Brock Solutions is proud to announce that Rosslare Europort, Ireland’s leading port for direct RoPax sailings to Europe, has been awarded the prestigious Port of the Year Award for 2023. This award honors Irish Rail’s outstanding achievements and innovations in transforming Rosslare Europort into one of Europe’s smartest ferry ports. 

Rosslare Europort serves over 800,000 passengers and 515,000 tonnes of freight annually, offering 56 round-trip sailings to the United Kingdom and 36 round-trip sailings to Europe per week. The award was given for their significant investments in the port’s physical infrastructure and digitalization program, enabled by SmartPort, Brock’s powerful Port Terminal Management System. 

“Rosslare Europort is delighted to have been announced European Ferry Port of the Year 2023 recently at the Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmo, Sweden. This award would not have been possible without the support and commitment of the whole team at Brock Solutions,” said Carl Coates, ICT Business Relationship Manager for Rosslare Europort. “Since this collaboration started last year, everyone involved in the port, from design, architecture, and project management, has shown the same passion and ambition to provide the port and its customers with Europe’s most innovative port terminal management system possible. Thank you for your creativity and passion so far; let’s keep it going!”  

Brock Solutions is proud to be Rosslare’s long-term partner in this digital transformation, working together with our partners  AGICON and Adaptive Recognition to create an efficient, customer-centric, and environmentally friendly port that sets new industry standards through cutting-edge software and technologies.  

To learn more about Brock Solutions and SmartPort, visit our Ferry/Ro-Ro Terminal Automation webpage, or contact us today to speak with one of our experts!  

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

Brock Solutions is pleased to announce that it has joined the Aviation Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Aviation-ISAC), the premier cybersecurity association for airports and airlines. As a member of this distinguished organization, Brock Solutions will be able to collaborate with other aviation industry professionals to share information and best practices related to cybersecurity. Aviation-ISAC has been meeting for over ten years and has become a vital resource for cybersecurity professionals in the aviation industry. Members share knowledge, experiences, and solutions to enhance the security posture of airports and airlines. By joining Aviation-ISAC, Brock Solutions will have the opportunity to gain industry feedback and provide better products and solutions to its aviation customers.

“We are honored to be invited to join Aviation-ISAC and to be a part of this community of cybersecurity professionals,” said Keith Vermeer, President of Brock Solutions. “As an industry leader in providing converged operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) solutions for the aviation industry, we recognize the importance of cybersecurity and its role in ensuring the safe and secure operation of airport and airline operational technology. We look forward to contributing our expertise and learning from other members of the Aviation-ISAC community to provide improved long-term business value to our customers.”

Brock Solutions is committed to delivering innovative and secure solutions to its aviation customers. As a member of Aviation-ISAC, Brock Solutions will have access to timely and relevant information related to cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices. This will enable the company to proactively respond to emerging threats and continue to deliver secure automation solutions to its aviation customers.

To learn more about Brock Solutions and how we can help you keep your operational technology compliant with the latest cybersecurity standards, contact us to speak with one of our experts!

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

Brock Solutions recently shared the exciting story of our latest SmartSuite partnership with Rosslare, seeing us expand our offering to Ports.   

We are thrilled to announce that we have recently been awarded a contract to deploy a proven, modern, and flexible Warehouse Control System (WCS) and lower-level controls for a major distribution center in the upper midwestern region of the United States!  

As a true systems integrator, Brock Solutions is bringing together the latest and best of airport and parcel sortation technology to warehouse operations with SmartSort, a solution that streamlines and automates sorting operations to drive performance and adaptability. 

“This project represents a massive opportunity to deploy a modern WCS in the warehousing and distribution market,” said Michael Black, Account Manager at Brock Solutions, who has taken the lead on this initiative. “We are excited to play an integral role on this project, alongside our partners, to integrate many new cutting-edge tools, including OSR Shuttle Crain, AMR Robot, and Pick to Light technologies.”

To learn more about Brock Solutions and the industries we serve, or to get a quote, contact us today to speak with one of our experts!

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

“This project marks Brock Solutions’ foray into digitizing Ro-Ro Ferry Ports and sets Rosslare Europort on the path to a real-time, digital, end-to-end Ro-Ro operation, making it one of the smartest ports in Europe.” – Travis Raines (SmartPort Project Manager)

Rosslare, Ireland – July 5, 2022 – Brock Solutions announces the first SmartPort deployment at Rosslare Europort, Ireland.

SmartPort is the latest of a series of modules build upon Brock Solution’s SmartSuite platform. SmartSuite is Brock’s proven and scalable centralized operational database and application platform, which was originally designed to enhance baggage operations and management for airlines and airports. With SmartPort, Brock Solutions brings the airline industry’s best practices to meet the end-to-end challenges across the port terminal environment.

