PCS stands for Port Community System and is the tech platform that connects all cargo players at the airport, whether they are internally, directly involved with the shipment transport, or external functions needing receive and send information, such as Customs, for example. It has taken four years of collaborative development by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol together with Cargonaut, its fully owned cargo information platform since 01NOV20, to come up with the PCS upgrade. The system now offers faster data processing, greater transparency, is fully compliant the latest IATA standards and guidelines, and has been adapted to ensure that it can integrate further technological modules or functions once developed. One such upcoming development is the Secure Import System, scheduled for later this year. “The system informs forwarders when an import shipment is ready for collection by an air cargo handler, at the same time cross referencing data to improve security,” the release illustrates. Its Truck Visited Management System is also being enhanced in order to significantly reduce waiting times for cargo delivery or collection.
Joost van Doesburg, Head of Cargo, Schiphol, stated: “By upgrading specific parts of the PCS, the system is more robust and future-proof. This means we can continue to safely ensure the smooth import and export of a large amount of cargo.”
Marco van Katwijk, Head of Cargonaut, explained: “The upgraded system facilitates the use of new technologies, including API Connections (software), XML (data migration) and the ONE Record data model. This model allows air cargo partners within this digital ecosystem to exchange data easily and transparently. We are currently carrying out a migration of the first clients to the updated PCS.”
