Barge operators that are still relying on traditional methods, like manual paper logs, spreadsheets, or radio notes to record fleeting activity might be leaking more revenue than they realize. After decades of using these methods, it might even seem normal to lose a certain percentage of revenue due to errors in midstreaming event tracking—but, it doesn’t have to be this way.
How Traditional Midstreaming Event Tracking Leads to Barge Revenue Leakage
While manual paper logs, spreadsheets, and radio notes were the industry standard for a long time, they are now outdated. Over time, operators have suffered through the hidden costs of these methods, and newer, more accurate methods have become available.
Barge billing errors are so common that many companies resort to auditing barge invoices to make sure they aren’t overpaying. But, how did it get like this? Where are these errors arising, and why do they have such a significant impact?
- Oversight and Mis-recorded Information – Barge workers are busy people, responsible for many moving parts, and sometimes they are overworked or just have an off day. The crew members that are responsible for tasks like mid-streaming a barge into the fleet, keeping track of how long it’s in the fleet, and then invoicing the customer when it moves out of the fleet can easily miss the recording of an event somewhere along the way because they are busy with other tasks, quickly write something down without paying attention, or overlook the event entirely–leading to a missed or mis-recorded event on the invoice.
- Transcription Errors – Even when barge workers are fully engaged and alert, there is a potential for misunderstanding or mishearing radio communications, which are then translated into event tracking. This can lead to logging incorrect cargo classes, mileage, or a variety of other issues and lead to missed revenue down the line.
- Invoicing Delays – When errors are caught and must be fixed, delays occur. Or if critical information is lost because a piece of paper went missing or staff can’t find the most recent version of a spreadsheet, it can take longer to get invoices ready. Either way, customers are left waiting, and barge operators also have to wait longer for payment.
- Accidents – Errors in fleeting activity records can have even bigger impacts when they result in physical accidents. In fact, a study in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering found that 70–85% of maritime accidents can be attributed, at least in part, to human error. Confusion arising from recording errors can contribute to these accidents.
Ultimately, all of the above result in revenue leakage, whether in the form of unbilled or misbilled events, loss of customers, or damage from accidents. Even small errors can sometimes compound into significant revenue leakage when multiplied across dozens or hundreds of barge movements each month–resulting in more revenue leakage than you might think.
Better Barge Billing Accuracy and Event Tracking with Fleeting Operations Software and Automation
The good news is that the above problems can be reversed, and barge operators can finally stop leaving money on the table by improving event tracking and barge billing accuracy. The solution is fairly simple–harnessing the benefits of fleeting operations software.
The tools offered by fleeting operations software can:
- Automatically capture fleeting and midstreaming events and record them in digital logs.
- Automatically create invoices based on the events in the logs.
- Eliminate human error in billing and event tracking.
- Be configured to fit different operations and billing needs, such as those for liquid towing.
- Free up crew, so that they can focus on higher-value tasks.
Automating recording tasks ensures that every event is recorded and that it’s recorded accurately. Instead of relying on busy crewmembers or staff to log events manually, automated systems can keep track of each barge and its cargo–eliminating errors in recording.
Events are stored in digitized logs that are available to any authorized users and are automatically updated, unlike paper logs or spreadsheets. This allows for accurate, real-time information to be available when needed–reducing delays and improving barge billing accuracy.
Accurate recording also means that logs containing midstreaming or fleeting events are more reliable, and when this information is communicated to ports or other vessels, accidents become less likely. And with many ports making the switch to “smart” tech, operations and communication can be safer, faster, and more reliable.
How BargeOps Onshore Streamlines Fleeting Operations
BargeOps Onshore Fleet Management software uses smart event tracking and digital logs to automate the capture of activities like mid-streaming a barge into the fleet, keeping track of how long it’s in the fleet, and then invoicing the customer when it moves out of the fleet–all with one system.
Our barge ticketing system records loading, unloading, midstream-in, midstream-out, shifting, and daily fleeting charges as they occur, then retains the information in the Barge Ticket Detail. The system then generates the corresponding invoices, saving time, improving accuracy, and preventing lost revenue due to missing activities that translate to billable events.
Contact us today to set up a demo and put a stop to unnecessary barge revenue leakage.
