Logistics companies are partnering with software suppliers to reduce the time and cost of moving freight across borders. “Speaking from a software perspective, we have seen a keen interest across our related client base for us to position ourselves strategically to their respective businesses, essentially becoming a partner rather than just another service provider,” Shaun Snyman, head of CRM at ShipShape Software, told Freight News.“This partnership is central to ensure that our offering ultimately increases productivity across their operations, provides real-time visibility to consignment statuses, and reduces operational risks as far as is reasonably possible,” he added.ShipShape offers comprehensiveacquittal and SADC document management modules linked to an online portal, which is a single platform for all parties to view and download shipment document packs and obtain a detailed overview of each of their consignments. “Our clients also benefit from additional value-adds such as client-specific process and document mailing automation, real-time status update notifications, and secure document release processes via SMS and one-time passwords,” said Snyman.These systems will help exporters expanding into the African market.“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world’s largest free trade area and aims to significantly enhance intra-Africa trade of goods and services across the continent. “The importance of this trade agreement should not be underestimated as Africa positions itself as a single market continent in which we will see an increase in job creation, cross-border trade and foreign direct investment.“We are fortunate in South Africa in that we are still considered to be a global entry point for trade with other African countries and should, as such, capitalise on the opportunities presented in this regard,” said Snyman. “Collaboration and cohesiveness in decision-making by all stakeholders in cross-border relations remain central to our overall feeling of optimism. “More policy and trade agreement certainty across the continent will further enhance our optimism about cross-border trade,” he added.“From a software perspective, exciting opportunities exist for direct integration and data sharing with the Botswana Unified Revenue Services. “This opportunity will further complement our total offering as has been the case over the last 15 years with Asycuda,” he said. ER
