Inform integrates middleware into Syncrotess

Inform has successfully integrated Linker, a proven middleware, into ITS Synrotess Rail Scheduler, an add-on solution to optimise train unloading and loading processes.

As a result, all container terminals using a standard Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) can now introduce Inform’s Syncrotess Rail Scheduler quickly using this proven middleware for faster deployment and return on investment (ROI).

Inform is a market leader in add-on AI and optimisation software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, with a regional office in Atlanta, United States, the company has been in the optimisation business for over 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals.

“We are excited to have successfully launched integrated version of Linker at GCT Deltaport. With a proven middleware between Syncrotess and the Navis N4 TOS means that other terminals wanting to benefit from the advanced add-on optimisation that Inform offers for rail operations can do so more quickly and cost effectively,” commented Dr. Eva Savelsberg, Senior Vice President, Logistics Division of Inform.

The Syncrotess Rail Scheduler optimises train loading and unloading processes between yard blocks and rail tracks and back again. The optimiser accomplishes this in real-time by adjusting to crane schedules and crane positions, aiming to reduce the cranes’ travel distances and simultaneously increase container handling efficiency.

The solution supports double-cycling whenever possible to create positive handover and equipment transfer flows. In terminals with multiple rail cranes, the Rail Scheduler considers the full picture (i.e., all handling equipment) when assigning work and dynamically splits the cranes to avoid handling delays. Workloads are adjusted automatically for planned maintenance, breaks, and unforeseen workflow disruptions.

Dr. Rafael Velasquez, Senior Consultant and Project Manager for North American optimisation projects at Inform commented: “The Linker has been successfully integrated into Inform’s Syncrotess solution and enhanced with additional logging and monitoring services to bring it up to Inform’s high standard for software development and has successfully gone live in our North American installations.”