No More Disputes: A Mobile App for Container Damage Registration

For over a decade, Sogester (Sociedade Gestora de Terminais, S.A.) has been a keystone of Angola’s logistics infrastructure, managing key container terminals in Luanda and Namibe. As a leader in port operations, cargo handling, and terminal management, Sogester ensures connectivity between Angola and global trade networks, maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, safety, and innovation.

Our partnership with Sogester began in 2019 when we developed a customized billing and accounting system (1C:Drive) tailored to their complex operational needs. We didn’t stop there, and also certified and enhanced 1C:Drive to submit tax reporting to the government directly from the system. A bit later, Sogester has returned to us with a new challenge: automate container damage registration to eliminate disputes, enhance transparency, and further optimize their terminal operations. In Sogester, innovation is a continuous journey, and we’re proud to be their trusted partner in this evolution.

Challenges faced

Before implementing the new solution, Sogester encountered a significant challenge: disputes over container damages. When containers arrived at the terminal, customers often claimed compensation for damages that were not caused by Sogester. Without a reliable system to document the condition of containers upon arrival, the company faced financial losses and reputational risks.

The existing process relied on manual inspections and paper-based records, which were:

• Time-consuming and prone to human error.
• Difficult to verify, leading to disputes with clients.
• Inefficient, as data had to be manually transferred to the main system.

Sogester needed a digital solution to accurately register container conditions at the moment of arrival, protecting the company from unjustified claims.

Project implementation

To address this challenge, Rise SA developed a mobile application designed to register container damages in real time. Here’s how it works:

1. On-site damage registration. When a container arrives, an employee uses the mobile app to take a photo and document any existing damages (e.g., dents, scratches, or structural issues) for a specific container.
2. Seamless data integration. The recorded data is automatically synced with 1C:Drive, eliminating the need for manual data entry. The responsible person can review this information later.
3. Client acknowledgement. The client receives the report and must sign an act confirming that the container was damaged before entering the terminal. This act protects Sogester from false claims, as the client acknowledges the pre-existing condition of the container.

Project outcomes

The implementation of the mobile app brought tangible benefits for Sogester:

• Eliminated disputes and cost savings. Clients can no longer claim compensation for pre-existing damages. Fewer disputes mean lower compensation payouts and improved profitability.
• Faster inspections. Employees register damages on the spot, saving time and improving workflow efficiency.
• Automated documentation. Data is instantly synced with the main system, reducing manual errors and administrative workload.
• Enhanced transparency and legal protection. Clients receive real-time reports with photographic evidence, building trust and reducing conflicts. Digital acts signed by clients serve as legal proof in case of disputes, safeguarding Sogester’s interests.

Sogester’s mobile app for container damage registration is a great example of how digital transformation can solve real-world challenges in logistics. By replacing manual processes with automated, transparent, and efficient workflows, Sogester has once again simplified the work of its employees, eliminating paperwork and manual data exchanges. This innovation saves valuable time, allowing staff to focus on more critical tasks while ensuring faster, more accurate container inspections.