A study on quantitative benefits of port community systems

Port community systems (PCSs) are rapidly being developed in order to enhance the communications between ports and other port related institutions and gain competitive advantage against the world’s leading ports. Most of the literature regarding PCSs development is either a case study or qualitative in nature. To our knowledge, there is not any research focusing on the quantitative benefits of PCSs to support decision-makers for investment decisions. Thus this study aims to develop a simulation model to capture the differences between conventional port logistics business and a conceptual model where a hypothetical PCS is in place. The differences between the existing system and the proposed system are calculated via simulation based on data obtained from Turkish port industry in terms of time and cost reduction. Finally, the data integration requirements are discussed.