Is the data you collect telling you what you need to know? At the recent TOC Europe conference, Chema Real Valero presented on how a data backbone is key to operational intelligence.

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Terminals generate massive amounts of data every second. TOS events, crane telemetry, truck positioning, maintenance alerts, weather feeds, vessel AIS, gate transactions, equipment status and so on.

In this Big Data era, without careful management, control rooms are at risk of information overload: having access to vast amounts of data, without it giving them useful insights to improve operations. If that data is not structured in the right way for the terminal, there’s a risk it won’t give a true picture of on-the-ground operations.

Many terminals still operate across fragmented systems that capture only partial views of the reality of each movement. Each of these systems records operational events using different formats, timestamps, and levels of detail, which makes it difficult to align them into a consistent view. Siloed data sources don’t present a full picture of operational performance. Instead, each platform tells its own version of the operation:

• The TOS says the move is completed

• Telemetry says the truck is waiting

• Maintenance reports a crane issue

• The control room sees congestion building up.

When these signals are not harmonized, reconstructing the full operational story becomes complex and time-consuming. This creates two risks for terminals: first, there is a huge, missed opportunity to use that data to gain an accurate picture of movements to improve operations. Second, teams don’t trust or see the value that digitalization can deliver in terms of heightened operational intelligence, because it’s not useful to them.

Industry has recently improved how it organizes data through modern layered architectures such as Medallion, where information is progressively cleaned, structured, and prepared for operational use. Data operational sources are now more structured, while the information delivered to control rooms benefits from stronger analytics and a more robust foundation.

However, this data doesn’t translate to meet the immediate needs of a live terminal, where there are synchronized operational flows happening in real time across machines, systems, people, and infrastructure. Well organized data is the first step, but then these data flows need to be connected in order to see and understand how operations unfold across the terminal in real time.

So, how can data be better managed and organized to be more useful in day-to-day operational management?
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The role of data backbone

Individual data sources need to be well organized, but they then need to be brought together to reconstruct a real-time business process. This is where the concept of a Data Backbone becomes critical.

At NextPort, we see the data backbone as the operational layer that connects isolated execution signals into a trusted picture of a movement, which creates a structured and standardized representation of how operational processes actually happen.

The role of the data backbone is to:

• Centralize operational data sources

• Harmonize execution signals

• Reconstruct the full container move across systems

• Contextualize events in real time

• Create the foundation for orchestration, continuous improvement, digital twins, and AI

• Align planning data with execution events to enable full traceability across the operation.

This data structure creates a live operational model of the terminal, which replicates how operations behave in real time. It also links planned activities with actual execution, creating a continuous feedback loop between expectation and reality.

This is important because when terminals can reconstruct operational reality end-to-end, they move beyond reactive operations.

They can:

• Identify bottlenecks faster

• Understand root causes of problems

• Compare planning vs execution

• Improve control room decision-making

• Optimize equipment coordination

• Reduce idle time and emissions

• Enable AI-driven operational support

• Continuously improve planning by learning.

By providing this structured and traceable view, the data backbone enables more adaptive and context-aware decision-making, where operations can adjust dynamically to real-time conditions such as congestion, delays, or equipment availability.

All of the technological potential for terminals in the form of advanced digital twins, AI-assisted operations, smart process orchestration, and predictive flow management depends on having consistent, harmonized, and traceable datasets. AI models, automation systems, and simulation engines rely on a true representation of operations to perform effectively.

More than a technical implementation, establishing a data backbone represents a strategic step towards enabling intelligent, data-driven terminal operations. Building a single operational source of reliable data — an on-the-ground operational truth — will be a defining factor in the success of future terminals.

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More News & Events

What is Nextport

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November 3, 2026

A Q&A with Manuel Martinez de Ubago Sotomayor

1. What is NextPort, and what problem does it solve for ports and terminals?

Manuel: NextPort helps port and terminal operators bring fragmented operational information into one trusted, real-time view of activity. We work with existing systems to connect the data they rely on and make it easier to understand what is happening across their field of operations. This gives operators better support in making decisions and creates a stronger foundation for long-term planning.

2. How does NextPort work?

Manuel: NextPort is an operational digital twin which brings together data from existing systems, equipment, processes, and workflows to create a real-time digital representation of the operating environment. That information can then be viewed together in context, rather than as separate systems and dashboards. The goal is to give teams a more complete and trusted picture of what is happening, so they respond to bottlenecks and on-the-ground issues quickly and make better informed decisions.

The result is real-time operational visibility that helps teams identify bottlenecks, respond to operational issues, and make better-informed decisions.

3. How does NextPort support marine terminals?

Manuel: At the terminal level, the focus is on terminal operations optimization, helping teams coordinate vessel, yard, gate, equipment and workforce activity more effectively and with fewer conflicts.

