The Indian Ports Association (IPA), under the guidance of the Ministry of Shipping, recently introduced the Port Community System (PCS1x). This cloud-based, new-generation technology features a user-friendly interface and is designed to enhance communication between maritime trade and customs. This revolutionary platform offers various value-added services and exhibits the potential to modernize maritime trade in India.
Features and Benefits of PCS1x
The PCS1x has a unique attribute that allows it to synchronize with third-party software servicing the maritime industry. This promotes accessibility to a broad set of services for stakeholders. One of the main highlights of this system is its state-of-the-art payment aggregator solution, removing dependency on specific bank payment ecosystems. It’s estimated that this function alone will significantly decrease transaction time and thereby improve efficiency.
Additionally, the PCS1x system provides enhanced flexibility, improved security features, and includes a dashboard for those lacking IT skills. Another noteworthy point is that PCS1x supports green initiatives by reducing dependency on paper, aligning with today’s eco-friendly practices.
Impact on Maritime Trade
With its promising features, PCS1x is set to transform maritime trade in India. By adopting global best practices and streamlining operations, this platform could significantly impact India’s Ease of Doing Business world ranking and Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranks. The web-based platform has been developed indigenously and supports the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives.
Understanding the LPI Score
The Logistics Performance Index (LPI), formulated by the World Bank Group, is an efficient tool for benchmarking. It helps countries identify their performance on trade logistics, the challenges they face, and opportunities available to enhance their performance. The LPI score considers six key dimensions: clearance process efficiency, quality of trade, and transport infrastructure, ease of coordinating competitively priced shipments, logistics service quality, ability to track and trace consignments, and timeliness of shipments.
Notable Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| PCS1x Launched by | Indian Ports Association (IPA) |
| Guidance | Ministry of Shipping |
| Unique Feature | Sync with third-party software |
| Main Advantage | Reduce transaction times |
| Supports | ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’ initiatives |
Ease of Doing Business Report
The World Bank also releases the Ease of Doing Business Report, providing an objective analysis of business regulations and their enforcement across 190 economies. The report considers ten parameters affecting a business through its lifecycle. It’s expected that the implementation of the PCS1x system will improve India’s ranking in this aspect too, as it encourages efficient and smooth trading practices.
