PE pilots global security systems

Safcor Panalpina integrates with large motor manufacturer ED RICHARDSON SOPHISTICATED INTEGRATED information technology (IT) systems are needed if exporters and importers are to effectively manage the risks being created by the new international global security requirements, says Dieter Rothman, Eastern Cape regional director of Safcor Panalpina. Port Elizabeth has been selected as the South African pilot site for the implementation of the global security systems and a number of risks have already been identified. “Up to now, the focus for IT integration has been on the high volume importers. This has changed and both import and export systems have to be fully integrated,” he says. For example export cargoes – and the containers in which they are packed – have to be accurately documented and tracked from the booking of the container to delivery at the customer’s door. This effectively means that export cargo now has to be thoroughly identified and documented before the container is even positioned at the exporter for packing. Security systems do not allow for updates of manifests while the cargo is on the water. “Export entries must be 100% correct or the exporter faces the risk of having the container turned around in the destination port, with heavy penalties.” he says. With information having to be 100% accurate for all data declared, including volumes and mass, it has also become important to reduce the number of points of duplication and manual capture – all of which adds to the risk of errors creeping in. Here the challenge is integrating different systems – the data captured by the exporter or importer should be transferred directly into the agent’s systems. This will particularly carry high efficiency for both exporters and importers once the export SARS declaration becomes the destination import declaration as it will promote a seamless transfer of accurate information. In response to the needs of the market-place, Safcor Panalpina has its own IT department which recently completed the integration of Safcor Panalpina’s systems with those of a large motor manufacturer – in addition to a number of other integration projects. “We have developed a significant capability in this area through standard as well as client-specific business integration, EDI and electronic messaging projects,” says Rothman. “Integration partners include our international partner Panalpina, the South African Port Authority, the South African Revenue Service, our clients and our clients’ international offices,” he says. Critical to the management of risks is ensuring the safety and integrity of all data. “We have the most sophisticated firewalls in place to protect data. In addition, our disaster recovery systems allow for us to provide full services to our clients within 24 hours of any major disaster,” he says.