Cloud-based customs
clearing and
forwarding systems
are helping speed
up the movement of freight
into and through Zimbabwe
and beyond into the whole
Southern African Development
Community (SADC) region,
according to Ridwaan
Mohammed, general manager
at Advanced Customs Solutions
(ACS).
“We have identified and
inserted lost links within the
logistics chain
by developing
and offering
software
solutions to
speed up the
processes
through border
posts,” he says.
These
links include
“a global
manifest
system that
connects
importer to
transporter to clearing agent,
allowing a fast and efficient
communication channel;
shipment tracking as well as a
web-based EDI (electronic data
interchange) tracking software
solution; integration into
Asycuda and all in-house third
party and accounting software.
“This technology is passed
on to our clients who then offer
a competitive service to their
clients,” he says.
According to Mohammed,
ACS has a
“large share” of
the Beitbridge
customs
clearing
market, which
is continuing
to see growth
in road freight
volumes.
“Agents
are using
our software
for customs
clearing
purposes
through Sars. We also have the
ability to transfer data from
our software to Asycuda++ and
Asycuda World.
“This data transfer speeds up
the customs clearing processes
for commercial cargo entering
and exiting South Africa and
Zimbabwe," says Mohammed.
“We are a preferred software
service provider due to our use
of technology and integration
to various software platforms.
ACS offers both cloud and
local-based installations."
According to Mohammed,
many FMCG (fast moving
consumer goods) and wholesale
exporters, importers and
road freight transporters are
making use of ACS solutions to
streamline their own processes.
Companies are increasingly
opting for the Cloud. “We see
technology moving towards
cloud-based solutions, which
we have already developed,”
he says.
Systems do not, however,
replace people. ACS has
been providing support and
training to help clients meet
the requirements of the Sars
modernisation programme.
“Communication and
training are the keys to
success in our type of business,”
says Mohammed.
The modernisation of
Zimbabwe’s customs system
is also helping to streamline
clearing procedures.
“With our Asycuda
integration we see many
Zimbabwe-based and BLNSbased
(Botswana, Lesotho,
Namibia and Swaziland)
clearing agents using our
software as they are able to
do clearances through both
sides of any border post.
“The integration
into Asycuda, the EDI
tracking solution as
well as our Global
Manifest system
and customs
clearing
solution will indirectly
integrate all clearing agents,
importers/exporters,
transporters in Zimbabwe and
South Africa.
“There will be one system
for the entire logistics chain,
thereby ensuring
efficiency and
speed,” he
says.
INSERT & CAPTION
The modernisation of
Zimbabwe’s customs
system is helping to
streamline clearing
procedures.
– Ridwaan Mohammed
Technology connects 'lost links' in logistics chain
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