The project concerns the management of support and maintenance services for the Tuscan Port Community System (TPCS) for the Port System Authority of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea. The TPCS is a mission-critical platform that digitalizes and coordinates logistics and customs processes across ports (Livorno, Piombino, etc.), integrating port operators, terminals, transport providers, and regulatory authorities.

The system is a key enabler of port efficiency, allowing dematerialization of document flows, cargo traceability, and reduced clearance times, with a direct impact on competitiveness and supply chain security.

The TPCS is a multi-layer application ecosystem structured as follows:

• Legacy web application (monolithic): operational management of import/export flows (manifests, cargo lists, goods release, port fees, anti-fraud controls)
• Microservices architecture: modular and scalable evolution, featuring API gateway, asynchronous messaging, and integration with external systems (Terminals, Customs, GTS3, etc.)
• Business Intelligence environment: advanced reporting on Qlik Sense with ETL processes and decision-support dashboards

Key project features

The project focused on the evolution and maintenance of the Port Community System (PCS) of the Port of Livorno, a mission-critical platform supporting logistics and customs operations. The system handles over 20,000 transactions and approximately 1,700 daily users, ensuring high availability, operational continuity, and performance.

The platform ensures interoperability between public authorities, private operators, customs systems, TOS, weighing systems, and port gate systems through an advanced microservices-based architecture. The project also addressed security requirements, regulatory compliance, and technological modernization in a highly complex operational context.

Technologies and standards used

The solution is based on a microservices architecture with API gateway and asynchronous messaging systems using RabbitMQ. The backend is developed in .NET / .NET Core, while the frontend uses Angular and JavaScript.

The platform integrates REST, SOAP, FTP services, and M2M communications, supporting interoperability within the port logistics ecosystem. The infrastructure relies on VMware virtualized environments, cloud systems, and dedicated backup solutions, in compliance with AGID standards, GDPR regulations, and EDIFACT/EDIGES protocols.

Benefits and results

The project contributed to the digitalization and automation of logistics and customs workflows, improving operational efficiency and reducing cargo release times.

The evolution toward a scalable and resilient architecture enhanced interoperability, security, and process traceability, while also supporting KPI monitoring and continuous performance improvement in port operations.

DBA provides a full operational management and system evolution service, including multi-channel 1st and 2nd level user support, corrective, adaptive, and evolutionary maintenance, and continuous updates of technical documentation and reporting.

Activities also include technical support and user training, maintenance of the microservices platform, technological upgrades, and security management activities such as risk assessment and remediation. The service further covers backup management, disaster recovery, and business continuity, as well as configuration and deployment on AGID-certified PSN cloud infrastructure.

The service is completed by project management and operational governance activities, monitored through dedicated KPIs and SLAs.