Why This Matters
For container depots and inland terminals, delays in processing container movements can lead to yard congestion, dissatisfied customers, and financial loss. In today’s environment of increasing volume and shrinking margins, automation is no longer optional — it’s essential.
The Case: An African Inland Container Depot
In 2024, a busy inland container depot in East Africa faced growing operational pressure. Manual handling of container data — including gate-in/gate-out updates, condition reports, and shipping instructions — resulted in bottlenecks across the entire workflow. With only basic Excel-based tracking and constant reliance on email and phone updates from shipping lines, staff were overwhelmed.
The Turning Point: EDI Integration
In Q2 2024, the depot partnered with a regional integrator to implement EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) between their internal CYMS and a major shipping line. The CODECO D.95B format was selected for gate events. Within weeks, the depot began receiving container status updates automatically — fully integrated into their operational software.
Impact on Operations
The results were felt almost immediately:
- Processing time reduced by 42%: Container status updates that once took hours now arrived instantly and without operator involvement.
- Data accuracy improved by 63%: Manual entry errors, such as typos and mismatched container numbers, dropped sharply.
- Better planning: Real-time data allowed dispatchers to optimize yard allocation and reduce equipment idle time.
- Faster turnaround: Drivers entering the gate no longer waited for approvals or document verification — the system already had the needed data.
- Customer satisfaction rose: Shippers and freight forwarders received updates faster and with greater reliability.
Lessons Learned
This project demonstrated that even midsized depots can unlock major gains through EDI. The key is choosing a CYMS platform that offers built-in support for integration with multiple partners and message formats — including CODECO, COARRI, and IFTMIN. A modular system with open API capabilities was crucial to the smooth onboarding process.
Final Thoughts
As global trade becomes more digitized, container terminals and depots that rely on outdated, manual processes risk being left behind. EDI is more than a technical feature — it’s a bridge to operational efficiency, traceability, and client confidence. If your yard is still waiting on PDFs and phone calls, now is the time to rethink your digital strategy.
