Author: Jono Langley I CTO and Co-Founder
In today’s global economy, with demands to deliver on bottom lines, staff well-being and morale, brand values, expectations, and responsible evolution in the rapidly expanding sustainability space, businesses are unsurprisingly growing even more hungry for ways to optimize operations and reduce costs.
Innovating customs clearance to embrace automation is one area in which the Azarc team is working to unlock the full potential of. Plagued by paperwork, delays, and compliance issues – this has been the way of customs clearance for decades. That’s where automated customs clearance solutions come in. Or, more specifically, Azarc’s. Many systems out there promise to change the landscape and offer a significant competitive edge for freight forwarders, importers, and exporters. The one the team of engineers at Azarc has been crafting, however, is different.
Prioritising Human Skills
While it is revolutionizing the logistics industry, AI is also enhancing human skills – not replacing them. Yes, you read that right. By automating repetitive tasks such as data entry and route planning, we can reduce the likelihood of human error, enhance customer service, facilitate better risk management, and predict and mitigate potential disruptions. Through AI we can allow professionals the time to focus on more strategic and value-added activities, leverage their critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills, and ultimately drive innovation and improve service quality in the logistics sector.
Efficiency and Speed
Automated customs clearance greatly improves the efficiency and speed of the customs process. Traditional methods often involve manual data entry, handling of physical documents, and numerous touchpoints, which can lead to delays and errors. Automation replaces these cumbersome steps with seamless digital processes. For instance, electronic data interchange (EDI) systems enable the automatic exchange of shipping documents between businesses and customs authorities, reducing processing times from days to mere hours. This acceleration not only expedites the movement of goods but also reduces inventory holding costs and enhances overall supply chain efficiency.
Cost Reduction
The financial benefits of automated customs clearance are substantial. By minimizing the need for manual intervention, businesses can significantly cut labor costs associated with customs documentation and compliance. Furthermore, automated systems reduce the likelihood of costly errors and penalties resulting from incorrect or incomplete information. These savings can be redirected towards other strategic initiatives, enhancing the competitive positioning of freight forwarders, importers, and exporters. Additionally, automation helps businesses better manage and predict customs duties and taxes, facilitating more accurate budgeting and financial planning.
Compliance and Risk Management
The landscape of international trade regulation is a complex one to navigate, using traditional methods. Automated customs clearance systems are equipped with up-to-date regulatory information, ensuring that all shipments comply with the latest rules and standards. This proactive approach provides full traceability while minimizing the risk of non-compliance, which can lead to fines, shipment delays, and reputational damage.
Enhanced Data Analytics
Using data to drive business decisions and strategy isn’t a new idea – far from it. But with automated customs clearance businesses can supercharge their data analytics to garner even more valuable insights into their operations. By utilizing AI to analyze trends in customs data, bottlenecks, optimized routes, and improved overall logistics strategies can all be achieved. With the integration of machine vision technology, AI systems can significantly improve the process of collecting and analyzing data, transforming customs clearance from a transactional process into a strategic asset for freight forwarders, importers, and exporters.
Automated customs clearance should not just be viewed as a technological upgrade; it is a strategic move. One that unlocks significant potential for freight forwarders, importers, and exporters by improving efficiency, reducing costs, championing your own team and their input, ensuring compliance, and providing valuable data insights.
Automation offers businesses the opportunity to level up and innovate without the hassle of changing legacy systems or overhauling internal IT. In a global marketplace where every advantage counts, investing in an automated customs clearance solution that is fully integrative and innately intelligent will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Want to know more? Book a chat with our sales team today – or book in for a demo.
