In the modern logistics and terminal operations landscape, integration isn't just a feature, it's a critical driver of success. With increasingly complex supply chains and mounting pressure for efficiency, terminal operators require technology that can connect seamlessly across systems, reduce manual processes, and unlock data visibility. Enter CommTrac, a robust terminal operating system designed by TBA with an API-first approach that prioritizes ease of integration and future scalability.
CommTrac provides terminal operators with the tools to achieve operational excellence through seamless system connectivity. Whether your environment includes a Transportation Management System (TMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, Asset Management Systems (AMS), or other operational platforms, CommTrac is built to work in harmony with both legacy and modern infrastructure. The platform enables real-time data flow, process automation, and accurate, compliant operations without the need for costly, complex customizations.
Disconnected systems often create significant operational challenges. Manual data entry, duplication of efforts, siloed information, and delays can all hinder productivity and increase the risk of errors or non-compliance. These inefficiencies can quickly accumulate, impacting customer satisfaction, throughput, and profitability.
CommTrac addresses these challenges by acting as a digital backbone, allowing seamless integration across all operational systems. Through reliable data exchange and event-driven automation, terminal operators can not only streamline processes but also enhance decision-making capabilities through real-time visibility.
CommTrac's strength lies in its modern architecture, which is designed from the ground up to support open and extensible integrations. At the heart of this capability is a comprehensive API library that includes over 300 RESTful endpoints. These APIs allow external systems to interact with CommTrac in a dynamic and secure manner, retrieving and sending data as needed. This design ensures that users can build workflows that are tailored to their unique operational requirements.
Moreover, CommTrac recently introduced event-driven webhooks through Kafka integration. This feature supports real-time data streaming and system responsiveness, allowing automatic actions to be triggered by events within the terminal, such as the completion of a weighing process or the arrival of a vessel.
Additional components like the Job Control Module provide a critical link between operational systems and the physical activities of the terminal. This module supports two-way communication, enabling weight tracking and material flow management in real time. When paired with the Weighbridge Connector, terminals gain accurate, compliant, and automated weighing processes at key control points like gatehouses, loading zones, and discharge areas.
CommTrac offers flexibility not only in its technology but also in how it can be implemented. TBA Doncaster provides three distinct integration approaches, catering to different levels of internal capability and business requirements.
The first approach allows customers to take full ownership of the integration. With the support of TBA architects, organizations can use the available APIs and webhooks to build and maintain their integrations. This method offers the most flexibility and long-term cost savings but requires a team with the appropriate technical expertise.
The second option sees TBA handling the development work, delivering a tailored integration solution using middleware or ETL tools. Once the integration is in place, the customer assumes responsibility for support and maintenance. This hybrid approach reduces initial complexity while keeping ongoing management in-house.
For companies without technical resources or those seeking a fully managed solution, the third approach allows TBA to handle everything from development to ongoing support. This hands-off model ensures that the integration remains compatible with future CommTrac updates and reduces internal workload, albeit with recurring support fees.
CommTrac is already driving transformation across a range of operational environments. Terminals have successfully leveraged its integration capabilities to enhance productivity and streamline critical processes.
One key application involves integrating CommTrac with external business intelligence platforms to extract operational data for use in productivity dashboards. This enables real-time tracking of key performance indicators and supports data-driven decision-making across all levels of the organization.
In maritime operations, CommTrac can ingest vessel manifest data to automatically create vessel visit records and Bills of Lading. This not only increases accuracy but significantly reduces manual workload and speeds up processing times.
Integrations with financial and accounting platforms such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and MultiView allow invoice data to flow directly from CommTrac to ERP systems. This ensures seamless revenue tracking and simplifies financial reconciliation processes.
Other use cases include integrating with customer systems to automate delivery orders and truck appointments, enhancing throughput by eliminating manual scheduling. CommTrac also supports integration with rail systems to automate train and wagon visit creation, further boosting intermodal efficiency.
A standout feature of CommTrac is its robust support for integrating with Operational Technology. As terminals become increasingly automated, the need to connect digital systems with physical infrastructure like SCADA systems, sensors, and PLCs has never been greater.
CommTrac's Job Control Module acts as a conduit between the digital and physical realms. By working closely with on-site teams, TBA helps define material flow routes, associate routes with jobs, and control route execution based on equipment availability and safety constraints.
Two operation modes (passive and active) give terminals the flexibility to decide how much control is handed to the system. In passive mode, operators choose routes manually, while in active mode, SCADA systems wait for CommTrac handshakes before executing jobs.
Weighbridge integration is another area where CommTrac shines. The Weighbridge Connector supports a wide variety of hardware models and integrates directly with weighing indicators . This direct integration allows the system to capture gross, net, and tare weights automatically and register readings in indicator memory, meeting legal compliance standards.
This solution eliminates manual weighing errors and reduces operational delays. The result is real-time weight data availability at all critical points of the terminal.
Taking this one step further, TBA offers a Driver Operated Weighbridge Terminal (DOWT) that puts control in the hands of the haulier. Drivers follow guided workflows through a user-friendly terminal that handles identification, safety declarations, load validation, and more. Real-time visibility across weighbridges is maintained through a Command Centre view, allowing operators to monitor activity and intervene remotely if needed.
In a competitive, fast-moving industry, seamless system integration can be the difference between stagnation and success. CommTrac offers terminal operators a future-ready solution that not only meets today’s integration needs but is also designed to evolve with changing technology and business demands.
Whether you prefer to build your own integrations, have TBA develop them for you, or opt for a fully managed service, CommTrac delivers the tools, flexibility, and support needed to make it happen. With robust OT connectivity, flexible integration models, and a powerful API platform, CommTrac empowers you to take control of your operations and scale with confidence.
To learn more or begin your integration journey, contact TBA Doncaster and explore how CommTrac can transform your terminal systems into a connected, intelligent operation.