IT system loads temp control info

When it comes to perishables, speedy processing of cargo – and that includes the preparation and submission of customs clearing documentation – is non-negotiable. “And IT applications can help in this regard,” says Glenn Lawson, head of customer services at Core Freight Systems. “All data available in CSV or Excel format is easily imported into the CoreFreight application using standardised procedures available in the CoreXchange module.” These are simple to use, says Lawson, and eliminate time-wasting and the potential errors in the manual re-capture of data. “Suppliers’ invoice information imported in this manner may be combined with the use of a pre-tariffed part library to produce the Customs bill of entry with minimal user intervention.” One of the features of the CoreFreight application that caters specifically for the perishable industry is the ability to load points and temperature control information. “All this facilitates speed and accuracy of internal processing and, when linked with the proven EDI interface of Cargo Dues with the NPA, significant efficiencies for the operator and better service delivery to the client are realised.” Staff members based at the foreign port of destination are easily able to log onto CoreFreight, access the data captured at source in South Africa and determine the status of the processing directly within the application, says Lawson. But the advantage of CoreXchange is not limited to perishables, he adds. “Many of our clients involved in the motor industry make use of the standardised functionality, avoiding the recapture of long component part codes and descriptions, ensuring the timely and accurate input of data. “In the imports environment this allows for the automated production of detailed landed costing schedules without any further data manipulation once the bill of entry has been generated.”