Author: Dave Robbins I CEO and Co-Founder

Working with your team’s best interests at heart, in an era where AI and automation are seemingly leading the charge, is a balancing act in its own right. AI vs skilled human team members is a debate that has done the rounds for years already, with many commentators suggesting AI is replacing humans in large parts of the economy. But from a leadership point of view, how do you weigh technological innovation against the inherent value of human contribution? From talented individuals no less. 

Balancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness vs unique skills and creativity is probably the biggest challenge facing business leaders today. A business can’t reach its goals without one or the other and as a member of the leadership team, you certainly can’t ignore how AI is rapidly evolving the industry landscape. 

Take a look back over the last few decades and the challenges that have faced the customs clearance process haven’t changed. For trade going in and out of the UK particularly, this process has become even more strained following Brexit.

From end-to-end, whether you’re importing, exporting, or a freight forwarder, customs clearance as a paper-based trade, has historically been plagued by problems; a detail-oriented task with comprehensive documentation, strict regulatory adherence, and risk assessment at its core, those overseeing the process and filing declarations have to overcome repetitive errors, escalating costs and delays… I could go on, but you can find out about our views on the issues within customs clearance here. 

So, what’s changed after decades of frustration? The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. 

In all its guises, AI is transforming this sector – it’s exactly what we’re focusing on at Azarc, and for good reason. It is streamlining operations, undoubtedly. But for us, the realization that automation is significantly enhancing employees’ capabilities and job satisfaction is of equal importance.

Increasing Job Satisfaction

The work-life balance has been an elusive pipedream, or seemingly so, for just as long as we’ve been struggling with the paper-based customs clearance process. After countless years of trying to have it all and feeling as though we’re falling short, AI can provide us with a lifeline toward achieving this previously unattainable goal. 

Not only does AI increase company productivity and potential profitability, but by handling monotonous, routine tasks, it also allows employees to engage in more meaningful and intellectually stimulating work. This shift not only boosts job satisfaction but also promotes a culture of innovation and continuous improvement that ultimately pays off on a business’s bottom line. ‘Internal culture’ has become something of a buzzword for employers, a box to check. But it’s something we do truly believe in at Azarc. We know that employees who feel valued yet challenged are more likely to contribute creatively to their roles, driving further advancements in customs procedures.

Enhancing Training and Skill Development

Alongside giving those in your team the opportunity to benefit from enhanced job satisfaction and balance – a happy result of time recouped thanks to the implementation of AI – the incorporation of automation in customs clearance also allows businesses the time to invest in training and ongoing skill development for employees. 

As well as providing time back for your team members to expand their skill sets with new qualifications and training, AI-driven platforms can provide a virtual environment where customs officers can practice various simulated scenarios; a safe way to learn on the job and grasp the complexities of different situations without real-world risks. Additionally, management teams can harness AI to identify skill gaps and suggest targeted training programs, ensuring the workforce stays ahead of the curve. 

Human-AI Collaboration

The collaboration between human intelligence and AI tools has been felt across countless industries – arts and culture, science and pharmaceuticals… you name it, and customs clearance is no different. It is an essential collaboration.

While AI can manage data processing and predictive analytics, human oversight is crucial for interpreting results and making nuanced decisions based on client-specific needs. It’s a partnership that can ensure customs operations benefit from AI’s precision and human employees’ critical thinking and ethical considerations; achieving a higher performance level than either could alone.

Boosting Efficiency and Precision

AI’s ability to handle customs clearance is most evident when we turn our attention to data – more specifically the massive amounts of data that need to be processed in customs clearance. AI can process it much faster than human employees, reducing the time needed for clearance procedures, with algorithms quickly analyzing shipment details, identifying inconsistencies, and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations no matter how frequently they change. Automation in this instance removes the burden of repetitive tasks from employees, enabling them to focus on more strategic and analytical responsibilities.

As AI evolves, its partnership with human intelligence will be key to the future of customs clearance. By integrating AI, we are transforming the industry, and customs clearance along with it. It’s a shift that is already allowing employees to engage in more meaningful work, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, leveraging AI’s precision alongside human critical thinking to boost efficiency and precision in customs processes. 

Are you ready to embrace AI, optimize your operations, and invest in your employees’ skill development, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving trade landscape? I thought so.

Get in touch and book a chat with our sales team today – or book in for a demo – to find out more.