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| Sunday, 8 February 2004 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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SAGT pioneers eCommerce EDI platform in South Asian region South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd, (SAGT) has invested few 10,000s of dollars to launch its eCommerce operations platform to render a more efficient service to its customers. General Manager Information Technology Upul Jinadasa said that developing the IT infrastructure, would enable customers to manage the information the way they want it. He said that with the implementation of the Sri Lanka cargo clearance system the SAGT would be able to enhance the system and make it more productive and efficient for the customer. Chief Executive Officer of SAGT Captain Maciek Kwiatowski, said that today Colombo port is one of the best ports in the region due to the initiation of reforms and introduction of benchmarks. We call ourselves the driving force behind the Colombo Port and enjoy a market share of 32 percent. At present we have the capacity to handle one million TEU' although we only handle around 600,000 per month. "The bulk of the business or 70 percent of containers handled by SAGT is transhipments but we are planning to improve the handling of import and export cargo as well," he said. This is the second of several initiatives to be launched by SAGT to render significantly better customer service levels than those available at present at other ports in the region. SAGT began to increase its efficiency with the launch of its web-site e-Port (www.sagt.com.lk) in September 2003 and it would be extended via many other features to enhance its strong relationship with its customers. The web-site is packed with comprehensive information to meet the most advanced and varied needs of customers. It offers a wealth of knowledge about the Port of Colombo for public access. The real advantage however, is offered to SAGT customers, who will now have access via through multiple points to a significantly amplified and sophisticated service through the e-Port. The platform also enables easy availability of data and the potential for the customer to carry out a comprehensive information search. The system now doubles as a state-of-the-art Enterprise Resource Planning method, which will enhance any business potential by giving it faster and real-time control of the flow of information. Among the numerous information options available are Import, Export, Transshipment, Terminal Operations data and many more. There are also details available on-line such as delivery details, clearance status, track and trace of containers, yard inventory with age analysis option, vessel schedules, volume statistics, online request submission, berth monitoring, container inquiry details, gate movements, discharge, load, and conveniently available standard reports. With the new system, shippers, consignees and shipping lines can track their respective cargo movements on a real time basis, including demurrage charges up to any given date. These extensive inquiry options, custom report generation facilities, real time vessel operations and even productivity monitoring features of the SAGT e-Port, ensures the customer a full and transparent view of the SAGT operations from their desks. The objectives of this eCommerce platform are several and include increasing the systems availability and to provide uninterrupted, fast and reliable services , protect systems and data from catastrophic failures and ensure quick recovery through redundant (consistently backed up at several locations) hardware and software configurations, eliminate the risk of losing business critical data. The web-site currently incorporates the most up to date security features available - approved by U.S standards - to enable adequate protection against unauthorised access to maintain complete data integrity and confidentiality for its customers. In the future SAGT's e-Port capability will also provide a total 'Business-to-Business' (B2B) solution framework, where customers and suppliers get access to services such as electronic invoicing and payment, credit inquiries, electronic delivery processing through electronic clearance and delivery note completion on line which can then be printed and brought to the terminal for container pick up. These options will be available in the future stages subject to the successful implementation of The Sri Lanka Automated Cargo Clearance System (SLACCS). Further, as part of the IT strategy, SAGT will monitor systems performance in terms of functionality, business dynamics, customer satisfaction, as well as the latest industry trends and continue to utilise cutting edge, IT solutions to complement business processes in order to maintain SAGT as a true world-class terminal. South Asia Gateway Terminals Pvt. Ltd. (SAGT) is owned by a consortium of local and world names in shipping, commerce and finance industry, such as John Keells Holdings Ltd, P&O Ports, P&O Nedlloyd, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Evergreen Corporation, Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC).(SG) |
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