Virginia International Terminals Improves Security with APS Technology Gate Solution

SAN DIEGO, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced Virginia International Terminals (VIT) has implemented the APS Gate OCR Portal to automate container identification and truck license plates for improved security and throughput.  VIT operates all the marine terminals within the Virginia Port Authority, and is the third largest container port on the East Coast, handling over one million containers annually.  

VIT is modernizing the gates at its Norfolk marine terminal to provide better service to customers and a safer and more secure environment.  The first phase of the update included implementing APS Gate OCR Portals over four lanes and integrating the system with the Zebra Enterprise Solutions Navis N4 system.  To keep the large-scale gate project on track, the gate OCR solution needed to be installed, turnkey, in 90 days.  APS was the only provider who could meet this strict time requirement.  

The APS solution captures container numbers and truck chassis numbers automatically, providing storage and retrieval capability the moment they pass through the portal.  The pictures captured can be used for inspections, providing a safer environment for employees.  Inspectors currently walk around the equipment making visual inspections of containers and equipment.  With the APS solution, the containers can be inspected inside the facility from the photos, away from the danger of moving vehicles and large equipment.

"VIT is one of the most sophisticated terminals in the world.  We regularly look for new ways to improve processes and handle more volume.  Our new gate will allow us to handle higher volumes through faster processes that new technology like optical character recognition will provide," said David Seale, Director IT for VIT.  "APS is a key component in this modernization process."

The APS solution is also expected to speed turn time for truckers entering and exiting the facility.  The check-in process includes three stages, beginning with a security check.  Once the next step of the gate modernization is complete, the port police will remotely operate this security check process.  Reducing the amount of time at each stage will improve turn time for truckers and enable VIT to handle higher volumes.  

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal's gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 35 marine and intermodal container terminals in ten countries around the world.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.  For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com.

SOURCE APS Technology Group, Inc.