- January 1, 2023
- Posted by: Solverminds
- Category: Innovation
In the past few years, shipping has undergone massive digitisation. As trade volumes grow, there has been a compelling need to shift from time-consuming offline activities to digitised documents and processes.
With the need to make shipping smarter and more efficient, research and development of advanced digital infrastructure are on the rise.
One of the critical aspects of container shipping digitisation is the BAPLIE viewer (bayplan/stowage plan occupied and empty locations).
What Is BAPLIE
BAPLIE is widely used to visualise Electronic Data Interchange files by shipping lines.
Essentially, a BAPLIE shows the exact stowage position of each container on a vessel. This data is usually shared between a container terminal operator, charterers, shipping lines, customs, and other parties involved in cargo shipments. In fact, it is also the best way for a shipper to track their container in a vessel.
While BAPLIE in container shipping has been in use for several years now, new iterations are coming out worth the attention of the shipping community.
How Solverminds Revolutionized BAPLIE Viewer
Solverminds has been a leading developer of BAPLIE viewer, launching its first desktop version in 2017. Over 2000 clients have been using the tool since the launch proving its agility with many non-technical users.
“Interestingly, the desktop version is free for basic usage and has no limitation on saving data. Important to note, though, that Solverminds does not store nor access the data from users,” said Mohit Oberoi, Co-Founder and Director of Solverminds.
Solverminds BAPLIE viewer offers multiple features to transform container shipping:
- BAPLIE supports multi-style formats and contains an easy navigation bar to manoeuvre around the rows and columns of the BAPLIE Electronic Data Interchange files.
- Users are not required to have a special program or software to install the Solverminds BAPLIE viewer. You just easily upload a file and allow the BAPLIE viewer to decode it into a comprehensive spreadsheet.
Fig 1: Overview of the Solverminds BAPLIE Viewer Desktop Version
- Notably, the Solverminds BAPLIE viewer can show various parameters of the stowed container: the container number, size, weight, type, the type of cargo it has, International Maritime Organization Class, and United Nations Number, among other information.
Fig 2: Sample of a Bay Plan Generated by Solverminds BAPLIE Viewer Desktop Version
Take the example of a Beneficial Cargo Owner utilising a BAPLIE viewer who can visualise their container at the vessel’s top deck. In such a case, the BCO knows the container will be among the first to be unloaded, hence mobilising an early pick-up.
Solverminds Launches the New 2D|3D BAPLIE Viewer
Based on customer feedback, Solverminds has recently unveiled an exciting cloud-based BAPLIE Viewer application named 2D|3D web version with further updates. The 2D bay view and 3D ship visualisation updates are the best additions to the browser-based 2D|3D application. There is no requirement to download any application. A user can access all interesting features through login credentials.
The 2D|3D web version dramatically changed the functionality of the BAPLIE viewer platform, helping cargo operators to visualise the container shipping supply chain in action. The ultimate result is that the cargo handling accuracy is greatly enhanced.
Fig 3: Sample of a 3D view by Solverminds BAPLIE Viewer Web Version
The 3D view allows users to see the data from a different point of view. Filters allow users to visualise the position of different types of cargo, such as Dangerous Goods units, Out of Gauge, and Reefers. Also, users can filter by empty/laden units, line operator, and equipment type.
Fig 4: Sample of Dangerous Goods containers filtering from 2D|3D Web Version
Fig 5: Sample of a container details selection. A Tank container is selected, and the details are displayed on the right
Further details can be included, such as hatch cover position, lashing bridges, superstructure position, and bulkheads.
Fig 6: Hatch covers included in the 3D view
The Solverminds Cloud-Based BAPLIE Viewer Is the Future
The leap to a cloud-based solution ensures users and their partners can synchronise Electronic Data Interchange files from multiple devices, eliminating the repetitive need to keep emailing the files. In addition, the processing power of the BAPLIE viewer is greatly improved, guaranteeing interlinkages with other data-intensive platforms such as Terminal Operating Systems.
The other aspect is reducing human error risk, as stow plans could be tracked in real-time and adjustments be effected on the fly.
Having an online BAPLIE viewer adds mobility and ease of information availability. Should the customer choose, it further allows the integration of the online BAPLIE viewer with the critical shipment process. Such as capacity management and live vessel situation in container terminals. Knowing the vessel’s situation allows one to optimise the vessel and trade flows.
With cloud solutions becoming prevalent in data exchange and management, pivoting to a cloud-based BAPLIE viewer offers an opportunity to future-proof cargo handlers’ operations.
Hence, Solvermind’s cloud-based 2D|3D BAPLIE viewer aims to empower cargo handlers to remain competitive, modern, and alive in the fast-evolving container shipping environment.
Explore the new BAPLIE Viewer for yourself today.
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