Zebra Enterprise Solutions (ZES), a division of Zebra Technologies announced the launch of a new operating solution designed for terminals that move at least 120,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) per year. TEU is a standard measure in intermodal transport.

Navis Argo is the new terminal operating solution (TOS) that offers lower-volume terminals cost-effective access to enterprise-level software, eliminating the competitive disadvantage small operations typically face when compared to their larger counterparts.

Built on more than 20 years of Navis terminal experience, Navis Argo is designed to record and report all terminal operational activities on an intuitive and simple interface, making it easier and more affordable to maintain. The solution includes features necessary for all core operational planning and control requirements for vessel, yard and gate, integrated with equipment control, EDI management and reporting tools.

Of the approximately 1,099 terminals worldwide, about 35% of those terminals are moving less than 120,000 TEU per year and are considered lower-volume terminals, according to industry media and maritime researchers. Generally, the lower-volume terminals are using in-house terminal operating systems because they cannot justify the costs of an enterprise TOS – until now. Navis Argo is an enterprise level TOS for the lower-volume terminal that is designed to grow and expand with the terminal at an affordable cost.

“We are excited about the benefits Navis Argo will offer smaller operations, and believe the tools and features will allow these terminals to grow and effectively compete in an ever-changing business landscape,” said Bill Walsh, General Manager of Zebra Enterprise Solutions.

Navis Argo is based on a Java RTC infrastructure that allows terminals to acquire additional modules and scale up as the business grows, including advanced operational planning and control requirements.  In addition, the solution has enhanced features for full gate integration, and includes an Equipment Control module allowing operation plans to be seamlessly integrated with container handling equipment (CHE) such as forklifts and reach stackers.

“Small terminal operations are a critical part of the industry and make up a significant percentage of the global terminal industry, especially in emerging and niche regional markets,” Walsh said.  “Providing lower-volume terminals access to many of the same software tools and features that have allowed larger facilities worldwide to expand helps lay the foundation for the future growth of the industry as a whole.”