## 1 Introduction
### Study Motivation  
Like airports, port areas operate as international territories and are a highly regulated sector that requires strict authorization and registration procedures for people, goods, and equipment moving through these areas [28].  
Of the various opportunities for improvement within a seaport, the one addressed here is the road gate. The road gate at port terminals generally faces significant challenges that make the entry and exit of vehicles inefficient, often causing congestion [29; 30]. There are several causes of inefficiency, and according to [3; 30; 31; 32; 33] they can be listed as follows:  
* Too many bureaucratic procedures;
* Lack of infrastructure and equipment;
* Lack of efficient communication mechanisms;* Lack of integration and interoperability between systems and with stakeholders;
* Inadequate infrastructure;
* Fluctuating driver arrival times and drivers' failure to comply with the rules;
* Lack of knowledge/training/awareness on the part of stakeholders regarding the use of technology.  
In this context of a paradigm shift towards the digital, the implementation of innovative technological solutions, such as automated information collection systems and the intensive use of information technology, is expected to offer new ways of operating. According to [15; 32; 34], the following stand out:  
* Mitigating the current challenges in terms of vehicle and goods flows;
* Promoting opportunities to improve the user experience;
* Efficient management of resources;
* Impacts on the sustainability of port operations.  
Although the problems portrayed here are general to seaports, it was also possible to find them in a specific Portuguese seaport, which served as a case for the development of the practical component of this study. Of all Portuguese trade, about 52% is handled from this port, which is considered the largest in Portugal. With all this responsibility, the terminal needs to become more efficient and solve some inefficiencies to remain competitive in the ever-growing market. Given its significant cargo, this port has implemented a system of prior scheduling for delivery and/or pick-up services. This initiative is fundamental to improving efficiency, as it organizes time and resources better, reducing queues and speeding up logistics operations.  
Thus, modernizing facilities and infrastructures and mapping and optimizing operational processes are crucial steps in transforming a seaport into a model of port efficiency and sustainability by implementing a smart gate system.  
As [PERSON] [35] states, \"detailed models and frameworks are needed to guide this development and customize the Industry 4.0 concepts to the port and shipping sector\". While there have been significant technological advancements, the current literature on smart gates often lacks a thorough analysis of their role in digital transformation. This study aims to fill this gap by developing a conceptual model of a smart gate through process management and design science research. It demonstrates how smart gates can drive digital transformation, enhancing traffic flow efficiency and logistics while also preparing for future demands in an evolving commercial environment. The practical case study conducted at one of Portugal's largest seaports exemplifies these concepts, providing a detailed analysis of verification and authentication needs, operational stages, and sustainability indicators to ensure the viability of smart gates.