GE, Long Beach port to pilot data-sharing software

GE Transportation and the Port of Long Beach, California, have partnered to roll out a new data-based pilot program aimed at improving cargo flow.

As part of a two- to three-month pilot, GE will implement its Port Optimizer™ solution at the port's marine terminals, including the Long Beach Container Terminal.

Built on the company's Predix platform, Port Optimizer is cloud-based software that provides real-time data-driven insights through a single portal to stakeholders across the supply chain, GE officials said in a press release.

Combining machine learning and deep domain expertise, the software is designed to help the supply chain monitor and respond to dynamic conditions, align people and resources, and communicate.

GE has piloted similar Predix software at the Port of Los Angeles.

"With container volumes on the rise, the world's ports are moving more cargo than ever, making the need for operations optimization even more critical," said Laurie Tolson, GE Transportation's chief digital officer. "A uniform, common user portal ... will enable stakeholders to make scheduling, planning and payment decisions prior to cargo arrival, as well as reduce delays during each handoff between nodes in the supply chain."

Last year, the Port of Long Beach handled 7.54 million 20-foot-equivalent units, making 2017 the port's busiest year on record.