Rollout of revolutionary community system to usher in new era for UK port technology

PRESS RELEASE

Ports across UK and beyond set to upgrade to cloud-based ‘CNS PCS’, greatly improving ease of use and cross-platform integration

London, United Kingdom, 11^th September 2023: Digital Trade Solutions business CNS (Community Network Services), a DP World company, is rolling out its new CNS Port Community System (PCS), to future-proof port technology in the UK and beyond.

The upgrade will see ‘Compass’ – which has supported many of the UK’s largest maritime ports since 2010 – transition to the cloud-based and HMRC-compliant CNS PCS. This modern, API-ready platform is based on DP World’s global CARGOES platform, runs on multiple devices and will enable businesses to respond to regulatory changes with greater ease and agility.

In over thirteen years of operation, ‘Compass’ has orchestrated trade logistics for UK maritime ports, facilitating communication, cargo visibility and trade efficiency for shipping lines, freight forwarders, terminal operators, customs brokers and more. The transition from ‘Compass’ to CNS PCS marks the next stage in the evolution of UK maritime trade.

The system’s phased rollout has commenced with a pilot launch in the Belfast community during August 2023, before being implemented across other CNS sites in the UK. The transition for all ‘Compass’ users in the UK is expected to be complete in 2025, including deployments across London Gateway and the Port of Southampton.

Matthew Bradley, Managing Director at CNS said, “‘Compass’ has been an industry-standard solution since 2010, and has been a go-to for those in the ports and logistics industry. The idea behind its transition to CNS PCS is to take everything that our customers love about ‘Compass’, and refine it so that it is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The UK government has confirmed that Port Community Systems remain a key element of the data and systems landscape at the UK border. CNS PCS reflects CNS’s extensive investment in digital platforms to meet the changing needs of the market.

“We’ve received great feedback from our customers in testing so far, and we are confident that CNS PCS will enable our business and government stakeholders to share data and collaborate more effectively and efficiently. In turn, this will deliver greater security, confidence, and resilience while supporting new modes and operations. It is, truly, a platform for the port industry’s future in an ever increasingly digital world.”

CNS PCS is an intuitive and dynamic solution for managing cargo moving through port and border environments. It is fully HMRC-compliant, meaning it is at the forefront of regulatory changes and ensures that businesses can fulfil their compliance obligations with ease. Along with providing real-time visibility into the status of shipments and consignments, it also automates manual processes to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Additionally, it will feature an Application Programming Interface (API), enabling its users – importers, exporters, freight forwarders, shipping lines, transport companies and customs brokers, among others – to integrate the platform into their existing systems seamlessly. The API will facilitate seamless integration, data exchange, and interaction between these parties, enhancing efficiency, improving communication, and maximising the potential for scalable growth.

CNS PCS also incorporates a modern user interface that follows industry best-practice. The interface is simple and easy to use, allowing users to adopt the software quickly and complete their work in faster timeframes.