The trade practices in our industry are based on manual processes, which created several hindrances in these dire times. However, we quickly realised that the internet and the ease of online solutions were a boon.

Like a knight in shining armour, the Port Community System PCS1x was already available and protected the industry from the wrth o f the pandemic. PCS1x is a cloud solution, so it is accessible from anywhere anytime, which made operating from home much easier.

With the quick and efficient decision-making and agile implementation of solutions by the Indian Ports Association and the service provider Portall, the industry was soon using electronic bills of lading. These were further strengthened from a long-term perspective with trusted digital and blockchain solutions for the entire process. In such times, the system-to-system integrations via an API also helped the trade.

Even before these unprecedented times, it was commendable to see the number of organisations relying on PCS1x increase from 7 to a mammoth 26 within 9 months of going live, finally reaching 29, which is an achievement in itself.

Over and above the initial plan, PCS1x is the first-ever integration with customs to ensure the real-time and secure exchange of information via an API. Apart from customs, PCS1x is also integrated with the Indian Navy, Indian Railways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Directorate General of Shipping and others. Other initiatives, such as an integration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, are in progress.

Another unique feature launched during the pandemic was latch-on – a unique concept built in and delivered with PCS1x. Latch-on facilitates the trade as it encompasses features and functionalities that are critical to business. This feature of PCS1x has made the system invaluable to its stakeholders. Even though such features require a seamless flow of data and documents, they do not overload PCS1x. It is the best in its class, being available, tried and tested.

Due to its immense contributions, its understanding of the requirements of maritime stakeholders and for always being proactive, the spotlight in the last quarter of 2020 was on the Indian Ports Association (IPA), its membership and the International Port Community Association, which were recognised by the trade and the Indian government.

On 30^th December 2020, during the award ceremony of the Digital India Awards 2020, an honour was bestowed on the Indian Port Community System, due to its critical importance and impact on the Indian Port Community, by the Honourable President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind. PCS1x received the National Digital India Award 2020 in the Exemplary Product category in the august presence of the Hon’ble Minister of MeitY, the Hon’ble MoS, MeitY, and the Secretary of MeitY, among other dignitaries.

The IPA also won a hat trick of National Awards! It bagged awards for Excellence in Logistic & Supply Chain and Excellence in Public Sector Unit under categories Best E-Governance Implementation, Best-in-Class IT System Provider and Best IT Project of the Year, all because of PCS1x.

Dr. A. Janardhana Rao, MD of the IPA, delivered his words of gratitude virtually to the organisers, the World Logistics & Supply Chain Congress Awards, Thought Leaders, CMO Asia, Global MICE Congress Awards, the World Federation of CSR Professionals and the trade.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) within the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has been conducting the biennial Digital India Awards to promote innovation in egovernance and the digital transformation of government services.

The Digital India Awards, instituted under the aegis of the National Portal of India, recognise innovative digital solutions and thereby inspire emulation by all government entities. In the sixth edition of the Digital India Awards, 24 teams across seven categories received awards. These 24 digital initiatives are contributing richly to make the lives of our citizens better, safer and happier.

The successful implementation of the Indian Port Community System PCS1x has had a positive impact on the ports and their processes. PCS1x is facilitating the Indian maritime trade by reducing the time required for completing various processes, by reducing transactions costs and by protecting the environment.