Successful freight clearance and the ability to reach customers with the packages they have ordered within the stipulated time requires the business to research, invest heavily, and familiarise itself with a proper set of software. Selecting the appropriate customs clearance software based on some pre-decided criteria can make your search a much easier one.

Here are some of the top criteria for selecting the appropriate customs clearance software for your business:

1. All in one solution

Choosing integrated customs clearance software is the best way to save time and money.The comprehensive package also assures that there will be no room for mistakes. Such all in one solutions can help the company avoid investing in different software packages; rather, each and every process, starting from import and export, data matching, and other activities, can be effectively done using an all-in one software.

Exporting and importing procedures, if not done right, can contribute to the added expenses of the company. Rules and regulations related to them also differ from country to country. Assigning brokerage software will definitely help with ascertaining things like: the insurance coverage required for the consignment, the country of origin, procedure codes , value, status of shipment, etc. This provides an easy and quick way to send those shipments without any discrepancies.

2. Technical infrastructure with seamless integrability

Effective coordination of external tools is extremely important for the seamless functioning and processing of shipments and logistical operations. When there is no synchronised software that can help coordinate the external tools, it can result in a chaotic and unproductive environment. Another criteria for selecting the appropriate customs clearance software is it could provide instantaneous information concerning certain codes that are essential for shipping. The right custom clearance software can help save time otherwise taken to search for these codes or such technicalities. It also helps in the efficient coordination of factors that reliably contribute to smooth deliveries.

3. Better Transparency

Managing all of the customs procedures with the aid of one single piece of software can result in better control and tracking of the activities related to each and every shipment. As every activity is logged into the system, each of them can be tracked and retrieved easily. The software also gives the business a chance to generate reports based on different activities at custom times which can be then compared to trace the progress and other analytical findings which can help the business make informed decisions which support the expansion and growth of the company. Thus, better control over the customs clearance is obtained, which can be collected as soft copies and backed up securely. The constant visibility of the process can also help with:

Understanding the broker’s quality of service Quality assurance in the global customs clearance process When the cargo will be released, etc.

A good customs brokerage software can directly send the stakeholders reports concerning the progress of the business in a detailed manner at a fixed time.

4. Flexibility

The customs or brokerage software that you choose for your business should provide flexibility in purchase. The software will be constructed with different modules that represent different needs for the business. The software should provide its consumers with the flexibility to mix and match different modules they may deem fit for that particular type of business. Going for customs software that has been in the business for some period of time will be the same choice, as they will have an in-depth idea of the entire process of logistics, which can add to the benefit. You should have the choice to select predefined software or software that offers much more flexibility, and can be customised according to the business' needs.

5. Compatibility

One has to make sure that they have selected a software package that is compatible and understands the requirements of different countries. No one country will have the same set of rules and procedures when it comes to exports and imports. Most countries follow the stipulated standards as prescribed by the World Trade Organization, but by selecting accurately keyed software, there are fewer chances of mistakes or errors. This is one of the criteria for selecting the appropriate customs clearance software for your business. Choose the customs software that can help you overcome the language barriers when you are importing or exporting goods from foreign countries.

6. Keeping track with legislation

The rules and regulations with respect to customs clearances are bound to change every now and then. Having no knowledge of these changes can cause the business to get into trouble and end up paying penalties and fines. The customs clearance software will be compatible and up-to-date with such legislative changes. The software keeps track of such changes, which helps businesses relieve themselves of the burden of keeping themselves aware of all the updates to the legislation.

7. Use it anytime, anywhere

Most of the custom clearance software is easily available anywhere, i.e., even outside of your regular business system. This is possible because good customs clearance software will have cloud technology, which makes it easier to upload data and make it available outside of business hours and premises. So, you can easily pocket your customs clearance.

8. Customs expert

Human resources that know about the customs clearance procedures are very limited these days. So, the newly developed brokerage software is now trying to provide adequate information on the customs procedures and rules and regulations as well. These built-in processes and predefined structures will assist the business in becoming more aware of the changes taking place around them. As automation becomes an easier part of the process, human or manual errors decrease considerably.