I CT
ICT upgrade prepares Port of Mombasa for e-port status A
longside the huge investment in infrastructure and equipment at the Port of Mombasa, upgrades to the information and communications technology (ICT) systems have been a vital part of the process. The transformation of KPA to a paperless e-port is now three-quarters complete, with the final stages expected to be concluded in 2014. In 2000, KPA embarked on a 10-year ICT strategy that resulted in a fully integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) system being launched in 2002 using systems applications and products (SAP) software. Fully web enabled, it included modules to handle human resources management, financial planning and control, material management, plant maintenance, project systems management, payroll and travel management. Then, in 2008, KPA installed the Kilindini Waterfront Automated Terminal Operations System (KWATOS). This allowed key port operational areas to be automated including container, conventional cargo and marine operations in the
Port of Mombasa as well as operation of the Nairobi and Kisumu inland container depots. These two developments were vital steps on the way to becoming an e-port. Further investments in 2010 and 2013 led to the upgrading of both the physical and functional aspects of the systems.
upgrade The functional upgrade to the SAP system included new modules for a general ledger, financial supply chain management (FSCM), employee and manager self-service (ESS and MSS) and supplier relationship management (SRM). These upgrades were launched in March 2013, allowing staff to produce and deal with documentation and paperwork much more quickly. Staff training was a key part of the implementation. All workers now have access to terminals throughout the port. They can access their own human resources (HR) information and payslips online as well as requesting leave. Managers can approve leave in the same way and can access reports promptly via the portal. Other areas such as performance management will be added in the near future.
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