Body set up to drive supply chain integration

Seamless interface with customs - banks to follow shortly KEVIN MAYHEW THE SOUTH African freight forwarding industry has reached a watershed in its electronic development as it embarks on integration at all levels of the supply chain. While the process is still in its infant stages, several role players have been caught by surprise at the level of commitment of South African Revenue Service which has delivered on its promises, says Rian Mulligan, manager of Cargo Application Service Provider.Net (CASPNET). These developments have created the need for a body to drive and co-ordinate the changes required to gain full advantage of a truly seamless, integrated supply chain, says Mulligan. “The facilitation of trade in South Africa will inevitably create more job opportunities and prosperity for the country. By fast-tracking the revitalisation of the freight industry and the interaction with its various role players, we can now aim for this common goal.” According to Mulligan, since May 2002 a small portion of the freight industry has been involved in the transformation from paper to a true paperless process, and CASPNET will act as a facilitator in achieving this objective. “Its members have 56 years of freight forwarding, clearing and supply chain experience as each one has worked in these industries. They are also heavily involved in interaction with SARS regarding any changes affecting the freight forwarding industry, and serve on various steering comittees set up and driven by SARS.” CASPNET is currently switching more than 12000 messages per month for various customers using its existing model. The same model can be applied across the board to any message type (invoices, sales orders, packing lists, cargo dues) or any specific industry. Its success with this model is based on the real time management facility to track and trace a particular message from the source through the various stages until delivery at the target. “Although we have concentrated on the freight industry to develop our service, we can adapt it to meet the seamless interface needs of any sector of the economy. However, at present we are intent on providing greater levels of EDI within the freight and forwarding sector,” explains Mulligan. CASPNET facilitates interfaces with customs, shipping lines, airlines and others with hopefully the banks to follow.