Freight terminal automation involves a physical (equipment) and an information component:
- Process automation. Mainly involves information-processing technologies that enable more efficient management of terminal operations and container flows. Terminal Operating Systems, optical character recognition, and RFID are examples of process automation. This can also involve automated gate systems that allow for the quick processing of truck entries and exits, including appointment systems.
- Operational automation. Mainly involves equipment technologies that physically handle containers either through horizontal intra-terminal movements or through vertical stacking movements. A variety of automation technologies are available for such a purpose, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated straddle carriers (AutoStrads), and automated stacking cranes (ASCs). This can also include ship-to-shore cranes, either remotely controlled or automated.
The above involves configuring freight terminals to accommodate automation, particularly the processes for handling containers using automated equipment.