Author: Rachael Moore I Head of Customer Operations

A lot of uncertainty tends to arise when something new and exciting is introduced to the world; especially when it comes to technology and how it may stand to impact the way we work, not to mention our perceived value in the workplace – case in point, the introduction of AI integration and optimization for customs clearance processes.

As with most things that initially seem alien to us – remember when Windows appeared for the first time, or Apple first launched the iPhone – once you peel back the surface of what is reported across the media, the reality is a lot less challenging than we think.

When it comes to AI, the confusion rippling across the industry reflects our contrasting views of the potential that AI could fulfill. Is it an enhancement of or a replacement for human function?

At Azarc®, we’re continually working to utilize AI to enhance the efforts of our team, not replace it. There is no doubt in our mind that human input will always be needed to understand and manage complex rules and processes, but there is a place for harnessing AI for more repetitive tasks, so time and effort can be focussed where it’s most needed.

Consider that even in 2022 more than 95 million customs declarations were filed for international trade. Now consider the time that was spent on manual data entry. This is where AI can step in, and relieve the pressure on repetitive data entry and the potential for error that runs alongside it, while humans get on with tasks that require more thought, expertise, and precision.

Much like how airlines have evolved to make checking-in more streamlined, with less reliance on data entry and more implementation of app technology. It’s a much more simple solution. A smart implementation of technology that has streamlined the check-in process for every user. Now, imagine applying that same thought process to 80-90% of the fields you need to populate when completing a customs clearance – that’s exactly what we do here at Azarc®.

Over the last few months, we have seen a fantastic use case unfold that effectively demonstrates the value of bringing customs in-house with the support of automation.

For a long time, importers have had to outsource their customs work. More often than not processing declarations in-house was too big of a task. Using Azarc® technology, powered by AI, we have seen importers achieve great success in taking control of their customs procedures, saving both time and money, as well as earning a renewed sense of ownership of their supply chain.

Importers are already seeing the long-term benefits of AI integration including:

• Improved efficiency
• Reduced human error
• Faster processing times
• Reduction in cost per transaction
• Alleviation of repetitive tasks
• More time spent on complex and value-driven activities for team members
• Optimized workflows
• Enhanced compliance
• Real-time insights, that lead to cost savings and better decision-making

Feedback to date has been incredibly promising. And while we’re at the start of our journey with these importers, we’re already seeing some amazing progress.

One importer we’re working with has now successfully transitioned all their customs clearances to being processed in-house, within one month of engaging with Azarc®. What may have previously been an enormous transformational undertaking, has been a simple onboarding journey for the importer.

The importer is also now using Azarc®’s solution daily to process customs clearance transactions and is finding the concurrency of the model exciting and rewarding. Submitting three or four clearances within minutes, and approving the transactions based on rules and logic the solution machine learning has in place and is constantly adapting to address, this shift has been a game changer for the importer. By taking ownership and management of their customs processes back in-house, they have also been able to alleviate the risks of relying on third parties. It’s really been exciting to see this in practice, for all of us here at Azarc® as well as for the client.

Get in touch today to find out how Azarc® can help you take back control of your customs clearances with 50 FREE declarations, on us.