Analysis of Container Handling Machinery Behavior by Synchronizing PLC and TOS data

Abstract

Container terminals are vital nodes in global logistics, where efficiency and energy consumption are key operational concerns. This study analyzes container handling machinery behavior by integrating data from Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in a Japanese container terminal. The synchronization of high-frequency PLC data and event-driven TOS data enables detailed insights into crane operations, energy consumption, and equipment utilization. A two-step approach, involving time alignment and event-driven matching, was employed to create a unified dataset. The results demonstrate that this integrated data analysis enhances real-time monitoring, energy management, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization, promoting more sustainable and efficient terminal operations.