I.
Introduction/Background
In January 2017, during the Strategic Management Plan, Philippine Ports
Authority (PPA) management identified the need to have consolidated reporting
on Port Traffic Statistics (PTS) and revenue collection not only at the
computerized ports but also at several non-connected terminal offices. In the
same year, PPA implemented its in – house developed application named
Internet – based Port Operations and Receipting for Terminals System (iPORTS)
in Terminal Management Offices (TMOs).
During the Budget Hearing in year 2018, PPA General Manager directed the
Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD) to expand
iPORTS instead of procuring commercial off-the-shelf solutions as replacement
for the outdated Port Operation Management System (POMS) being used by
Port Management Offices (PMOs) at 24 base ports. In this year also, PPA
conducted iPORTS Conference or Workshop to ascertain the additional
functional requirements encompassing all types of port transactions from small to
big ports as well as those under contract agreement.
During the pandemic, PPA continuously implemented iPORTS roll – out
nationwide with the use of online flatform.
This year, ICTD is conducting the iPORTS Refresher Course to accommodate
PMOs queries about the said system and inform them of the ongoing
enhancements.
II. Project Significance (Who will benefit and how they will benefit)
There will be three primary users of the iPORTS system: one will be the
harbor/terminal operations personnel (HOPS), one will be the PPA port/terminal
cashier, and the other will be for the shipping line companies (usually their
designated agents and representatives as port customers). Said application
hoped to aid for a more efficient, convenient, and less hassle port services in line
with PPA’s vision.
III. Objectives/Targets/Success Indicators
PPA has embarked on a journey of digital transformation through the
implementation of electronic systems. This strategic initiative aligns with the main
goal of empowering government bodies to harness technology, thus enhancing
the efficiency, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of delivering public services.
This policy reflects an unwavering commitment to modernizing government
operations, notably emphasizing the refinement of financial and accounting
processes. The objective is to streamline these processes, harmonize them with
digital standards, and uphold complete adherence to pertinent regulatory bodies
such as the BIR and COA.
Thus, ICTD examines the PPA’s process covering non-connected ports system
nationwide. They also investigate the need to adopt a new system that will
replace the current NCP process and provide an integrated procedure to capture
port operations and financial transactions in Terminal Management Offices (TMO)
and other ports under its jurisdiction and presents plans of action in developing
an Integrated Port Operations and Receipting System (i-PORTS) that is in line
with the government’s thrusts for the adoption of simplified procedures to
expedite transactions in government and to generate a nationwide consolidated
report on revenue and statistics.
IV. Scope/Description/Implementation Mechanism
Business logic on existing systems such as NOA/ABA and PRS will be adapted
for use in iPORTS, either as modules within the system or as interfaces,
depending on the development path. This is applicable to offline ports which rely
on manual data transfer (i.e.: manual installation of system updates via patches
which were downloaded elsewhere). Existing processes in the NOA/ABA System
and PRS will largely remain unchanged.
For online ports, the NOA/ABA System can be retooled and fitted within iPORTS
for cargo and vessel data, then an interface with FIRST for receipts. Vessel and
cargo charges will still be processed within FIRST, after a CS was generated
from iPORTS.
The current system for port operations, POMS, will still serve as a repository for
cargo- and vessel-related data for use in port statistics until its eventual
replacement with a more advanced port operations software system that is
capable of business intelligence (BI) and extensive reports generation.
A common feature on all modern port operations software systems is the ability
to provide an interface with Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) or
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) for vessel movement and telemetry. Ports
and terminals with VTMS or AIS should provide vessel movement data from
those systems to iPORTS due to its accuracy. Unless data interfaces of various
VTMS and AIS systems that are currently use in PPA ports and terminals are
readily available, it is highly likely that PPA system users will manually input
vessel movement data in iPORTS, a “swivel” on running systems within the
desktop PC.
V. Resource Requirements
Web developers under ICTD are assigned to create an online software that is
user friendly to all users. They collaborated with different PPA Departments
namely Corporate Planning Department (CPD), Treasury Department (TD), and
different Port Management Offices (PMOs) nationwide. Since this is an in-house
web development, ICTD staff need only travel budget for system roll-out.
VI. Expected Output/Outcome
It has access to services and functionalities such as Notice of Arrival, Application
for Berth and Anchorage, Waste on Board and Dangerous Goods Manifests
submission and processing. Other functionalities included in iPorts are cargo and
manifest encoding/ recording and processing, generation of computation sheets
and official receipts for vessel and cargo charges. Also, statistical, and other
Financial Reports are available in iPorts.
VII. Activities and Schedule (Show through a GANTT CHART)
Internet – based Port Operations and Receipting for Terminals System (iPORTS)
Activities and Schedule (GANTT CHART)
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q
Planning
Research
Budgeting
Design
Implementation
Follow up
VIII. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism/Scheme
IX. Reference Materials