The Dubai Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCF) has speeded up the import of goods through Dubai’s ports with the implementation of IBM’s WebSphere MQ technology to linking the Free Zone’s computer systems. Shipping and clearing agencies are now able to ship goods with less administrative overhead, stated a press release.
“The major advantage for us was that we did not have to replace the three existing systems with a completely new system: we could simply use IBM’s middleware technology to easily and seamlessly link the three core processes. This allowed the solution to be put in place at a minimum cost, with no impact on the service we need to provide,” said PCF’s Application Development Manager of information technology, Juma Alghaith.
Prior to the new systems integration, agents had to connect to both departments and submit a separate manifest to meet the requirements of each authority, and any modifications made to the manifest had to be sent to both departments individually. This process was inconvenient and ineffective, increasing the time required for the pre-inspection process and clearance of goods.
Following the implementation of the new system, agents now send the manifest to one point, namely the Ports Authority (PA), which sends the validated manifest to Customs electronically. Customs then replies with the delivery order, customs bill, and hold messages electronically to Ports Authority.
The Ports Authority provides cargo clearance and removal messages electronically to customs, and uses the received customs bills in documentation processing and cargo removals. Cargo clearance and removal messages from the Ports Authority allow Customs to know the exact status of the cargo at Port Rashid as well as at Jebel Ali . This in turn enables them to make decisions on inspection, modification and cancellation of custom bills when required.
The PCF provides the gateway for all goods shipment by air, land and sea to Dubai. More than 38,000 organizations communicate with the authorities, and more than 2,000 users make use of their information technology (IT) systems internally. The Dubai Ports and Customs departments each receive more than 800,000 Bills of Lading (BOL) from shipping agents each year. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
