The Challenge

European ports operate as intricate logistical ecosystems, where thousands of ships, trucks, and service providers interact daily. These bustling hubs must coordinate complex activities across competing stakeholders while managing the growing challenge of increasing vessel sizes and environmental pressures. Yet, each port evolves differently, with its own workflows, technologies, and governance models, making standardization incredibly difficult. The EFFORTS (Effective Operations in Ports) initiative, backed by the European Commission and comprising 37 organizations across 13 countries, set out to unify and optimize port logistics across the continent.

The task was monumental. EFFORTS needed a solution that could capture and visualize the multi-layered processes driving port operations, reduce traffic congestion and inefficiencies, and harmonize workflows across diverse port authorities and business entities. One of the biggest hurdles was resistance to transparency—many stakeholders were reluctant to expose their internal operations. Achieving buy-in and fostering collaboration across this fragmented environment required a trusted, structured approach to business process management (BPM).

The Solution: Interfacing’s EPC

To meet these challenges, EFFORTS turned to Interfacing’s Enterprise Process Center® (EPC). This powerful BPM platform provided the tools needed to model, document, and analyze port operations using a standardized, process-centric methodology. With EPC, the initiative was able to model every activity involved in port logistics within a unified framework—aligning operations with higher-level goals while preserving the individuality of each port’s structure.

EPC enabled the creation of a comprehensive process library accessible across all member ports. These standardized processes could be reused, adapted, and improved upon—creating a solid foundation for long-term optimization. Risks, resources, and key performance indicators (KPIs) were embedded directly into the process models, giving EFFORTS visibility into vulnerabilities and opportunities alike. Perhaps most importantly, EPC’s user-friendly interface allowed non-technical stakeholders to actively engage with process diagrams, which helped foster trust and encourage collaboration. This interoperable, transparent platform broke down silos and helped diverse port authorities move forward together.

Implementation Highlights

To bring this initiative to life, EFFORTS adopted a structured modeling approach based on the CIMOSA methodology—a framework designed to connect business functions to operational goals. Using EPC, they developed functional process maps that clearly illustrated how each task contributed to the port’s overall performance. These processes were documented in clear, self-explanatory process books, which could be easily shared among entities and stakeholders for training, analysis, and replication.

A dedicated team of process experts, known as ISSUS, was deployed to manage the initiative. They were responsible for building the process architecture, guiding port entities through their documentation, and ensuring that each workflow adhered to best practices while remaining adaptable to local contexts.

The Results

The results of the EFFORTS initiative were far-reaching. With the support of Interfacing’s EPC, ports were able to streamline operations and significantly reduce wait times, resulting in faster throughput and better coordination of resources. For the first time, port stakeholders had a clear view of their interdependencies—both within their own operations and across partner organizations.

The newly created process templates became a valuable asset for both existing port improvement and the design of future port expansions. The transparency and collaboration fostered by EPC also increased buy-in across the participating organizations, helping to align 37+ partners under a common operational vision. Ultimately, EFFORTS succeeded in developing a scalable, repeatable model for port logistics optimization that can be applied across Europe and beyond.

Key Benefits of EPC in Port Management

Interfacing’s Enterprise Process Center proved to be a transformative tool for managing port complexity. Its intuitive, non-technical interface made it easy for all levels of stakeholders—from IT teams to dockworkers—to understand and contribute to process modeling. The platform provided a centralized repository where processes, risks, resources, and KPIs could be stored and continuously improved.

By aligning operations with compliance and strategic goals, EPC accelerated training and onboarding, supported cross-functional coordination, and improved organizational agility. Whether enhancing existing port infrastructure or planning future expansions, EPC empowered EFFORTS with the process intelligence required for long-term operational excellence and digital transformation.