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.”