UAB-Online, a cloud platform for digital collaboration in dry and liquid bulk logistics, and Dropboard, a planning and scheduling platform developed by Systems Navigator, are strengthening their integration to help terminals connect berth planning with day-to-day port call coordination.
Many terminals continue to manage berth planning through spreadsheets, whiteboards or standalone planning tools. While these methods can support internal planning, they can make it more difficult to keep agents, surveyors, vessels, customers and other stakeholders aligned around the latest operational information.
The integration between UAB-Online and Dropboard is designed to bring berth planning closer to the operational workflow.
UAB-Online already enables terminals to manage pre-arrival coordination, Notice of Readiness, documentation, digital workflows and stakeholder communication through a single secure environment. By connecting the platform with Dropboard’s planning capabilities, terminals can incorporate planning into the same operational context in which port calls are prepared, coordinated and executed.
The integration provides terminals with a path from basic digital berth planning to more advanced scheduling. Teams can begin with an accessible planning setup featuring drag-and-drop berth planning and shared visibility, while terminals with more complex requirements can access Dropboard’s advanced scheduling capabilities.
The value extends beyond simply creating a berth plan. Connecting planning with the operational workflow allows stakeholders to work from a shared planning view, coordinate earlier and reduce the number of calls, emails and manual updates required to understand upcoming activities.
For terminals, this supports a broader shift from isolated planning towards operational readiness. Planning becomes part of the same environment used to prepare port visits, share relevant information, manage documentation and coordinate with stakeholders throughout the port call.
The integration also forms part of UAB-Online’s wider JIT Operations vision. The company describes JIT Operations as a development path for terminals, moving from manual coordination towards 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 aim to help terminals advance their planning capabilities, moving from manual planning and separate tools towards shared operational planning that supports better preparation, fewer last-minute surprises and more efficient collaboration throughout the port call.
