Shipshape software speeds up clearance and release data

There is no denying the
importance of technology in
ensuring an efficient and fast
service when it comes to the
import of vehicles into the
country.
Customs clearing large
numbers of vehicles that
could take up to four days if
done manually, can easily be
done within 20 minutes using
the correct programme and
software, says J-L Koekemoer,
assistant architecture of
Shipshape Software.
“Some two years ago we
developed and implemented
a robust Microsoft excel
interface for our clients that
captures the customs clearance
and release data at least
twenty times faster than in the
past. Since we launched this
product business has continued
to grow as more people realise
the value of the programme.”
Especially handy when
large consignments of vehicles
are brought into the country
the programme, provided
the supplier has supplied
electronic information, ensures
a service that is not only more
efficient but trustworthy.
“The margin for error is
much smaller as it calculates
all the various amounts for
you. The excel interface
allows for the information of
the supplier to be aligned on
the document at the click of a
button. What would take three
days, now takes 20 minutes,”
says Koekemoer.
Customs requires each
vehicle to be individually
cleared, which means a bill of
entry can easily see more than
a 1000 cars, each being an
individual line item for which
VAT has to be calculated,
vehicle identification
numbers provided as well as
duties paid.
“To manually calculate each
item is painstakingly laborious
and unnecessary in our age of
technology.”
According to Koekemoer
Shipshape Software is
continuously developing its
software in an effort to meet
clients’ needs. “We also liaise
with our clients’ suppliers in
an effort to make sure we get
data in the correct format for
the software. It saves cost and
time – two important factors
for any business.”