An analysis of Portway's handling export process

: digital and non-digital improvement opportunities

Abstract

Digitalization is one of the critical aspects most industries face in this decade, as it can create new market opportunities, and even facilitate a lot of actions. On the other hand, it can also leave companies that didn’t catch the train behind, since it can dictate a company’s survival in the industry, leaving them with no other option than adapting Thus, digitalization it is of key importance for most of the companies. On this study Portway’s operational process will be under review, analysing and mapping all the operational flow, understanding the bottlenecks of the process, and finally describing a digitalization approach for the company. To do this, several visits to the company’s cargo hub were done where several interviews took place, as well as a deep analysis of the solutions offered in the market right now. Finally, by analysing the company’s capabilities and the problems that can and need to be addressed firstly, it is possible to define a line of approach focusing on solutions that solve problems, namely paper consumption, information access, customers services, and some painful processes that were also found. It is possible to conclude that, by following this approach, solutions that require less effort to be implemented, are prioritized. With the implementation of these solutions Portway can then improve its processes, leading the way to becoming more efficient, reducing time and saving money, and at the same time targeting operational problems and taking a step to defend its position to supply chain changes.

Date of Award	27 Apr 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rute Xavier (Supervisor)