Partnering on the journey to automation with Kalmar One

Mitigating the risks

One of the most frequent concerns raised by port operators regarding terminal automation is the combination of cost and perceived risk. Automation projects are often seen as expensive, slow to implement, and difficult to scale. High upfront investments, long lead times, and a shortage of skilled operators and IT expertise can increase risk and total cost of ownership, while rigid solutions will limit flexibility and the possibilities for gradual adoption.
 
To be sure, many of these concerns are valid, especially if the terminal is bound into a single vendor's closed automation platform that has been developed as a one-off bespoke solution. Kalmar One has been designed to challenge this traditional model. A proven implementation process ensures a smooth go-live with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. And Digital Twins, powered by the actual production software, let terminals validate operations before deployment, which reduces risk, speeds up the project and reduces costs. 

Connecting any machine

Secondly, restricted choice and vendor lock-in can genuinely hinder a terminal when developing automated operations. Closed, proprietary systems reduce flexibility and force terminals into fragmented automation with multiple disconnected solutions. This limits options and drives up costs, while increasing IT complexity, training needs and operational inefficiencies.
 
By contrast, Kalmar One makes it possible to connect equipment from any vendor to a single system with proven and open interfaces at the optimum pace, giving terminal operators freedom, simplicity and cost control. Kalmar One manages and optimises the fleet while seamlessly interfacing with the TOS and other systems, enabling true end-to-end operational efficiency across the entire terminal.

Certified security

Thirdly, limited operational visibility and increased system vulnerability are legitimate concerns if automation solutions are not designed for flexibility and security from the ground up. Process inefficiencies and poor visibility reduce throughput and increase costs, as disconnected systems limit real-time insight and hinder effective decision-making. At the same time, growing connectivity can increase cybersecurity risks, making operations more vulnerable to disruption.
 
It is a basic truth of automated operations that the only way to optimise a terminal is to optimise it at the level of the entire terminal. Kalmar One replaces many of the functions that have traditionally been handled by multiple vendor-specific solutions. By functioning as the bridge between the TOS and various machine-specific onboard automation systems in the yard, Kalmar One manages and optimises all equipment through a single system, enabling true end-to-end operational efficiency across the entire terminal.
 
Furthermore, the software development of Kalmar One has achieved IEC 62443-4-1 certification, demonstrating Kalmar’s commitment to ensuring the highest level of security for the automation solution.

Field-proven, up and running

Finally, when talking about Kalmar One and terminal automation, there is one more question that comes up regularly: Is Kalmar One a proven solution with real-world deployments?
 
The answer is, yes, absolutely. At the time of writing, there are 12 Kalmar One automation reference sites across the globe, encompassing both yard crane and end-to-end terminal automation. Kalmar One currently controls 278 horizontal transportation machines and 163 yard cranes, for a total of 441 machines.
 
Kalmar’s automation system delivery projects last around twenty weeks, including equipment integration, automation testing, system integration, site acceptance tests and automation go-live. This is significantly faster than with the traditional model for automation deployments, and it is made possible by Kalmar’s standardised, tested deployment model that makes extensive use of simulation and Digital Twins.

Kalmar One offers terminals a single tested, scalable, flexible and secure automation system that focuses on optimising the entire fleet and container flow – irrespective of the type of equipment and level of automation needed to fulfil the business goals of the terminal.
 
If you want to hear more, or are interested in piloting terminal automation at your site, contact your local Kalmar representative.