BLU, the leading terminal operating system, transforms manual terminal operations at intermodal and container terminals into fully digital, automated processes. BLU provides you with the digital control you need to handle more cargo with the same resources: in a clear, reliable, and automated way.
BLU is a Terminal Operating System (TOS) developed by Berghof Process Control & Logistics GmbH for intermodal and container terminals (combined transport): It digitizes and automates manual terminal operations, controls train and truck processes, manages loading units and crane orders, and provides real-time transparency across all terminal processes—with a modular design tailored precisely to the operations of each individual terminal.
BLU measurably increases the efficiency of your terminal—without requiring additional space or handling equipment.
Terminals come to BLU with different requirements. These three scenarios illustrate what the onboarding process actually looks like and how operations will change.
A domestic terminal handling 20,000–50,000 TEU per year still coordinates incoming and outgoing trains, truck handling, and crane orders using spreadsheets and verbal instructions. The error rate rises with volume, and it takes new employees a long time to get the hang of things.
A terminal with increasing cargo volume is using a TOS that is no longer being updated. Specific requirements—such as the handling of hazardous materials, direct connections to rail carriers, or digital clearance—cannot be accommodated. Workarounds consume operational capacity.
A terminal operator is planning a new transshipment terminal and is looking for a TOS that will establish professional processes from the very beginning—without the burden of legacy structures. Time to market and scalability are critical.
BLU2Mobile is the mobile extension of BLU2 and enables terminal employees to access all relevant processes directly—regardless of their location or workstation.
Using a tablet, work orders, loading units, and train and transshipment information can be recorded, edited, and documented in real time. This reduces paper-based processes, improves data quality, and enables decisions to be made right where the work takes place—at the terminal.
Planning and managing outbound trains on a tablet—flexible use right at the loading site. Automatically generated from the schedule or added as a special train. Optimal capacity planning, weight verification, and detailed loading planning—all at your fingertips.
The ELISA app digitizes the train inspection process upon arrival and enables real-time, mobile verification of train and loading unit data. This reduces errors, speeds up train processing, and increases transparency in terminal operations.
The application supports the digital inspection and verification of incoming trains directly on the track.
Employees use mobile devices to record and verify car and loading unit data in real time and immediately verify it against the information stored in BLU2.
Discrepancies are detected immediately and can be addressed directly.
This improves data quality, process reliability, and efficiency in train handling.
CraneApp connects BLU’s higher-level terminal control system directly to the crane level—enabling end-to-end digital and automated control of cargo handling processes. Orders are transmitted in real time, movements are logged, and capacities are utilized optimally. With the BLU2Kranterminal and CraneApp solutions, our system supports virtually all crane models, from those with a long track record of proven performance to the very latest models.
Your terminal is becoming more digital—and so is your rail infrastructure. We automate the control and monitoring of switches, signals, and railroad crossings, communicating securely with PLC and signal box technology.
A standardized interface between the TOS and the infrastructure replaces project-specific custom developments; IBIS can also be integrated in a standardized manner.
In addition: authorization and access control, vendor-neutral and flexibly adapted to your terminal—all based on our in-depth rail and safety expertise.
Gate, rail, scheduling, crane: Separate systems operate at every point in your terminal—BLU2 brings them all together. Video gate and gate operations, slot management, check-in, and kiosk terminals at the gate. Train Information System as well as booking, pre-registration, and status data for rail operations.
Operational master and terminal data for scheduling and processing. Warehouse management, crane and equipment interfaces, and business intelligence for cargo handling and analysis. A connected process instead of many isolated solutions:
BLU is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every logistics company. This overview will help you quickly assess whether BLU is a good fit for your situation.
Not sure?
Before making any decision, Berghof conducts a no-obligation consultation to work with you to determine whether and how BLU fits into your processes. Our customers value this openness as part of our partnership based on mutual respect.
Freight transport in which containers or swap bodies are transported via at least two modes of transport (e.g., rail and road) without the goods themselves being transshipped. Intermodal terminals are the transfer points where the switch between modes takes place.
A company that operates rail freight or passenger transport (e.g., DB Cargo, TX Logistik, Railcare). At the terminal, the rail carrier serves as the counterpart for train scheduling. BLU manages rail carrier master data and communicates arrival and departure information directly with the operators.
Standard unit of measurement for the capacity of container terminals. One TEU is equivalent to a 20-foot ISO container (approximately 6 meters long). A 40-foot container counts as 2 TEU. A terminal’s annual capacity is typically expressed in TEU.
A general term for standardized containers used in combined transport: ISO containers, swap bodies, semi-trailers, or trailers. ILUs are the basic unit of transshipment planning in BLU.
A software component in BLU that automatically sequences crane orders in an optimal order. The sequencer takes into account priorities, time slots, crane availability, and target positions—without any manual intervention by the dispatcher.
A software solution for the comprehensive control and monitoring of all operational processes at a freight terminal—from vehicle check-in through transshipment and storage to departure. A TOS connects people, equipment, and systems and serves as the digital backbone of terminal operations.
Temporary storage of loading units on the terminal grounds when they are not being transshipped immediately. BLU manages parking spaces, monitors dwell times, and calculates parking fees as part of its integrated statistics.
A time slot assigned to a truck or train for delivery or pickup at the terminal. Digital processing in BLU centrally manages all slot reservations, reduces wait times at the gate, and improves planning for freight forwarders and terminal operators.
A specialized rail yard where loading units are transferred between trains and trucks. In BLU, this term serves as the primary location identifier: The graphical Transshipment Station overview displays all tracks, storage tracks, and positions in real time.
Berghof’s expertise was crucial to improving efficiency and streamlining operations at the intermodal terminals. Continued development and joint innovation with such forward-looking partners remain key factors in the success of our business.
- PÅL BERGERSEN, Project Manager, Bane NOR
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