Modeling and Analysis of the Port Logistical Business Processes and Categorization of Main Logistics Costs

Foreign trade in Chile accounts for approximately 30% of the GDP (gross domestic product). In 2015, from the total volume, 92% of the imports and 96% of the exports were transferred by maritime ports. Hence, maritime ports are key nodes of the global transport chain with a strategic role on the country’s economic development. The export and import processes imply a physical flow of the cargo and transportation vehicles, as well as an information flow that is exchanged among the different stakeholders involved. Information transmission can be paper-based or electronic and following international standards and protocols. In the particular case of Chile, data has been traditionally interchanged in paper, lacking a harmonization and standardization of the different documents and information. This generates inefficient operations as well as a lack of coordination and visibility of cargo in the different processes and echelons of the port supply chain. In this chapter, we propose a framework for the modeling and analysis of port-logistics business processes, as well as the corresponding documents and costs. As a case study, we consider the logistics business processes with the participation of a bonded warehouse of the Port of Valparaiso in Chile. These are referred as the “direct and manifested import” business processes and the “Stacking and consolidation export” business process. For comparison purposes, we analyze the logistics costs for the case of the Port of Valparaiso in Chile, the Port of Buenaventura in Colombia, and the Port of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Recommendations to support the standardization of the related processes are presented for port authorities and related stakeholders.