Port Otago VBS

The Brief

Firebrand has a long and successful relationship with Port Otago, so naturally they came to us for some custom user interface development work. We were tasked with designing a user interface that could be used by Port Otago staff, external dispatchers and truck drivers to manage booking vehicles in and out of the port.

As part of a bigger improvement project at the port, excellent communication was required with both Port Otago and other external stakeholders to ensure a successful outcome.

1000 containers pass through Port Otago each week, so speed and accuracy are key to keeping traffic moving. To minimise user errors and ensure accurate data, key requirements for the application were a clean, easy to use UI with fast, responsive data entry and feedback for users.

The Solution

Firebrand's solution for Port Otago was a smart application that provides clear instruction and feedback to the user, ensuring vehicles are booked quickly and information is easily interpreted by dispatchers and drivers.

The interface was developed in Javascript using React, a library designed specifically for user interface development. The app is extremely fast and responsive, giving users quick access to data they rely on.

The application performs two key functions - booking vehicles in and out of port, and displaying the status of bookings in real time to dispatch staff.

The Result

The new application has helped to streamline the booking process for Port Otago and the trucking companies that come in and out of Port. User feedback has been positive, with internal and external staff all taking to the new interface with ease.

Since rolling out their new VBS system, Port Otago has reported that peak truck turnaround time has dropped from 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes. This has the added public safety benefit of eliminating queues across the intersection at Port Chalmers.