TCBoost Launches New Customs ICT Toolkit
May 31, 2011
The World Customs Organization’s annual Information Technology conference hosted in Seattle in May 2011 saw the launch of a new toolkit aimed at guiding Customs Administrations through the challenging task of procuring Customs Management ICT solutions. The toolkit, developed through the USAID funded TCBoost Project, consists of both a guidebook, along with the results of a features survey of Customs ICT solutions vendors.
Successful modernization of a customs administration inevitably demands significant improvements in ICT infrastructure. Effective procurement however, involves extensive vetting of the available ICT solutions in terms of functionality and cost. This is time consuming and challenging due to the variety of vendors, complexity of systems available, and the lack of any centralized information to draw on by decision makers. This task is especially onerous for developing countries whose resources are already stretched. In addition, donors often require this type of information when deciding whether and how to support or fund procurement activities in developing countries.
In order to facilitate the gathering of information needed for effective procurement, TCBoost launched a survey of vendors providing Customs ICT solutions. The survey collected information on the features offered by solutions making it easier to compare solutions from different vendors. The results of the survey provide information to better equip customs administrations to make IT procurement decisions, and donors to make smarter investments allocations in support of those procurements.
The survey results are captured in an online database of ICT Solutions that allows the user to select which functionalities to include in the automation requirements and generates a list of solutions that match the identified needs. The user can also browse the countries where each matched solution is currently in use. WCO attendees and vendors alike were enthusiastic about the database, noting that it was the first attempt at centralizing critical information for any country/donor conducting a procurement and significantly contributing to transparency in the process. While the database was constructed with developing countries in mind, numerous developed countries noted its value as even the most advanced country is constantly looking to the IT market space to improve and streamline trade processes.
As part of the project, TCBoost also developed the ICT Procurement Best Practices guide, as a resource for countries as they embark on ICT procurement. This guide details the steps necessary to conduct an un-biased, open procurement process and is intended to be used as a reference for customs administrations. Over the course of the three-day conference, the TCBoost team demonstrated the database to customs representatives from numerous developed and developing countries, and handed out multiple copies of the accompanying guidebook.
The database will be updated on a quarterly basis for the life of the TCBoost project, providing both donors and the countries procuring ICT customs systems with the information to make more informed investment decisions.
To access the database and download a copy of the ICT Procurement Best Practices Guide, click here.
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- May 31, 2011
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