Hactl fine-tunes import collection with self-service kiosk

by Payload Asia

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited is using a new digitalised system to speed up the cumbersome import collection process at Super Terminal 1 with the introduction of 12 new automated service kiosks (ASKs) located near the cargo pickup areas.

Under the new system, the agent or consignee obtains the ship release form (SRF) from the airline and can visit directly one of the kiosks. The SRF authorises Hactl to release the goods to the bearer, who then presents an ID, which the system automatically authenticates using technology already widely employed by government bodies. 

The SRF’s validity is also checked, the details of the shipment collection are recorded, and the physical release of the cargo is then automatically triggered via COSAC-Plus, Hactl’s cargo management system. 

If the cargo is unitised, the system displays a picklist from which the bearer of the SRF can select the pieces to be collected, in order of priority. All personal identifiable information collected by the system is encrypted to protect privacy, and purged after a set period. 

“The old import release system is labour-intensive and often causes queues at peak times. Manual checking of IDs, and completion of the SRFs by hand under pressure, also have the potential for errors,” said Paul Cheng, executive director for operations at Hactl. 

“The ASK is the first phase of our import cargo collection digitalisation journey… It will eradicate queuing, improve accuracy of ID and SRF checking, and release valuable Hactl personnel for more productive duties. For our airline customers, the ASKs represent a further enhancement to our already strong security, helping to ensure cargo is only ever able to be collected by the legitimate party.” 

Hactl plans to further enhance its import shipment release process, with the introduction of more digital and contactless features. It also intends to add export service and other landside functions to the automated kiosks. 

“We need to collaborate with the airlines, their agents and truckers, which will take time; but the potential payback for all parties is considerable. Our goal is to take SuperTerminal 1 to a new level of efficiency, while creating a significantly better customer service experience for the entire Hong Kong air cargo community,” concluded Paul. 

Hactl, which processes some 1,000 SRFs every single day, is the first cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to introduce the new automated kiosk system.