As pre-clearance
increasingly becomes
the norm, streamlined
communication between
stakeholders
through
integrated
software
platforms is key.
“This
ensures that all
stakeholders
involved in any
shipment are on
the same page,”
says Ridwaan
Mohammed, general manager
of software company, Advanced
Customs Solutions.
“If everyone knows the status of
a specific shipment in real time,
this rules out miscommunication
and inaccurate data. Complete
transparency and communication
between the different parties is then
the order of the day.”
And accuracy contributes
significantly to cost and time
savings, says
Mohammed.
“This is especially
true if one takes
into account the
different customs
procedures and
systems used in
neighbouring
countries.
“Once again
it’s important
to implement software that has
the ability to integrate with other
software platforms. It then acts as
one complete solution, speeding up
cross-border trade,” he says.
With many southern African
countries currently in the process of
upgrading their customs systems,
procedures and processes, delays
are inevitable. There are also major
differences between the systems and
processes used, while procedures
and standards are not always as
streamlined and efficient in all the
countries.
“We have tried to bridge the gap
with our systems by integrating
into Asycuda World and Asycuda++
for example,” says Mohammed.
“Essentially what we have achieved
by allowing our systems to integrate
with others is to add a key function
– and that is communication
between the various stakeholders.”
He says communication not only
improves accuracy, but coupled
with a strict customs procedure
validation system it minimises
rejections and the process is far
more efficient.
We have tried to bridge
the gap with our systems
by integrating into Asycuda
World and Asycuda++.
– Ridwaan Mohammed
