Housekeeping for semi-auto operations

Housekeeping moves containers to more optimal stacks well in advance of the exit move from the ASC block, that is, before the exit move has a move time. The goal of housekeeping moves is to move containers to stacks that will have a significantly better Expert Decking score. The threshold of what the scoring difference must be for the move to be considered is configured by PHTSITparameter. Since these moves are considered low-priority/not urgent, they are executed when there are no other high-priority productive moves (loads/discharges).

Also see: Explain ASC housekeeping moves, Preposition moves (on page 1), Tune yard move service times (on page 1)

Location of container

In the ASC block

Move kind

YARD

WA Move Purpose

HOUSEKEEPING

Decking Invoked

Expert Decking on XPS client

When housekeeping is considered

  • The container is not a reefer.

  • For export containers, the departing vessel is scheduled to arrive in the next 24 hours. For import containers, a transaction appointment must be made for pick-up in the next 24 hours.

  • The container is in a block that has optimization turned on (Control RMG Scheduler Options). For details, see Managing optimization and automated dispatch for block moves (on page 1) in the online help or on the Kaleris Community Portal.

  • The Expert Decking score improves by at least the amount set by EC Parameter PHTSIT.when the difference between the current and future score is more than the value for PHTSIT. The PHTLIT threshold does not apply for housekeeping moves.

  • The ASC has been idle for the time specified in OPTHID.

  • The container's position can be improved significantly by moving the container closer to the transfer zone of departure. This shortens the movement of the container into the stack, allowing for higher crane productivity, for example in the case of an export container that moves to a matching stack close to the waterside, or in the case of an import container that moves to a similar matching stack on the land side.

  • The container is overstowed based upon available container information. XPS determines that a container is overstowed if:

  • The outbound carrier for containers above will depart after the subject container, and the subject container is routed on a different carrier.

  • The appointment time for the subject container is earlier than the appointment time for the containers above.

  • The containers above do not have a scheduled departure, but will most likely not leave prior to the subject container because their dwell time is excessive or an appointment time has been set for the subject container, but not for the containers above.

  • The container's position can be improved within the stack by moving the container from a mixed stack to a stack that is a perfect match, based on the stacking factor.

When housekeeping is not considered

  • If it's a reefer in a valid reefer spot.

  • If there's a container above the ufv considered for housekeeping

  • If the destination slot fails any stowage validation

  • If the move requires a move split

  • If the difference between the current and future score is less than the value for PHTSIT

Configuration that impacts housekeeping

PHTSIT, PHTTAC, PHTTTO, PHTMHT, PHTTPA, OPTHID

OPTHID determines the time the ASC must be idle before housekeeping is considered.

The PHTLIT threshold does not apply for housekeeping moves.

The PHTTER EC parameter determines how long the housekeeping cycle runs (set by PHTTAC) before errors are logged.

How housekeeping timing parameters work together

HSKUPD must remain turned off for semi-automated sites.

How to select the range for housekeeping?

Considers the entire block.

How is the move reflected in the system?

Once dispatched, N4 Automation places all housekeeping moves in the BACKGROUND work queue.Make sure the BACKGROUND work queue is active. XPS setting BGWQNM provides the name of the work queue.

What happens when a housekeeping fails to deck?

The move isn't done.

 

Notes