Not unlike airport traffic control or the bridge of a ship, efficient port terminal operations need a holistic real-time view, with contextualized information. The SmartPort solution generates intelligent data, increasing the connectivity, visibility, and capability of the operational staff, reducing time consuming tasks thus improving the overall carbon footprint of Rosslare Europort. SmartPort brings capabilities to vessel management, berth planning, vehicle loading, gate operations, vehicle track and trace, manifest management, and invoice automation.

SmartPort will serve as a complete Port Terminal Management System (PTMS) for the rapidly growing port in Rosslare. Glenn Carr (General Manager Rosslare Europort) says,

“We are delighted to select Brock Solutions as our partner to design and implement our Port Terminal Management System. Rosslare Europort is now Ireland’s number one port for direct services to Europe and the roll out of our digitisation strategy will see us become one of Europe’s smartest port’s in the future. We look forward to the coming months and years ahead working with Brock and all of our partners as we transform both the physical and technical infrastructure at Rosslare Europort for both our freight and passenger businesses.”

Brock Solutions brings specialized experience from many industries replacing manual operations with automated solutions and real-time operational software. SmartPort will help empower Rosslare’s operational staff by digitizing tasks and automating functions to drive their operational performance and adaptability as they continue to grow.

• A common-use Gate Operating System streamlines the entry and exit processes for both passenger and freight traffic at the port with ANPR and other technologies reducing errors and wait times at check-in, as well as allowing self-service check-in for some vehicles.

• A digitized Yard Management and track and trace system brings increased visibility into the storage yards for better monitoring and faster retrieval of stored trailers, detailed information on trailer storage times, and capacity management.

• A fully integrated and digital load and unloading workflow removes the paper-based tracking of trailer movements and vessel manifests while improving efficiency and reduce vessel turn-times.

Brock Solutions will be leveraging the latest modern technologies from industry leaders Adaptive Recognition to empower automatic number plate recognition and vehicle identification systems at the entry and exit gates streamlining passenger and freight check-in flows.

Brock Solutions has also brought onboard consultants from Agicon and Royal HaskoningDHV to provide subject matter expertise in the operation and design of roll-on roll-off ferry terminals.

“The new collaborative solution interconnecting Rosslare Europort with six different major RoRo & RoPax operators, each with different mix of cargo modalities, is truly shaping the future and setting the missing digital RoRo standard, taking SmartPort to the next level.” – Per Soeholt (AGICON Consultant) 

“Royal HaskoningDHV is excited to partner with Brock and Agicon and to bring the experience and expertise of our Smart Ports team around terminal design, operations and automation onto this project.” Mark Wootton (Deputy Director Royal HaskoningDHV)

This Project is the latest of a string of projects being executed by Brock Solutions in Ireland since 2018. Brock Solutions continues to work with both Dublin Airport Authority as well as Aer Lingus in the aviation industry for improved logistics and operational software.

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

Brock Solutions is happy to announce that we will be hosting our Airport Automation Summit on October 12-13, 2022, in Kitchener, ON, Canada. We were disappointed to have to hold the event virtually last year but are excited to see everyone in person in 2022!

The Airport Automation Summit has grown into one of the premier industry events for baggage and passenger automation. First held in 2008, this will be Brock Solutions’ 8th Summit, and we expect this to be our biggest and best yet.

The Summit is designed to allow our customers, partners, and other industry professionals to generate real benefits for their organizations. Join us to hear engaging speakers discuss many emerging trends, new technologies, and innovative solutions for the airport and airline industry. This will be a great opportunity to network and share ideas with other industry professionals. 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the Summit again this year! Please register and save the date if you have received the invitation! If you have not received an invitation, but would like to attend, please contact us and let us know.

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About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

Due to the ongoing challenges related to COVID-19, Brock Solutions has made the decision to switch this year’s Airport Automation Summit to a virtual event. We recognize that the current travel requirements and restrictions that remain in place would make it hard for us to put on the same quality of event that our customers and partners have come to enjoy. Hosting the Summit virtually will also allow all those who were not able to attend in person to now join the event.

The Airport Automation Summit is designed to allow our customers, partners, and other industry professionals to generate real benefits for their organizations. This includes hearing from business leaders in the industry, sharing cross industry knowledge and experiences with companies from around the world, learning best practices from top industry professionals, and exploring the latest technology and software solutions for the airport and airline industry.

We are excited to host everyone virtually this year on October 13-14! Please register and save the date if you have received the invitation. If you have not received an invitation, but would like to attend, please contact us and let us know.

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

Brock Solutions is excited to announce that we will be hosting our 7^th bi-annual Airport Automation Summit from October 13-14, 2021, in Kitchener, ON, Canada. We were disappointed to have to postpone the event in 2020, but are excited to hopefully see everyone in 2021.

Individuals from around the globe will be attending to hear engaging speakers discuss innovative solutions for airport and airline baggage and passenger automation, and to network and share ideas with other industry professionals. And as always, the event will close out with an authentic Oktoberfest celebration!