4. Does NextPort replace a terminal operating system or other existing technology?

Manuel: No. NextPort is designed to modernize operations by connecting and adding value to the systems that a port or terminal already uses. Rather than requiring a large-scale replacement of systems, we create a common operational picture across those systems and provide additional visibility and decision support. This makes it possible to introduce new capabilities progressively without disrupting live operations.

5. How can NextPort help improve efficiency and throughput for terminals?

Manuel: Many operational inefficiencies begin when teams do not have a common understanding of what is happening across the terminal. By bringing vessel, yard, gate, equipment, and workflow information together, NextPort makes it possible for operators to easily identify conflicts or bottlenecks early and respond before they become system-wide issues. Over time, this support allows for better use of existing capacity and a more consistent performance for the terminal.

6. How does NextPort support decision making without replacing human judgment?

Manuel: The people running ports and terminals bring operational knowledge that technology cannot replace. NextPort gives those teams a better understanding of their operational landscape, helping them gain a clearer view of what’s happening so that they can make decisions with confidence. In the longer term, NextPort learns from operations and data generated about the gap between planned and actual operations can help identify opportunities for strategic interventions that can improve longer term efficiency. NextPort’s Digital Twin supports the decision making process, while operators remain in control of the decisions themselves.

7. What makes NextPort’s approach different?

Manuel: NextPort combines digital twin technology, operational data integration and practical knowledge of port and terminal operations. We focus on connecting fragmented information across systems and putting it into a form that people can easily understand and use in their day-to-day operations, as well as their longer-term planning. As part of Moffatt & Nichol, NextPort draws on more than 80 years of engineering expertise, which gives us a unique perspective on connecting digital and physical infrastructure in complex port and terminal environments.

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NextPort Achieves Key Information Security Certification

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October 7, 2026

September 24, 2026

We are pleased to announce that we have successfully We are pleased to announce that we have successfully achieved ISO 27001, across NextPort's offices in Valencia and Algeciras, Spain, as well as our parent company Moffatt & Nichol's Long Beach and Raleigh offices in the United States., across NextPort's offices in Valencia and Algeciras, Spain, as well as our parent company Moffatt & Nichol's Long Beach and Raleigh offices in the United States.

This is the internationally recognised standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It sets out the requirements for how an organisation should identify, manage, and reduce risks related to information and data security.

This certification reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of information security, governance, and continuous improvement.

It reflects the hard work of colleagues across the business and our commitment to earning and maintaining the trust of those we work with every day.

Find out more in the video below.

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San Antonio Terminal Internacional Implements NextPort

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October 2, 2026

February 27, 2026

San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI) in Chile has implemented a new digital operations platform in partnership with NextPort, aimed at enhancing visibility and efficiency across the terminal.

The digital twin is a virtual, real-time representation of terminal operations.

It enables online visualization of activities across the equipment fleet — including terminal tractors, container handlers, and STS and RTG cranes — supporting improved situational awareness, performance monitoring and operational decision-making.

All terminal equipment is fitted with the Black Dog card, a telemetry device developed in-house by STI’s Reliability team. The system enables the real-time transmission of operational data to a central platform, supporting both operations and maintenance planning.

The expanded use of telemetry is also expected to support more sustainable operations.

By optimizing transport routes and reducing fuel consumption and equipment wear, the platform has the potential to lower emissions and contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.

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Photo Courtesy of San Antonio Terminal Internacional

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Why NextPort

"It has been a pleasure collaborating on the pilot and adoption of the Digital Twin solution, and on building a reliable and efficient data backbone to support it. This is a strong first step, and I look forward to the next phase focused on impact assessment and value realization through deep integration with processes and technology."

"I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the NextPort team, whose strong commitment, technical expertise, and consistent support were instrumental to the successful delivery of the project."

“What motivates me every day at work is knowing that what we build contributes to making terminals greener. Beyond the technology, the best part of my job is interacting with customers; listening to their needs, understanding their challenges, and working together to turn ideas into real, sustainable solutions. Those conversations are where innovation really starts.”

"I am really excited about the technologies being used here, as they align perfectly with my interests. On top of that, the team is full of talented and motivated professionals, making it a great environment to learn and grow while also contributing. Being part of a young and dynamic team makes the experience even more engaging and rewarding."

"I’m here for two reasons: an incredible team and a truly innovative product. That combination makes every day exciting and full of possibilities."

"NextPort offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a product that addresses the daily challenges faced by professionals in the Ports environment. We take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and the latest in Artificial Intelligence to offer innovative solutions. Additionally, NextPort fosters a collaborative environment where our team, makes the journey of creating advanced products rewarding and engaging."