Optimizing Port Efficiency: Unveiling Disparities and Potential of Port Community System (PCS) Deployment at Port Qasim for Economic Growth and Technological Transformation

Abstract

The integration of technology has demonstrated its capacity to enhance organizational operations and foster economic development. Just as in various other sectors, the maritime industry also demands the digitalization of its operations through an efficient and seamless IT system – known as the Port Community System (PCS). The PCS serves as a secure technological platform that facilitates the exchange of data and information flow among the myriad of public and private entities involved in seaport operations. This research endeavors to explore the disparities between the existing and proposed procedures at Port Qasim, with a particular focus on the implementation of the PCS within the framework of Port Qasim Authority. Employing structural equation modeling via PLS-SEM, the study collected data through a Likert questionnaire featuring a 5-point scale. This questionnaire was administered to 123 respondents, all of whom were esteemed port professionals at Port Qasim. The findings unveiled that the perceived impact of the introduction of the PCS holds a positive and significant influence over overall process efficiency and workflow. Correspondingly, the pre-requisite knowledge required is found to have a positive and significant relationship on perceived impact of PCS introduction at the port. Nonetheless, the correlation between the prerequisite knowledge and process efficiency was deemed insignificant. This implies that possessing prior knowledge of PCS doesn't inherently translate to increased process efficiency. Interestingly, this gap can be bridged effectively through targeted training sessions, enabling users to harness the full potential of the PCS without adversely affecting process efficiency. Nevertheless, with streamlined data exchange and efficient information flow, the PCS can reduce port congestion, enhancing trade operations and positioning Karachi as a competitive trade hub. Economically, this translates into increased trade throughput, improved logistics, and heightened business attractiveness.