Indian Ports Association (IPA), under the guidance of Ministry of Shipping, launched the Port Community System ‘PCS 1x’ on December 11. ‘PCS 1x’ is a cloud based new generation technology, with user-friendly interface.
Namely, the ‘PCS 1x’ is a technology that offers value added services such as notification engine, workflow, mobile application, track and trace, better user interface, better security features, improved inclusion by offering dashboard for those with no IT capability.
A characteristic of ‘PC S1x’ is that it can latch on to third party software. As a result, it will provide expanded services, enabling the stakeholders to access a wide network of services.
Moving on, another feature of this platform is the deployment of a payment aggregator solution which removes dependency on bank specific payment eco system. The system enables single sign on facility to provide one stop interface to all the functionalities across all stakeholders.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
With ‘PCS 1x’ the trade will have an enhanced communication with the customs as they have also embarked on an Application Programming Interface (API) based architecture, therefore enabling real-time interaction.
Moreover, this system offers a database that works as a single data point to all transactions. It holds and stores data on its first occurrence, reducing the need of manual intervention. Meaning that by not being in the need of manually adding information and data, there is a decrease on errors in the process.
According to IPA, it is estimated that the above feature alone will decrease 11/2 to 2 days in a life of transaction.
The platform enables the Indian Maritime trade to revolutionise and pave the way to enhance the Ease of Doing Business world ranking and Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranks.
This system seamlessly integrates 8 new stakeholders besides the 19 existing stakeholders from the maritime trade on a single platform. Also, concerning the stakeholders, a training and outreach program will take place aiming to educate the stakeholders about the uses and benefits of ‘PCS 1x’.
IPA highlights that the ‘PCS 1x’ is an eco-friendly system by reducing the dependency on paper.
Finally, the launching took place in the presence of all major port chairmen through video conference. Shri Bhatia, while launching the portal lauded the effort of all involved for completion of the project in record time of 6 months.