Customisable solutions add competitive edge

To provide agents with a competitive edge in an environment that uses similar technological advancements, a technology provider has to offer very flexible and highly customisable solutions. This is the view of J-L Koekemoer, general manager and systems architect at ShipShape Software, who told FTW that the company’s systems were built from the ground up, with agility in mind. “We can move very quickly to build tailor-made solutions around our core systems for any customer,” he says. And there seems to be greater demand for more efficient systems from an operational perspective, in his view. “There is increased focus on data integration between agents and their trading partners and by assisting our clients to implement these solutions we bring them closer to their trading partners and expedite the flow of information by eliminating the need to double-capture data,” he said. One of the greatest opportunities for ShipShape is the piloting of the electronic air waybill (e-AWB) initiative with the International Air Transport Association (Iata). “It’s an exciting new turn for most airfreight exporters, particularly high-volume consolidators, and while it started slowly, more airlines are now pushing for electronic processing and using costs as an incentive,” said Koekemoer. ShipShape is working closely with the airlines, Iata and the agents to ensure a seamless transition, he added. INSERT & CAPTION We can move very quickly to build tailor-made solutions around our core systems for any customer. – J-L Koekemoer