Online tracking keeps shippers in the know

Agents are now able to monitor the status of shipments to and from Zimbabwe following the introduction of a new system “dashboard” by EASYCLEAR. The dashboard is an update to the tracking information made available online by the EASYCLEAR system, according to general manager Michael Henning. The company’s software systems for the South African clearing and forwarding industry are designed to help manage the declaration process between South Africa and neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, he says. “Ongoing software development combined with ASYCUDAWorld integration enables the seamless flow of information pertinent to the declaration process, further streamlining the agent’s processes and reducing the risk of data capture errors,” he says. The integration of ASYCUDAWorld is in the process of being rolled out. ASYCUDAWorld is a webbased version of the existing ASYCUDA ++ software system. “Being web-based, the ASYCUDAWorld system will allow customs administrations and traders to handle most of their transactions – from customs declarations to cargo manifests and transit documents – via Internet,” according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development ASYCUDAWorld website. In addition to its software systems EASYCLEAR provides on-site support for Zimbabwean exporters and importers through its own offices at the Beitbridge border post. “EASYCLEAR is increasing its footprint at all of South Africa’s land borders and remains one of the most widely used software systems for customs clearing in Beitbridge. Plans are in place to increase our market penetration into the rest of Africa,” he says. The support team was recently strengthened by the arrival of Shane Stevens who brings “an intimate knowledge of the Beitbridge border operations” to the company’s Johannesburg team. “Ever-changing technological advances and continued investment in technology is allowing for systems integration which inevitably will connect the supply chain at all levels,” said Henning. CAPTION Shane Stevens brings an intimate knowledge of the Beitbridge border operations to the EASYCLEAR team.