Seaport cluster information systems — A foundation for Port Community Systems' architecture

Numerous stakeholders are involved in operations of modern Port Community Systems: container terminals, customs, border police, coast guard, government ministry in charge of sea traffic and infrastructure, seaport agents, port authorities etc. Traditionally, all of these entities use separate and heterogeneous business information systems. Integration of these complex systems presents a challenge: the common goal should be the creation of one interconnected system, able to provide all vital information to various stakeholders while being efficient, financially viable and avoiding data and process duplication. In this paper, the authors will present main characteristics of existing seaport cluster information systems, their possible overlapping dependencies and initial component analysis, as a basis for decision-making related to architecture of future Port Community Systems.