Your software supplier
To indicate that you want to switch to a new API link before 31-12-2022.
No software supplier? Look at the list of software suppliers that can help.
HCN: from EDI converter to API
Do you make use of Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) via the EDI converter? Do you want to have a link between HCN and your Transport Management System (TMS)? Make sure you have your API connection before 31-12-2022 to continue using HCN within your own TMS.
API is ready for the future and gives access to the new functionalities that HCN already offers. In the near future, Portbase will continue to add new functionalities that will make your work in the port smarter, safer and more effective.
Read below how to switch to API in a few steps.
Switching to API
We will explain the steps to switch from EDI converter to API connection
In 3 steps from EDI converter to API connection
To switch to API, you need to do the following. The following slides show the steps to proceed.
Why switch?
In addition to web screens, HCN also works through an API system link. It means we are ready for the future. This link is faster, more reliable and more flexible than an EDI link. From 31 December 2022, support for the EDI-converter will also end and you will no longer be able to use it. View the message sent on 27 January 2022 here.
Difference EDI and API connection
Situation: EDI converter and EDI connection
Situation: Future Ready API connection
Step 1: Contact
Do you have an in-house IT department that can realize your link? Then of course you can skip this step.
With Team Sales Portbase
To indicate that you want to switch to an API link.
Send an email to sales@portbase.com to get started.
Step 2: Build and test your API system connection
After registration and contact, you will receive the data from Portbase to start building an API link. These may include a ‘client ID’ and ‘client secret’. Then you can get started.
Building a link
To start building, you need the latest API specifications. This explanation serves to make the right connection to the data within the Port Community System (PCS). You or your software supplier can also find additional documentation to get started here.
Testing the connection
After successfully building your API link, it is important that you together with Portbase and your software supplier test the API link. We like to hear from you when you have finished.
Step 3: Live and commissioning API interface
After successful testing you can start using the API link. Our team will then convert your link to the PCS production environment.
Congratulations. Your new API connection works! You are ready for the future and can make use of the many benefits of the HCN service.
Stay tuned for updates
As we are constantly adding new functionalities to the HCN service, it is necessary to keep your API link up-to-date. Subscribe here for RSS updates of HCN API specifications. In this way your system is always up to date.
You can also find the XML feed of these RSS updates and the changelog on our developer portal.