Port operations and cargo handling operations. Process based approach

In line with the quality management principles applied within a functional settlement of an organization, unconcerned of the size or principal object of activity, port operators should be treated as operational entities carrying out specific activities, aiming to achieve specific objectives, that are prior determined but in dependence with their location and role determined alongside the port logistic chain. The process-based approach involves establishing the processes and sub-processes applied to achieve the port operator's entire set of objectives, functions and tasks. As with any business, the company aims at lowering costs, delivering better, consistent and predictable results, focusing on priority. These can be more easily achieved through a process approach that allows the systematic definition of the activities necessary to achieve the desired outcome, setting clear and quantifiable responsibilities for key management activities, analysing and measuring the capability of core activities, identifying links between key activities and the organization's functions, focusing on the elements that can improve the organization's activities (resources, methods and materials) and assessing the risks, consequences and impact of activities on all stakeholders. Carrying out the process map, identifying the data stream, establishing input and output data are the first steps applied in orderto achieve a process model that will further allow the identification of indicators to improve the quality of the services provided and consequently to ensure the satisfaction of customers and other stakeholders.