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
