In a recent interview for the International Bulk Journal, Chris Hicks, Director of Software Development at TBA's Doncaster office, gave a comprehensive update on the bulk TOS divisions progress and future plans. From substantial team growth to innovative product developments, Chris detailed how TBA has navigated the past five years and set ambitious goals for the future. A key highlight of this journey is TBA's CommTrac terminal operating system (TOS), which is revolutionising the management of bulk and breakbulk cargo.
A Focus on Team Expansion and Retention
Chris Hicks, one of the driving forces behind CommTrac’s growth, has overseen a period of significant growth for the company. "TBA Doncaster and our CommTrac teams have been all about growth," Hicks stated. "We've expanded at every opportunity while ensuring we retain our existing staff."
This growth has been achieved through strategic recruitment rounds and key partnerships. TBA's collaboration with NashTech in Vietnam has been particularly fruitful. "The partnership has provided us with excellent tech skills and training programs, which have significantly bolstered our team," Hicks explained. In addition, TBA continues to grow through direct UK recruitment, aiming to have 67 resources by the end of the year.
Customer Base and Market Expansion
Since the beginning of the decade, TBA's CommTrac customer base has seen a dramatic increase. From just five sites running the most recent release (version 4) in 2019, the company now boasts 27 live sites running v4, with eight more instances being delivered. "This expansion is the result of nine new partnerships, including PD Ports and ABP, as well as exciting projects in North America," Hicks noted.
While Chris only joined the business in 2020, he has already seen dramatic growth and has been heavily involved in the formulation of the business plan, aiming to have CommTrac installed in 70 ports by 2027. “Our ‘70 by 2027’ campaign is designed to instil this ambitious target into our entire team and to focus minds on the best way to achieve it, without compromising quality or the service levels expected by our existing users.”
Innovative Product Developments
Product development has been at the forefront of TBA's strategy. Hicks emphasised a shift from a use-case specific approach to a more comprehensive system-wide development. "This new approach might take longer, but it results in a more robust solution," he said. Key product developments include a new front end for smoother user interactions, an API-first approach for data handling, and significant improvements in job control and real-time updates.
Among the standout new functionalities are unmanned automotive weighbridges, enhanced job control for real-time updates, and new bagging functionalities for bulk operations. Additionally, train rake capabilities have been enhanced, alongside the introduction of a berth planning section and improved rotation plans for vessel manifest automation.
The Power of CommTrac
Central to TBA's offering in this sector is CommTrac, an integrated terminal management software solution designed for bulk and breakbulk cargo. With 40 global installations, CommTrac optimises non-containerised cargo management by connecting manual and automated assets, people, and management information across single or multi-terminal sites in real-time.
"CommTrac is a game-changer for our clients," Hicks stated. "It integrates terminal data across management, planning, supervision, operations, finance, and customer interfaces, significantly improving decision-making."
CommTrac’s integrated approach connects stakeholders and streamlines operations, leading to reduced operational expenses (OPEX). By optimising planning and superior equipment deployment, it cuts demurrage charges and optimizes headcount. Moreover, CommTrac captures all billable revenue opportunities, increasing throughput and storage volumes for enhanced efficiency and profitability.
The system is highly scalable, managing both manual machinery and automated assets in real-time across terminal networks. Its comprehensive suite of tools provides precision and management information needed to simplify cargo operations, maximising revenue, profitability, compliance, and growth potential while minimising risk.
Proven Success and Fast ROI
CommTrac is proven in the harshest and most demanding bulk handling environments worldwide. It offers frictionless global installation, training, and 24/7 support, ensuring clients see a fast return on investment (ROI) and robust system reliability. "CommTrac is not just a standalone application," Hicks emphasised. "It interfaces with ERP systems, automation equipment, weighbridges, and barcode scanners, simplifying key operational tasks."
CommTrac manages reception, storage, and delivery of cargo, provides real-time overviews of discharge and loading progress, calculates revenues, generates invoices, and offers visibility into delays, variances, inventory tonnage, and position. It also ensures accurate, error-free information with proven compliance to quality assurance standards.
Designed for a wide range of cargo types, CommTrac guarantees product surety and traceability for animal feed, supports operational performance and robust inventory for coal and iron ore, mitigates the risk of cross-contamination for grain, and integrates with automation for wood pellets, among other applications. It also enhances the tracking, traceability, and control of movements for break bulk and general cargo.
Commitment to Security
In an era where cybersecurity is paramount, TBA has achieved ISO 27001 accreditation. "This ensures our cybersecurity practices are up to standard," Hicks confirmed. The accreditation covers secure development practices, world-class hosting, and internal IT systems management, reinforcing TBA's commitment to maintaining trust and security for its clients.
Future Roadmap
Looking ahead, TBA's CommTrac roadmap is filled with exciting developments. The company is focusing on job allocation, expanding container operations, and enhancing general cargo functionalities. "We are also working on a front-end rewrite and introducing task-based workflows," Hicks revealed.
An especially noteworthy development is the integration of liquid bulk functionalities, starting with a project for Texas International. Furthermore, TBA is developing dashboards for better data insights and user interaction, all aimed at streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency.
Conclusion
Chris Hicks’s insights reveal a company that has not only weathered the past five years but has thrived. TBA Doncaster's strategic growth, innovative product developments, and commitment to security position it well for the future. As Hicks concluded, "We are committed to continuous improvement and growth, enhancing our product, expanding our customer base, and investing in our team. The future holds exciting possibilities for TBA."
For those interested in learning more about CommTrac and how it can revolutionise the bulk terminal operations, Hicks encourages them to get in touch. "Speak to one of our CommTrac experts," he suggested. "We have a great team that is always happy to talk about what CommTrac is capable of and where it’s headed."
This interview was featured in the September issue of International Bulk Journal.
