Aust Customs blames messaging volumes for ICS service problems
AC220 archive stories
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
AUSTRALIA’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is continuing to experience intermittent difficulties with the performance of the Customs Connect facility (CCF) it implemented on 23 September 2012.
CBP says the majority of direct impacts have been on clients that batch their outbound responses from the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
CBP also says significant progress has been made to make the CCF more stable and it continues to work to minimise and reduce the risk of further industry impact, particularly during the busy Christmas period.
To facilitate this, system changes will be for critical issues only and kept to an absolute minimum.
There also have been problems with messaging delays, due to a significant increase in the number of messages being processed by the ICS.
A spokesperson for CBP said: “These volumes are best illustrated by comparing November 2012 to November 2011, where air cargo messaging volumes are up 80 per cent. CBP has worked with major reporters to identify opportunities to adjust industry lodgement schedules to balance out system traffic and reduce the impact that large volumes during peak periods have on system performance. We will continue to work with industry to identify further opportunities to reduce system pressure periods. We are also working with large industry players looking at alternative communication channels which will also help reduce system pressures for both industry and CBP.”
The enormous increase in volume of internet trade has taken its toll on the capacity of the Integrated Cargo System (ICS), added Paul Zalai, director of Sydney-based Freight Trade Alliance.
“It comes as no surprise that ICS message volumes have substantially increased when you add to the mix that Australia Post and other entities are now reporting their consignments electronically,” he said.
“The fallout from this situation, combined with the flawed implementation of the new ICS gateway (CCF), is that the express air freight sector has been severely hampered in the receipt and transfer of messages, forcing them to use inefficient workarounds and contingency procedures. Whilst the majority of industry has coped OK with the current situation, those affected by the ‘batching’ issues have suffered perhaps even more than they did at the time of the ICS implementation in October 2005.”
Zalai believes technical issues and capacity issues with the CCF can soon be resolved, so that industry can enjoy the intended benefits of the systems enhancements.
CBP provides up to date information on its website www.cargosupport.gov.au
Aust Customs blames messaging volumes for ICS service problems
AC220 archive stories
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
AUSTRALIA’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is continuing to experience intermittent difficulties with the performance of the Customs Connect facility (CCF) it implemented on 23 September 2012.
CBP says the majority of direct impacts have been on clients that batch their outbound responses from the Integrated Cargo System (ICS).
CBP also says significant progress has been made to make the CCF more stable and it continues to work to minimise and reduce the risk of further industry impact, particularly during the busy Christmas period.
To facilitate this, system changes will be for critical issues only and kept to an absolute minimum.
There also have been problems with messaging delays, due to a significant increase in the number of messages being processed by the ICS.
A spokesperson for CBP said: “These volumes are best illustrated by comparing November 2012 to November 2011, where air cargo messaging volumes are up 80 per cent. CBP has worked with major reporters to identify opportunities to adjust industry lodgement schedules to balance out system traffic and reduce the impact that large volumes during peak periods have on system performance. We will continue to work with industry to identify further opportunities to reduce system pressure periods. We are also working with large industry players looking at alternative communication channels which will also help reduce system pressures for both industry and CBP.”
The enormous increase in volume of internet trade has taken its toll on the capacity of the Integrated Cargo System (ICS), added Paul Zalai, director of Sydney-based Freight Trade Alliance.
“It comes as no surprise that ICS message volumes have substantially increased when you add to the mix that Australia Post and other entities are now reporting their consignments electronically,” he said.
“The fallout from this situation, combined with the flawed implementation of the new ICS gateway (CCF), is that the express air freight sector has been severely hampered in the receipt and transfer of messages, forcing them to use inefficient workarounds and contingency procedures. Whilst the majority of industry has coped OK with the current situation, those affected by the ‘batching’ issues have suffered perhaps even more than they did at the time of the ICS implementation in October 2005.”
Zalai believes technical issues and capacity issues with the CCF can soon be resolved, so that industry can enjoy the intended benefits of the systems enhancements.
CBP provides up to date information on its website www.cargosupport.gov.au
