The Port of Virginia has successfully launched the Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) without any disruptions in operations, wrapping-up an intensive two-year preparation effort.  “Today, all operations are proceeding as planned,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “Our work on this project allowed us to launch two weeks ahead of our originally announced schedule. At NIT, we now have the technology infrastructure in place for a twenty-first century terminal operating system.”  The critical 24-hour switch-over began at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, which marked the start of the migration of data, in a step-by-step process. At that point, all cargo and vessel operations were put on hold. At 8 a.m., a typical four-hour Saturday truck gate commenced and went along without issue followed by a start of rail operations at 1 p.m. and vessel operations at 7 p.m.  “There were no reportable incidents and the team was very comfortable in this new environment,” Reinhart, said “Now the team is in the stage of building familiarity with the technology and based on their training and preparation, we are encouraged by the progress.”  When compared with the current terminal operating system, N4 will provide some very real advantages. Most importantly, it replaces a 25-year-old legacy system that has reached the end of its usefulness. Operationally speaking, N4 will provide real-time visibility across all areas of the operation at NIT; it provides short- and long-term planning capability and is flexible, allowing features to be customized as demand requires.  For more than two years, the port’s N4 team planned, trained and tested the system to ensure work in all areas of the operation run smoothly. Additional resources were in place at NIT for the launch and will remain there in the coming weeks continue to support the transition.  “Our goal was to make this a smooth transition for all stakeholders in The Port of Virginia and we achieved that very goal,” Reinhart said. “We had vision, we were prepared and the benefits to all the port users and stakeholders are to come.  “We also want to thank all of our colleagues who worked so diligently to see this project through to such a successful start; this is a real testament to their professionalism, dedication and expertise.”