The success of the express
cargo market depends on
a reliable IT system that
provides constant visibility of
vehicles, allowing for on-time
delivery with minimum
turnaround time, says Antonio
Di Stefano, sales representative
for Compu-Clearing.
“Choosing a service
provider who can give
you control over all of
the operations, bookings,
fleet control, tracking and
documentation is therefore
essential.”
The ediEnterprise platform
that Compu-Clearing offers
provides just that, he says.
“However, there are several
challenges in this sector
– on-time delivery, while
controlling and operating
transportation effectively
are probably the two biggest.
Delays, specifically with
regard to clearances, weather
or any other unforeseen
circumstances that may cause
an interruption, will hinder
the smooth operation of this
process.”
And delays cost money.
“In the express sector goods
have to arrive on time for a
company to survive, which is
why an accurate and up-todate
tracking and information
system with accurate billing
is a must. At the same time
challenges such as the
increasing fuel price and
the decline in demand for
goods add further pressure to
companies operating in this
sector.”
According to Di Stefano, it
is important that an IT system
speaks to these challenges and
needs.
“Which is why Compu-
Clearing has developed
a variety of solutions for
customers to choose from. It
allows us to deliver supply
chain solutions, which provide
real value by looking at the
specific needs of an industry
such as the express cargo
and courier sector. At the
same time our partnership
with CargoWise offers
an effective international
logistics system with complete
local customisation.”
According to Di Stefano,
Compu-Clearing has systems
specifically developed for
cross-border transport, such as
the BLNS (Botswana, Lesotho,
Namibia, Swaziland) system.
“These systems quickly
and easily capture data
and produce all customs
documentation, including
electronic submission of
manifests. Documents are
then processed and cleared
swiftly through EDI, allowing
goods to be cleared before
they reach the border, which
reduces delays and increases
efficiency,” he explains. “Our
Air Waybill Production System
also allows the customer to
easily produce air waybills
from anywhere in the world,
with all previous information
needed already stored in the
system.”
He maintains that having
a variety of systems on hand
allows for more value add to
the customer as the company
is able to address any specific
need they might have.
“The Automated Cargo
Management (ACM) system
allows agents to transmit
the Master and House level
details to Customs, in the case
of groupage and degroupage
entries, while the ediEnterprise
solutions allow for distribution
and pickup of goods. Different
routes can be defined with
their respective costings and
vehicles can be monitored
to gain information on
transit times and delivery
compliance,” he says.
CAPTION
Antonio Di Stefano ... ‘up-to-date
tracking and information system
with accurate billing is a must.’
