UAB-Online, the cloud platform for digital collaboration in dry and liquid bulk logistics, and Dropboard, the planning and scheduling platform developed by Systems Navigator, are deepening their integration to help terminals connect berth planning with day to day port call coordination.
Many terminals still manage berth planning in spreadsheets, whiteboards or separate planning tools. These methods may support internal planning, but they often make it difficult to keep agents, surveyors, vessels, customers and other stakeholders aligned around the latest operational picture.
The integration between UAB-Online and Dropboard is designed to bring planning closer to the operational workflow. UAB-Online already supports terminals in managing pre arrival coordination, Notice of Readiness, documentation, digital workflows and stakeholder communication in one secure environment. By connecting this environment with Dropboard’s planning capabilities, terminals can make planning part of the same operational context in which the port call is prepared, coordinated and executed.
This gives terminals a practical path from simple digital berth planning to more advanced scheduling. Teams can start with an accessible planning setup, including drag and drop berth planning and shared planning visibility, while terminals with more complex planning needs can use the advanced scheduling capabilities that are available in Dropboard.
The value lies not only in creating a plan, but in making that plan easier to align with the people and processes that depend on it. When planning is connected to the operational workflow, stakeholders can work from the same planning view, coordinate earlier and reduce the number of calls, emails and manual updates needed to understand what is expected next.
For terminals, this supports a broader shift from isolated planning towards operational readiness. Planning is no longer treated as a separate activity outside the workflow. It becomes part of the same environment where the terminal prepares the visit, shares relevant information, manages documents and aligns with the wider port call.
The integration is an important step in UAB-Online’s wider JIT Operations vision. UAB-Online sees JIT Operations as a practical growth path for terminals: moving from manual coordination to digital workflows, shared planning, readiness based coordination and, over time, a more connected operational picture across stakeholders, systems and data sources.
Hans Bobeldijk, CEO of UAB-Online, said: “Planning becomes more valuable when it is connected to the operational workflow around a port call. Too many terminals still rely on spreadsheets or isolated tools, while the actual operation depends on documents, NoR status, stakeholder coordination and timely preparation. By bringing Dropboard planning capabilities into UAB-Online, terminals can move towards a shared planning environment that supports operational readiness rather than manual coordination.”
Vincent de Gast, Director of Systems Navigator, said: “Dropboard helps terminals plan at the level of detail they need, from accessible berth planning to advanced scheduling considering priorities, resources and jetty constraints. Schedules can be kept up to date semi-automatically or automatically, with autopilot functionality enabling automated scheduling within agreed operational rules.
By connecting this planning capability with UAB-Online’s operational workflow, we make it easier for terminals to bring planning and execution closer together. That is where the value is: not only creating a reliable plan, but keeping it aligned with the daily operation as conditions change.”
Together, UAB-Online and Dropboard help terminals take the next step in planning maturity: from manual planning and separate tools towards shared operational planning that supports better preparation, fewer last minute surprises and more efficient collaboration across the port call.
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