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Scantec barcodes SARS

Johannesburg, 17 Feb 1999

ISIS Information Systems in consortium with IT&T Consulting were recently awarded two major projects by the SARS (South African Revenue Service).

The first project comprised the implementation of a scanning and barcode system to automate the tracking of Income Tax folders within that business area, followed by the second project, which enhances the capabilities of the decentralization of data capturing. Both the systems will be installed in all Revenue Offices throughout South Africa.

The Consortium was contracted to supply the turnkey solution for both projects, which included software development, project management, systems integration and system installation.

Scantec was selected as the Consortium`s partner to provide the data collection hardware (such as barcode scanners and printers) and integration skills to effect this process.

Anton du Preez, VAR/ERP Sales Manager at Scantec comments, "The Scantec technology was selected as our product range is not only best-of-breed, but wide enough to fulfil every SARS` requirement. Our proven track record and national infrastructure were also important considerations in implementing a contract of this size and nature."

Scantec has supplied over 1000 barcode scanners, including "hands-free" fixed-mount scanners, rugged hand-held CCD scanners and portable terminal scanners for mobile file auditing.

"All the equipment supplied by Scantec integrated seamlessly with the systems developed for SARS by the Consortium and is fully Year-2000 compliant", adds Du Preez.

Jan de Beer, Consortium Project Manager comments on the software systems, "The Scanning and Barcode System is designed to track and manage the movement of tax folders, as well as to scan in income tax returns. This system facilitates the quick and easy location and audit of files using printed barcode labels and Scantec scanning equipment. The Data Capture system will enhance SARS` capabilities to quickly capture the large volumes of data and distribute this to the respective business area. Both these systems are designed to provide solutions to meet all the customers` requirements well into the next century".

Given the long life-expectancy of the files and the quality and durability requirements, SARS elected to use Scantec`s polypropelene labels. In order to facilitate the initial take-on process, SARS utilised Scantec`s bureau service to generate and print 4 million barcode labels for existing income tax files. This is the equivalent of 157 km of labels, each with a unique number and the SARS` logo. To generate barcode labels for new files on site, Scantec also supplied over 50 desktop barcode printers.

The new data capture system will use Scantec`s rugged hand-held or hands-free CCD scanner to improve the speed and accuracy of this process.

According to Anton Laubscher, SARS Project Manager "The use of the newest technology has become an integral part of the strategy followed within SARS. Using automated ways, the users and taxpayers will benefit through better control over tax folders in the income tax environment and the efficiency of capturing Income Tax, VAT and PAYE documentation in every Revenue office."

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