On-line invoicing and payment move closer for Safmarine customers

Customised reefer application imminent JOY ORLEK ON-LINE invoicing and payment could soon be a reality for Safmarine customers pending the outcome of technical discussions which are currently in progress. If successfully concluded, the project with be piloted in South Africa. That’s the word from Antwerp-based e-business executive Jan van Dooren who told FTW last week that global online volumes had more than doubled (up 150%) since early 2003 and were approaching more than five times the volumes of early 2002. The take-up by South African shippers mirrors that trend. It’s partly due to the ease of access provided by Safmarine, says Van Dooren. Along with Safmarine customers in the rest of the world, SA shippers have the choice of a variety of online options - www.safmarine.com, INTTRA, desktop solutions and EDI. In South Africa safmarine.com is the preferred option, with shippers making use of its range of functionalities from online bookings, shipping instructions and cargo tracking to schedule and voyage enquiries and rates of exchange. These are what Van Dooren refers to as the ‘building blocks’ and only once these are all in place will the line be in a position to move onto its next challenge which involves customisation of the highest order. “Carrier websites have traditionally been built around the processes of the carriers, and the customer has had to follow. “We want to reverse that trend and customise the website to enable the customer to build his own process from his own perspective.” Requirements will clearly vary not only from industry to industry, but within companies, depending on the user. Safmarine has already made major strides in this direction with the launch last year of MySaf, a customisable version of safmarine.com. It allows the customer to create his own Safmarine homepage including features that he needs. “Our reefer application, which is due for launch in February/March, is a perfect example of a tailor-made solution,” says Van Dooren. The growth of e-business in South Africa is evidence of the willingness of the local shipping community to embrace change, in Van Dooren’s view. “It’s about how it improves your business and benefits your customer.”