The Perishable Products Export Control Board is going digital. Soon the sight of an inspector with a clipboard and a pen will be something of the past as the organisation rolls out one of its new efficiencyimprovement projects – the issuing of tablets to every inspector. According to PPECB CEO Stuart Symington, the decision to introduce tablet technology has two immediate benefits: firstly, getting accurate information available in real time for all of its partners; and secondly, achieving long-term efficiencies that should translate into a more cost-effective service to its customers. “We have been involved with this tablet project for about six months now, with industry trials expected to start in October and November this year. The aim is to have it all tested and ready to launch country- wide no later than February 2014.” Symington said that along with the introduction of tablet technology, there was an entire systems revamp in the making. “It brings major efficiency in that we will now have real-time information at hand. No longer will there be information delays as the system will be loaded as and when inspectors are in the field. The couriering of documents will be a thing of the past, including the intermediary step of administrators having to upload inspected information into our systems.” He said it also allowed all the PPECB inspectors access to email. “Technology will bring a major change in the way PPECB employees can communicate with each other. It is a massive, complex and expensive project but one that is expected to revolutionise the PPECB – and its stakeholders’ businesses.” INSERT & CAPTION The couriering of documents will be a thing of the past. – Stuart Symington
