Information Flow Analysis of the Container Discharging Process

Information technology is no longer the limiting factor but rather the enabler for the analysis of enormous amounts of data and the transformation of data into information. However, there is a lack of information quality due to wrong, late or imprecise information. The adequate quality of information is crucial for logistics processes due to accompanying information flows in order to properly handle the flow of goods. This paper will takes a closer look at the discharging processes of import and transshipment containers and the information which is transferred simultaneously between the involved stakeholders. An information flow analysis is conducted including a description of the single steps of the discharging process. Special attention is paid to step three: the selection of the appropriate yard block. In regard of process efficiency this step forms the most critical one. A decision tree reveals the necessity of high information quality. An analysis of the relevant UN/EDIFACT messages enables a combination of the information with the four process steps in a process information flow matrix. Due to a research gap regarding the connection of information flows and process efficiency within that maritime context, the aim of the paper is to contribute to fill that gap by increasing the transparency of the discharging process at container terminals. This research is important to identify the state of the art regarding current EDI communication between terminal operators and shipping lines from the terminal point of view before and during the container discharging process. This paper forms the basis for the subsequently following research which will further model and simulate these processes in order to quantify the impact on process efficiency by improving the information quality.