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Purpose – The evaluation of management systems is usually based on a series of assumptions which are never questioned. The purpose of this paper is to focus on two of these assumptions, in order to further develop a quantitative model to evaluate metrological management in companies, based on the ISO 10012:2003 standard. Design/methodology/approach – First, the paper uses structural equations to identify the underlying relations between the different variables of the model and conclude that it follows the typical continuous improvement cycle formulated by Deming. And second, the paper processes the opinion of experts using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques in order to prove that not all the variables included in the model are equally relevant in metrological management. Findings – The first SME analysis validates the model itself and its integration with the other management schemes in the company, all based on the Deming cycle. The second AHP analysis leads to a reformulation of the model, assigning weights to the different variables and providing better guidelines for companies to improve their metrological management. Originality/value – This constitutes a development of the management guidelines contained in the ISO 10012:2003 standard for metrological management, establishing the appropriate evaluation procedures.

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The choice to use horizontal handling transport in automated container terminals is not fully consistent in comparison with the automation of stacking cranes at the storage yard. Often the decision of whether to use an automated system between the berth and the yard area is not clear, and terminal operators tend not to use automated systems. The goal of this paper is to provide an economic analysis to determine under which conditions automated horizontal transport is more efficient than a semiautomated system. The study provided several simulation models to calculate the optimal equipment necessary to connect storage and berth subsystems in a maritime container terminal in fully automated and semiautomated scenarios. Data from the semiautomated container terminal at the Port of Barcelona, Spain, were used. In addition to the cost analysis, guidelines on the best alternative, considering labor costs, throughput movements per quay crane and year, and quay crane productivity are provided.