store and retrieve the huge amounts of information required to service the ships when in port Tariffs: Port tariffs can be extremely complex. SAPAS stores this information and calculates accurate costs. Offers: This facility combines vessel information with external costs such as pilotage, berthing and bunkering to accurately estimate the cost of a port call. SAPAS generates a professional estimate that can be presented by the agent. Port calls: SAPAS manages all activities (vessel, crew, port authorities, customers, suppliers and more) required while the ship is in port. It creates a checklist, statement of facts and a disbursement account that can be presented when the vessel departs. Wolff says:
“We listened carefully to the needs of port agents when we were designing SAPAS and we are confident that this tool will go a long way to help them manage their daily activities and present a professional image to their customers. We have ensured it is easy-to-use and requires no training or software installation. There is no upfront cost and agents only pay for what they use, when they use it.”
SAPAS is available from http://www.softship.com/sapas