IT efficiency gains momentum along with Customs EDI focus

As Customs moves to a paperless environment and a regime where anyone processing more than 20 entries a month will be obliged to submit the transactions via EDI, the need for efficient IT systems gains momentum – and the perishables sector is no exception. “Notwithstanding the specialised needs of this sector, the basic requirements of the system remain the same across all users,” says Glenn Lawson of Core Freight Systems. “Proven reliability on a modern platform that will serve not only current procedures but future requirements as they evolve is key to the forwardthinking agent,” says Lawson. “The attributes one should look for may be identified from a number of perspectives. From the operator viewpoint the application should be windows-based and follow a simple, logical process-flow, incorporating data validation as required to ensure completeness and accuracy when the transaction has been concluded. Distribution of any reports to clients should be facilitated though real-time distribution direct from the application.” Management will require process audit trails and comprehensive reporting, including strong financial control, says Lawson. “From an IT perspective the slick interchange of data with other applications is vital to take advantage of electronic data available, for example from an international forwarding system or supplier’s invoice. Local expertise and support from the service provider should be confirmed by reference to appropriate customer sites.” The CoreFreight application is available as a fully hosted application. “This means that any complexity associated with the management of IT infrastructure is removed from the agent, allowing clients, both large and small, access to a comprehensive forwarding and clearing operations support system at a cost-effective price.”