3 Things to consider on Gate Automation

CERTUS delivers complete turn-key systems that recognize trucks, containers and a vast variety of its characteristics. CERTUS Automated Gate systems make each gate entering process as efficient, smooth and fast as possible. Before deploying an Automated Gate, one may consider several factors – we have listed 3 below:

1. Design Factors

The system components and the central software (GOS) are mostly the same for every customer, however the design is not. An Automated Gate is designed around factors like available space, expected (peak) truck volume, site specific gate inspections and port authority regulations.

At CERTUS we have deployed dozens of Automated Gates in both brownfield and greenfield sites. We have Automated Gate Operations in terminals having truck peaks of 500 per hour as well as only 5 per hour. In any case – we can help you defining your most optimal gate setup to include automation.

2. Happy Flow

After having an initial design on the gate layout, including the automation components – the next step is to define the Happy Flow, Trouble Flow and (optional) Reject Flow. The Happy Flow is the most easy one – if everything goes well, how is the gate flow executed for a typical truck? What errors can occur during the Happy Flow? For every error, will this trigger that the truck will be assigned a specific Trouble Flow?

Lastly, typically only applicable in case a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) is deployed as part of the Automated Gate, a Reject Flow may be defined to redirect trucks out of the terminal.

3. Return on Investment

Yes – the investment for an Automated Gate typically has an excellent Return on Investment (ROI). Factors like increased capacity, improved productivity and cost saving play an important role in the ROI. Besides the ROI, the increased safety and reduced environmental footprint are items no modern terminal can ignore.

Through the reduction of data input and thereby increasing the accuracy and speed of the transactions, there is a natural result in higher throughput and improved container inventory accuracy. Truck drivers can enter the terminal smoothly and fast. These faster handling times at the gate reduces idling and thereby the carbon emissions. Helping you to create a cleaner work environment for your employees and improve your impact on the climate.

CERTUS customers as well as multiple other Terminal Operators can confirm on the above.