The Summit is designed to allow our customers, partners, and other industry professionals to generate real benefits for their organizations. This includes hearing from business leaders in the industry, sharing cross industry knowledge and experiences with companies from around the world, learning best practices from top industry professionals, and exploring the latest technology and software solutions for the airport and airline industry.

We are excited to host everyone again this year!  Please register and save the date if you have received the invitation!  If you have not received an invitation, but would like to attend, please contact us and let us know.

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions is a global industrial automation, engineering software, and professional services company with industry expertise in Manufacturing, Transportation, and Utilities. Our solutions empower customers to access data, transform operations, and drive performance and efficiency, while reducing costs and risk.

Brock Solutions is proud to become the Association of Canadian Port Authorities (ACPA) newest supporter. ACPA represents the interest of 17 port authorities in Canada, and through its supporters creates a strong sense of community with like-minded organizations and partners. As a supporter of ACPA, Brock Solutions looks forward to growing connections in the Canadian port sector and and providing innovative solutions to our customers in the industry.

To learn more about Brock Solutions and our partnership with ACPA, visit our Marine & Terminal Automation webpage or contact us to speak with one of our experts!

Brock Solutions is now an official Business Partner of IT Partner Group, who provides software solutions for the logistics industry; specialized for ports, terminals, agencies, freight forwarders and stevedoring companies.

Dan Vandevenne, Brock Solutions’ Transportation & Logistics Business Unit Manager, remarked “Brock Solutions sees the need for automation and digitalization in airports, airlines, and distribution centers every day. With over 30 years of experience modernizing and automating processes, Brock Solutions is thrilled to share our experience and leverage IT Partner’s expertise to improve operations within the maritime logistics industry.”

Rob Jordan, founder and Managing Director of the IT Partner Group, said that “With the resources and knowledge of Brock Solutions it will be easier for us to service customers worldwide and to scale up. The experience of Brock Solutions combined with the products and expertise of IT Partner Group ensures that our customers benefit from an extensive range of innovative software solutions and services for Port and Terminal Management, Automation and Control. We feel confident that this partnership will help both companies grow worldwide.”

To learn more about Brock Solutions, our partnership with IT Partner, and how we can drive value for our customers in the marine and terminal operations space, contact us!

About Brock Solutions

Brock Solutions invests in long-term enterprise relationships with Terminal Operators, Airports, Airlines, Manufacturers, and Warehousing/Distribution centers all over the world. We specialize in providing industry-leading process automation, project/program management, software solutions, sustainment and consulting services that reduce operating costs, allow customers to get more out of their existing assets, and universally improve operations in a way that drives measurable value for each and every one of their customers.

As 2020 comes to an end, we recognize the pandemic has had a huge impact on everyone in the aviation industry, including our customers, partners, and employees. We believe it is vital that we stay safe and continue to work together to get through this difficult time and restore our industry.

Throughout 2020, along with our airport and airline customers, Brock Solutions proactively explored new innovations to face this year’s challenges and to rapidly streamline operations. We implemented several quick-to-value projects including new baggage room displays to reduce mishandled bags and a touchless passenger journey from check-in to arrival.

Although we had to defer our biannual Airport Automation Summit to 2021, we were able to bring together the SmartSuite community for our first virtual Users Group. Meeting over Zoom across 3 days, 180 users across North and South America, Europe, and Australia shared their ideas and feedback directly to Brock’s development and support teams.

In the week following the Users Group, we were thrilled to receive our second Firebrand Award from Inductive Automation! This year’s award was for leveraging Ignition to replace existing baggage systems with a single Upper Level/SCADA, as the first critical step of the Baggage 2025 program with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).

Throughout the year, some of our airport customers continued to focus on projects and improvements to ensure their operations are ready to meet demands following the pandemic. Several projects that successfully passed factory acceptance tests or had a successful go-live with system upgrades from Brock Solutions this year include:

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• LaGuardia Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Salt Lake City International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• Sydney Airport
• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Vancouver International Airport

We were excited the work with Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport to launch our reimagined SmartSuite Enterprise (watch the full VLOG here). We focused on a simpler and seamless end-to-end experience for users who need to access data from multiple disparate systems and enabled this data to be shared outside the baggage control room with airline operations. We are excited to continue this development in 2021 in collaboration with more of our key airport and airline clients.

Although there was a temporary pause in most project activities, some airlines focused their attention to accelerate a few ongoing programs that will bring immediate benefits to customer experience and operations that included:

• Two airlines rolling out an end-to-end customer facing baggage tracking app trial
• Two airlines moving to production, a system-wide automated weight and balance solution integrated with SmartBag (BRS)
• One airline rolling out a system-wide, real-time, cargo/commodity tracking system

We thank you for your support this year! While we may not know what 2021 will bring, we are optimistic, and we are here to help, and will continue to develop innovative solutions to support your future challenges and look forward to celebrating success.