Digital transformation in port and terminal operations is not about deploying accounting software. It requires an integrated technology architecture combining billing automation, ERP financial systems, terminal operating systems (TOS) and seamless integrations with third-party platforms – including port authorities, tax authorities, banks and electronic payment systems.
Rise SA Business Solutions, a South African ERP and systems integration company, recently completed the implementation of a versatile billing system for SOGESTER – Sociedade Gestora de Terminais, in Luanda, Angola.
The solution, built on the 1C:Enterprise platform, integrates terminal operations, financial accounting and SAF-T regulatory reporting into one cohesive environment.
The business challenge: Billing in terminal operations
Port and container terminal environments generate complex, event-driven financial transactions.
SOGESTER operates multiple terminals across Angola, managing import container handling, export operations, general cargo, shipping line billing, brokers and intermediaries, VIP credit customers, gate (cash) clients and government entities.
Each container movement can trigger multiple chargeable services – storage, handling, reefer connections, inspection, transfer and documentation fees – all governed by contract based tariff structures.
Key challenges included:
- Complex tariff management across customer categories
- Integration between TOS and ERP
- Multi-currency billing (AOA and USD)
- Credit control and payment allocation
- Regulatory reporting and SAF-T compliance
- Eliminating reconciliation gaps between operations and finance
Project evolution: ERP implementation under disruption
The ERP implementation began in 2020 using 1C:Enterprise (1C:Drive) as the billing core. During 2021, the project faced significant disruption due to COVID-19. When activities resumed in 2022, the focus shifted to stabilising and strengthening the billing architecture:
- Standardising service order workflows
- Aligning proforma and final invoice logic
- Redesigning credit note processes
- Ensuring currency consistency
- Synchronising operational and financial states
A versatile billing system based on 1C:Enterprise
The implemented solution is a flexible billing automation system built on the 1C:Enterprise platform.
Core capabilities include:
Service order management – Operational events trigger structured service orders linked to containers, customers and contracts.
Configurable tariff engine – Standard tariff sets, negotiated contract pricing, layered fallback pricing logic, dynamic storage period calculation and reefer service billing.
Multi-currency accounting – Native support for Angolan Kwanza (AOA) and USD, invoice-level exchange rate management and dual-currency financial reporting.
Automated financial document life cycle – Proforma invoices, final invoices, credit notes, advance payment allocation and customer credit exposure control.
Integration with terminal operating system (TOS)
SOGESTER’s operational backbone runs on Solvo Terminal Operating System (TOS).
The ERP integration synchronises container life cycle events, bill of lading data, terminal departure reports (TDR), gate confirmations and service triggers.
This event-driven integration ensures that operational activities automatically generate corresponding financial transactions within the ERP system.
SAF-T compliance and regulatory validation
A significant milestone of the project was achieving compliance with Angola’s electronic accounting and SAF-T reporting requirements.
Regulatory compliance was built into system architecture through sequential invoice numbering control, TIN/NIF validation logic, VAT category enforcement and structured SAF-T export generation.
From ERP deployment to ongoing optimisation
By early 2023, the project transitioned into structured long-term support.
Enhancements include advanced payment allocation logic, automated storage and reefer billing calculations, credit limit enforcement, system integrations and performance optimisation.
Systems integration for emerging markets
The SOGESTER project illustrates how a versatile billing system based on 1C:Enterprise can serve as a financial backbone for port and logistics operators in emerging markets.
Through ERP implementation, systems integration and regulatory localisation, Rise SA delivered event-driven billing automation, contract-based tariff management, multi-currency ERP configuration, terminal system integration and SAF-T compliant financial reporting.
Share