South African-based management centre for CargoSuite International, a shipping organisation, has implemented a Web-based solution for global shipping and logistics fulfilment through a connected community of e-commerce enabled partners. The automation and streamlining of business processes has increased business efficiency by 30%.
Development partner, Idion, created the Neptune Web application on a MicrosoftWindows 2000 platform including a database, middle layer and client interface layer. The site marries cargo logistic requirements for First and Third World countries and provides online services such as global freight services, insurance, cargo inspection, trade finance, and order fulfilment facilities.
"Microsoft`s technology; Windows 2000, Exchange Server 2000 and SQL Server 2000, provides a comprehensive, integrated platform for building and deploying applications for the business Internet," says Barry Fourie, CEO at CargoSuite.com.
"The rich functionality of the technology has enabled enhanced customer service, real-time financial and consignment processing and increased efficiency due to the systemisation of business processes."
Additional benefits include a strong customer focus and substantial time and cost savings, immediate messaging, reductions in manual errors and ease of use.
"CargoSuite.com is transforming the global shipping industry and customer service supply chain by leveraging technology and e-commerce solutions," says Tim Pearce, venture strategist at Idion. "The creation of electronic relationships between service providers, customers and carriers enables international trade to take place economically and effectively."
Currently operational in 30 countries, the further deployment of CargoSuite.com is planned over the next few months and will be implemented in more than 70 countries with an expected trade of 10% generated from South African-based companies.
"The Microsoft vision for e-commerce is to enable every business to use the Internet to build richer customer experiences," says Geoff TenOever, partner manager at Microsoft South Africa. "Microsoft sees Internet commerce as more than just transactions over the Web. It is a means of establishing closer relationships with customers and direct process links with trading partners. In particular, e-commerce lets companies understand, tailor, and deliver the services and information each customer and partner wants, while still allowing the customer full control of his data and the services they wish to receive."
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