Border ICT Solutions Mapping Tool
In selecting a border clearance ICT system that best fits the needs of a country’s border processing and customs requirements, governments face the time- consuming task of extensive research and analysis in order to examine the world of options offered by ICT solution providers. This includes specifically examining the scope and automated functions of each system, even before one begins to match a solution with the country’s particular range of needs. The ICT Border Solutions Mapping Tool was developed by The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through the funded TCBoost project, and the World Bank Group (WBG) in an effort to survey the available options in the use of ICT systems in facilitating “trading across borders” and provide countries and users with key information necessary in order to make informed policy and procurement decisions.
In conducting the survey, TCBoost’s approach was based on the following assumptions:
- Modern border management encompasses more than “customs” automation. Border management involves managing the regulatory environment for 20-60 --in some cases over 100--agencies with legitimate mandates for goods crossing the border.
- The concept of “forms” in automated border clearance of goods is surpassed by the focus on data elements. The data needed by the various border agencies is often replicated as many as 40 times in various forms.
- The processing of electronic data in the border clearance of goods is likely to use multiple, interfaced systems even within the customs as the primary border agency.
In 2010, USAID and the WBG conducted a functional mapping survey in order to inventory the functional elements of border clearance ICT systems presently available and used by government agencies, primarily by Customs, for the clearance of goods across borders in conformance to border regulations. This inventorying considered key functions of well-established products, as well as new types of systems in the pipeline. The list of survey participants continues to grow, and the results presented in this tool will be updated to encompass as many providers as possible in this ever- growing market.
The results of this survey are encompassed in the online ICT Border Solutions Mapping Tool, which allows you to:
- Select the various functions you, as a government, are considering for automation through your ICT Systems Procurement, and
- View the range of current providers/solutions that offer those features.
Once results are generated, you can also view countries where the provider is currently implementing your selected solutions, as well as a direct link to that provider(s) website in order to begin your in depth review of that provider. We suggest then that prior to beginning the actual process of procurement, you review the best practices guide that is also provided.
Using the Border ICT Solutions Mapping Tool
Step 1: Browse the categories of functions to select those you are seeking to automate. To select, check the boxes to the left of the feature.
Step 2: Once complete, hit the Update Solutions button to see your results.
Step 3: Click on a specific solution to see a selected list of countries where the solution is implemented and a link to the provider’s webpage for additional information.
Step 4: If desired, return to the various categories of functions to select other features or deselect to view a different range of solutions.