March 8, 2019
Specialty software provider adds cloud-based option for small container and mixed cargo terminals
Channelnomics Staff
Navis, a maker of terminal operating software in use at more than 340 major shipping ports in 80 countries, announced today it would acquire Octopi, a Miami-based developer of cloud-based port management tools. With the move, Navis is hoping to appeal to the thousands of smaller terminals worldwide that are looking to modernize but lack the technology infrastructure and expertise needed to support full deployment of the vendor’s flagship N4 TOS platform.
The Lowdown: Launched in 2015, Octopi is a lightweight, cloud-based TOS developed exclusively for container and mixed-cargo terminals that handle the equivalent of around 100,000 20-foot containers annually (the world’s busiest ports handle 10 to 30 million). Octopi is currently in use at 10 smaller terminals in seven countries, officials said.
The Details: Following the acquisition, Octopi will continue to operate out of its Miami headquarters under the direction of its current CEO and founder, Luc Castera. Castera will showcase the Octopi solution at Navis World 2019 in San Francisco later this month.
Background: A Terminal Operating System (TOS) is a highly specialized vertical platform that helps seaport terminal operators manage operations, track cargo, and communicate with commercial partners. An important tool in the increasingly popular areas of supply-chain visibility and control, TOS platform module features generally include things like optimized container storage, routing of cargo handling equipment, and plans for stowing vessels and railcars.
Navis, a unit within Cargotech Corp. of Oakland, California, sells its N4 platform, along with some related analytics and billing tools, through a handful of vertically focused partners worldwide.
The Buzz: “Our customers told us they needed a lighter-weight TOS solution to improve the planning and execution of operations for their smaller terminals and easily connect to the supply chain ecosystem. The demand for greater process standardization, supply chain control, and improved visibility of container flows are key areas of focus for all of our customers,” said Benoit de la Tour, president of Navis. “By joining forces with Octopi, Navis is heeding the call for more deployment options for both stand-alone small terminals, and those smaller or remote terminals that are part of a larger global terminal operator network.
“Offering a cloud-based TOS that is intuitive and quick to implement will enable us to serve an entirely new segment of the terminal market,” de la Tour added. “We’re eager about the opportunity for continued growth and innovation and are proud to welcome Octopi and its customers to the Navis family.”
“From inception, our focus has been on creating the most user-friendly, intuitive, mobile-first TOS in the world,” said Castera. “We believe that the combination of the Octopi technology with Navis’ market leadership and brand strength will accelerate our growth and deliver more powerful solutions for our customers.”
