WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE AUTOMATING YOUR IMPORT

PROCESSES

Well-planned, well-executed automation technology delivers considerable business benefits

to global importers.

Companies need to look at existing processes and import risks before technology can deliver bottom-line

business benefits.

5 things you need to know before automating your import

processes

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Customs now demands more information, more quickly

1

Customs now demands:

• More information, earlier

o U.S. Customs 24-hour rule is one example

Customs now demands:

• Greater visibility into goods before they arrive at

the border due to programs such as:

o Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

(C-TPAT)

o Partners In Protection (PIP)

o Container Security Initiative (CSI)

Growing demands by customs increases administration and document preparation time.

Consider automating your import processes to cope with growing demands for timely and accurate information.

tip

Automation can conquer the main issues that affect import management

2

Successful import management is dependant on resolving the process

killers that slow down your operations.

Automation can conquer:

• Scattered and uncontrolled data by centralizing

product, entry and transaction information

Automation can conquer:

• Transaction invisibility by managing import

documents, shipment and entry status

information electronically

Automation can conquer:

• Manual auditing by reducing time and costs

while optimizing free trade opportunities

Automation has become a necessity

3

Many of today’s most successful importers rely on automation to sustain their current success and

drive future growth.

Benefits of automating import processes include:

• Faster time-to-market

• Greater global supply chain efficiency and visibility

• Assured global trade compliance

• Enhanced reporting capabilities

• Reduced operating costs

Choose a solution that factors in the dynamics of regulatory changes, new free trade agreements, reporting requirements and product changes.

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Proper planning reduces risk of costly automation mistakes

4

Companies that rush into automation risk making costly mistakes, such as:

• Inadequate processes

• Poor vendor selection

• Lack of scalability and flexibility to meet business

demands

Automation succeeds when organizations can support it with the

right people and processes.

Ask yourself, “do I have all the right processes, procedures and people in place to support automation?”

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Many companies are offering trade automation services

5

It’s important to have a good understanding of the capabilities of

your prospective partner.

Find out the right questions to ask

Download PDF

To learn the questions you should ask a potential trade technology partner, download our PDF.

Harness the power of automation and optimize your import operations…

can help with that. Contact Livingston