Windows-based software programme targets C&F industry

Modular system tailored to customer needs Rae Myburgh . . . programme is all-encompassing A NEW windows-based software programme designed to meet the comprehensive needs of the clearing and forwarding industry is about to be launched. The brainchild of software development company Unico International, the earlier-than-anticipated launch follows the unprecedented demand that greeted a marketing campaign in FTW earlier this year. "Unico initially targeted the local international courier market rather than the clearing and forwarding industry, which fell into its longer-term plans," Unico's Rae Myburgh told FTW. "But when we were inundated with requests for a windows-based system that would integrate with the likes of Customs as well as clients, we pooled all our South African resources to meet the demand." The programme, says Myburgh, is all-encompassing, covering imports and exports, billing, invoicing, operational activities like track and trace, warehousing, container control. In fact everything that a system needs for all modes of transport. Documentation has been designed in the format with which the industry is familiar. The Unico brand also has much to sell, says Myburgh. "We are the only development company that has a software platform like Borland backing it. "In addition we are integration specialists which is where our expertise lies, a particularly relevant factor for the clearing and forwarding sector." The modular system will be tailored to customers' needs and tweaked to suit those needs. "It's also very flexible, using modern architecture in terms of IT. This is particularly beneficial for companies with large networks since changes can be made on one central system and communicated to the entire network. "Most importantly we believe that systems should be designed around business flow rather than the other way around." In terms of billing, it's not a per transaction cost but a set fee for the module. This includes in-house support and a maintenance contract. The programme has been designed by people who not only understand the logistics industry, but who also understand technology, and it's this marriage of vital elements that Myburgh believes provides a winning formula.