INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND THE IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESS
Although the computer revolution is well under way, there are many companies who are not taking advantage of the opportunities available because of lack of expertise and lack of confidence in their ability to acquire the appropriate systems at reasonable prices. There is a baffling array of systems available, with choices at every level of hardware, software, networks, electronic data dissemination, and expert systems. Yet, to remain outside the arena of computerization is to risk falling behind competitively. In addition, the import export field is particularly well suited for computerization because the level of information generated, and received, is very high.
There are some problems, however, specific to import export that also make it difficult to choose the right systems. Besides the high level of information generated, there is a diversity of data in import export that exceeds that in other fields. For example, in thinking about generating shipment labels, or other kinds of customer documentation, it is often necessary to create documents in different languages. Forms, such as bills of lading, must address each countries legal requirements to proceed expeditiously through customs. As a consequence, it is not possible just to rely on a simple system; in order to be effective, an information system in import export must be tailor made for the industry.
It is possible, of course, simply to rely on a high level word processing system, combined with skilled operators, to deal with document generation. There are, however, many other aspects of the import export field that can be handled through combinations of computers, telecommunication devices, and electronic data distribution equipment. Communications and networking are central to success in the import export field and these are two main areas which information systems are designed to address.
Despite th...