
Port asset management concerns all departments and teams in an organization of a seaport. When there are various types of stakeholders handling operations, it is especially important to make sure all valuable information is easily available for everyone despite of the expertise, time or location. One solution for tackling this challenge is an online asset management platform, where all asset data is in one place, in coordinates, and available for everyone involved at all times.
Centralized information, facilitated planning and improved communication are the main reasons why it is beneficial to use an online platform for port asset management. In this article, we demonstrate these benefits using an online platform GISGRO, which is a cloud-based software for managing, sharing and utilizing asset data easily and efficiently in ports. In GISGRO, the asset data is gathered into a digital twin of the port – in other words, the digital counterpart of the asset on screen looks the same and has the same scale and coordinates as the actual port.
Read on to learn about the benefits and use cases of an online platform in port asset management.
Benefits of a cloud platform for ports
Up-to-date data helps to make better decisions. This is why having up-to-date data accessible for all relevant people, anywhere and at all times is important. This is possible in cloud platform and it offers various benefits to enhance the port asset management.
SAVED TIME AND COSTS
- Increased efficiency due to all relevant people having access to all asset data and communicating in one place anywhere and anytime in cloud. No need for a certain expertise or special software.
- Optimized asset operations due to easy-to-use data utilization tools, such as measurements, bathymetric charts, volume calculations, polylines, and more. Possiblity to connect the 3D asset data with other data sources, such as AIS or weather data.
- Decreased maintenance costs due to optimized the maintenance cycle enabled by up-to-date and accessible asset information.
MAXIMIZED ASSET VALUE
- Improved safety and extended asset life-cycle enabled by optimization of asset operations and maintenance.
- Optimized planning and design projects enabled by utilization of online CAD tools and by usage of the platform in smooth project communication between different teams.
- Enhanced innovation due to easy information sharing and improved possibilities to use the the asset data for analysis and improvements.
GISGRO as a database
Ports and harbors all over the world often face similar challenges. The infrastructure can be decades or even centuries old and the information about structures and properties is scattered in different databases, often in paper format. Finding the right information about a certain area from these scattered storage files can take days and cause loads of extra work. Being able to use GISGRO as a database, combining various types of information about areas and facilities into digital format, creates huge possibilities for improving efficiency.
”We have the possibility to store and manage all survey data easily in GISGRO online-service, where we can independently access all survey data. This service lets us view, analyze and utilize the data for maintenance planning and budgeting in all phases of structures’ life-cycle.”
Jouni Hildén, Technical Planning Manager | Port of Turku
Example: GISGRO as an asset data bank
GISGRO in planning and maintenance
From everyday maintenance to big construction projects, all efficient operations require up-to-date information about the condition of the structures and the area, as well as current situation of the port. Uploading georeferenced survey data from above and below water line into a visual online platform, creates a digital twin of your port. This enables various opportunities for optimizing port planning and maintenance operations. For example, port operations can be guided directly from the platform, bringing cost savings due to saved time. When all asset data is in coordinates, it is easy to communicate with maintenance personnel about the needed work. To enhance the optimization opportunities, you can bring and integrate valuable data to GISGRO, such as information about traffic and weather.
“Our technical team and traffic services use GISGRO widely in daily operations. Tools such as work orders for maintenance personnel and ship allocation planning in traffic services facilitate our everyday work at the port.”
Ville Kuitunen, Sales Manager | Port of HaminaKotka
”The overall view in GISGRO simplifies the planning and implementation of targeted maintenance actions. In GISGRO, we can compare the datasets so we can quickly and easily see if unexpected changes have occurred.”
Mats Ekman, Project Manager | Port of Stockholm
GISGRO improving communication
Having a digital twin of your assets means you have more possibilities to visualize plans and communicate more easily. When all asset data is in one harbor management software, everyone involved has a quick and easy access to needed information. Visual 3D data is much more descriptive than written reports, so the message is clear even if the stakeholders have different backgrounds. In addition, a map-based digital twin is a user-friendly platform for searching and finding information.
“When we have all of our assets in GISGRO, enriched with additional data, we will be able to use it in every aspect of port operations from maintenance to sales. It does not only improve our communication internally and between different departments in the port, but also with customers and other stakeholders.”
Ville Kuitunen, Sales Manager | Port of HaminaKotka
Try GISGRO yourself in the free demo account or book an a brief online presentation with our specialist to discuss more.
Get demo account Book online presentation
CEO’s blog: Ready to take a next step in digitalising the port’s daily work?

We are proud to say we have 40 years of experience in the port industry. It's a summation of our experience that we have together with Satamatieto Oy,…
Managing critical national infrastructure with a digital port

In the capital of Ireland, Dublin Port Company takes care of the largest freight and passenger port in the country, Dublin Port. With its 650-acre are…
Ensuring round the clock port operations with online port platform

The Port of Naantali is Finland’s leading port for Scandinavian freight traffic, with over 1600 vessel calls in 2020. They work with bulk and genera…