The Port of Cagayan de Oro recently marked another milestone as the first PMO to use an Interactive Digital Whiteboard (IDB) in its marine operations.

In view of the PMO’s vision of automatized operations, the use of the 86-inch flat touch screen IDB, which was fully operational in the Marine Section of PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro since 26 October 2018, is a transition from the conventional (pen and whiteboard) to electronic way of presenting reports and vessel monitoring especially during berthing meetings. This device can either be a standalone computer or a large, functioning touchpad to control computers from a projector.

The IDB aids for clearer and easy presentation of reports with port stakeholders during meetings that elicits active participation and increases engagement from them rather than simply being recipients/listeners of the meeting agenda. This is due to the fact that all of them can view the information being shared in the meeting; thus, they can make suggestions/comments on the matters being presented (e.g. the positioning of their respective vessels along the designated berths). Furthermore, this robust technology enables the presenter to mark changes to files during the presentation, and the notes can be written on the board and saved to be reflected on the final minutes of the meeting later on. Meeting participants can even affix their signatures directly on the IDB instead on the attendance sheet being passed around. The IDB, hence, facilitates a better exchange of communication that adds convenience and efficiency during pre-planning and berthing meetings, among other port service-related activities.

Envisioning an upgraded tool for an efficient, cost-saving and convenient way of reporting, vessel monitoring, and data banking, the Port Services Division looks forward to more functions that this IDB can possibly do. — IMR Lam