Hardware sizing

In order to select a cost category, the marine terminal must determine the number of MIPS required for the machine. The number of MIPS can be estimated by first determining the number of active users on the computer system and then multiplying by a MIPS factor. It usually takes between .15 and .25 MIPS per active user. A small marine terminal might have:

• 2 gate receiving clerks
• 1 clerk at the outgate
• 1 planner
• 2 clerks directing the vessel operation

Using 6 active users and multiplying it out, this size terminal would need a machine between .90 and 1.5 MIPS. Using the Digital Equipment hardware line as an example (see Figure 3), the price range for machines in this category is USD$ 65,000 to USD$ 100,000.