CASE STUDY
The industries that we operate in have been transformed , disrupted and improved through the smart solutions DP World has introduced over the past decades . As an organisation , we moved forward with the goal of “ building an ecosystem for the future ”. Whether it was movement of goods , logistics solutions , industrial / real estate solutions , digital services or customised end-to-end solutions , everything revolved around technological innovations . Another important step was the organisation ’ s integrated product offerings . We aimed to become not only port and terminal operators but developed free zones , business parks and logistic services that provided multimodal connectivity and a one-stop platform for all transport , industrial and logistic solutions .
Our flagship Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone both play an important role in bringing together DP World ’ s vision , purpose and identity as a “ global trade enabler ”.
With multiple options for IT Solutions available in the market , how did you identify the right technology to enable DP World UAE Region ’ s IT transformation strategy ?
At DP World , we are great believers in a solutionsbased approach than a problem-based approach to challenges . Nothing is impossible . More than 20 years ago , DP World recognised the transformative role of technology when we boosted productivity at Jebel Ali Port with the “ quad lift ” quay crane that can unload four twenty-foot containers ( TEU ) at once . Subsequently , with the meteoric rise of digital technology , we dedicated time and resources on digitalisation across all our activities . The adoption of cloud technology ensures networked operations are uniform , adding enormously to efficiency .
Can you elaborate on the technologies currently being used at DP World UAE Region ?
In March 2021 , DP World implemented the Zodiac terminal operating system ( TOS ) in Jebel Ali Port ’ s Container Terminal 3 ( CT3 ). The latest version implemented represents a quantum leap with 100 % automation , delivering a world-class success story . CT3 has now become one of the most sophisticated and intelligent port terminals , comparable to the best in the world .
Zodiac ’ s digital system , developed by DP World teams , consists of 18 internal integrated systems , including the cranes ’ automation system and berth planning . It also manages the rail and inland container depot , provides full fleet management and control of the container freight station . Zodiac provides real-time container location tracking , clearance and delivery with billing systems , driven by IoT technology .
Another DP World innovation , CARGOES Finance , is a good example of the new suite of enterprise and trade solutions we have invested in . The platform enables trade finance solutions for our customers , in partnership with banks and non-banking financial companies ( NBFCs ). Clients can select the most suitable finance product available to meet their needs for working capital at competitive rates .
CARGOES Runner is another innovative DP World offering . It is an Enterprise Resource Planning suite that helps small and medium-sized freight forwarders to manage enterprise level operations efficiently .
How important is it for the company to have robust and secure IT infrastructure and systems ?
The words supply chain helps us understand that the trade and logistics industry is nothing but a very large system that follows many complicated steps and processes to ensure that the “ chain ” does not break . Anything that threatens the security of the IT infrastructure threatens the chain itself . Continuity in business and operations should be maintained at all costs . At DP World UAE Region , this is taken very seriously .
It is our top priority that our business units , customers , stakeholders , employees and every person associated with DP World , experiences a robust and secure IT connection . While we keep our IT infrastructure strong through continuous initiatives and best-in-class security tools , we also ensure a coordinated approach with the IT systems of our customers .
The role of a CIO / IT Director / IT Head etc is constantly evolving with more C-level and business line executives getting involved in making IT purchasing decisions . How hard is it for you to get the correct support and buy-in from your C-Suite peers at DP World , UAE Region ?
DP World works as one unit . Whether it is me playing the role of an IT Director or my C-Suite peers leading purchasing decisions , it has been in our common interest to work towards what ’ s best for the organisation .
From top-level management to every employee associated , everyone is aligned with the company ’ s goals for innovation and digitalisation even before the pandemic occurred – an important reason why Business Continuity was not a big challenge for us to overcome .
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