Netwin Solutions, Inc. (www.gtkonnect.com), a premier provider of integrated Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions (GTKonnect), today announced the seamless integration of GTKonnect with QuickBooks, industry leading financial accounting package. With this integration, GTKonnect customers will be able to automatically transfer Accounts payable bills and accounting receivable invoices to QuickBooks.

Built on the Quick Books Integration framework, the GTKonnect integration automatically manages the creation of invoices and bills in QuickBooks for import transactions and can be a big time saver for customs house brokers and importers who use Quick Books.

This integration allows companies to create entry level invoices and vendor payments in GTKonnect and automatically carry them over to Quick Books facilitating proper financial reporting without redundant data entry.

About Netwin Solutions
 
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. GTKonnect platform unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs including ISF (10+2),  U.S. Customs clearance, Partner Solicitation and response tracking, CTPAT certification management and risk assessment, export licensing, denied party screening, trade data repository.

In the C-TPAT seminar conducted in March 2010, CBP recommended a 5 Step Risk Assessment Process to assist C-TPAT Partners in conducting a risk assessment of their international supply chain(s), in accordance with C-TPAT minimum security criteria. The following 5 steps are included in the risk assessment process:

1)    Map cargo flow and identify business partners

2)    Conduct a Threat Assessment

3)    Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment

4)    Prepare an Action Plan

5)    Document How Risk Assessments are conducted

 

I have been asked by numerous customers on what can be done to manage their C-TPAT process within the framework of these new guidelines. This 5 part article is my attempt to explain, in detail, each step in the new guidelines and discuss how you can leverage a software solution to support your C-TPAT process and easily conduct the risk assessments to meet the requirements of each step in the new guidelines and to manage your C-TPAT process efficiently.

In this part of the series, we will focus on creating documentation on the process of risk assessment.

5. Document Risk Assessment Process

Although this is defined as the last step in the process, this can also be considered as the first step. This process defines and documents the process and tools used for conducting the risk assessment within your organization’s C-TPAT program.

According to CBP, your documented risk assessment process (e.g. policies and procedures) should contain at minimum the following information:

• Date Risk Assessment Process established
• Identify parties responsible for keeping the process up-to-date, including “back-up” persons
• When risk assessments must be conducted (e.g. new supplier or service provider overseas)
• How often risk assessments must be conducted (e.g. as circumstances dictate or at a minimum annually for most C-TPAT partners (quarterly basis– highway carriers)
• Required frequency of review/updates to process/policies/procedures (e.g. annually, bi-annually, as needed, etc. to the risk assessment policy/procedure)
• How Threat Assessments of the International Supply Chain are to be conducted (e.g. sources used to determine threat – see examples on Threat Assessment Resource sheet provided)
• How Vulnerability Assessments on the International Supply Chain are to be conducted (e.g. send surveys, site visits, C-TPAT Status, participation in a foreign supply chain security program)
• How follow-up is conducted on “action items” (e.g. site visits may be required in some cases, in others documentation/photographs may be submitted)
• Process for training key individuals who are responsible for the processes
• Management oversight and accountability

Implementing a successful C-TPAT program and its continued success depends on commitment from all levels of your organization. Make sure to engage your top management right from day one. Make them understand that a security lapse could shut down your entire supply chain and adversely affect your rating with customs.

About C-TPAT

Customs – Trade partnership against terrorism (aka C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.

Launched in 2001, immediately in response to 9/11, to secure our borders from terrorist attacks, the program has grown from 7 US importers at launch to over 10,000 + participants today. For more information please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat

 

About Netwin Solutions and GTKonnect
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. Netwin's GTKonnect  provides organizations with a one stop solution for all their Compliance, automation, content needs related to Global Trade and Logistics.

While you are dedicated in giving more value added services to your customers and growing your core area of business, GTKonnect Global Trade Software and its services will enable you to meet the constant changing demands in being compliant and efficient and unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs. GTKonnect provides software for ISF, ABI/ACE Software / Imports, Exports, Denied Party Screening, Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Trade Agreements (like NAFTA and CAFTA), C-TPAT, FTZ, Master Data Management; all available as a single integrated suite or available individually as deemed fit for your organization. Our growing global Trade database available for free access includes, trade news, trade content such as CSMS messages, Denied Party lists, global tariffs, various trade tools and trade links. GTKonnect's International Trade Software is being used by organizations in various verticals and of varying sizes, a proof to our capabilities.

 

 

 

 

 The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 3)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process - Simplified (Part 4)

 

Also Read:

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 1)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 2)

In the C-TPAT seminar conducted in March 2010, CBP recommended a 5 Step Risk Assessment Process to assist C-TPAT Partners in conducting a risk assessment of their international supply chain(s), in accordance with C-TPAT minimum security criteria. The following 5 steps are included in the risk assessment process:

1)    Map cargo flow and identify business partners

2)    Conduct a Threat Assessment

3)    Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment

4)    Prepare an Action Plan

5)    Document How Risk Assessments are conducted

 

I have been asked by numerous customers on what can be done to manage their C-TPAT process within the framework of these new guidelines. This 5 part article is my attempt to explain, in detail, each step in the new guidelines and discuss how you can leverage a software solution to support your C-TPAT process and easily conduct the risk assessments to meet the requirements of each step in the new guidelines and to manage your C-TPAT process efficiently.

In this part of the series , we will focus on the steps in creating an effective action plan to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities identifed in your supply chains.

4.   Prepare an action plan

High risk partners and supply chains demand more attention and efforts and are a bigger threat to your C-TPAT status. You do not want any partner under the Medium or High Risk categories. So it is critical that you device an action plan based on the type of vulnerabilities identified to address the risks and make everyone a “Low Risk” partner.

 

In order to achieve that, you need to design a plan of action to mitigate the risks identified, for each partner identified as either a medium or high risk. The action plan must consist of clearly defined goals and steps to achieve the same.

 

Key things to note in designing an action plan are:

 

1)    Define tasks whose results can be clearly measured. If the results are not measurable then there is no way to say if you have mitigated the risk.

2)    Have a time bound plan. Supply chain security is race against time. You do not want a major lapse in security to occur that will negatively impact your C-TPAT rating

3)    Clearly identify owners in each the organization. Do not expect someone to fix the problem. Clearly identify the one who is responsible for the results in not just your partner’s organization but also yours.

4)    Make it an incentive for your partner to comply. It is more work for your overseas partners to comply with the C-TPAT requirements. It is easy to find the shortcuts. Make sure you get their complete buy-in and provide incentives for them to fully engage in this program

5)    Provide training and tools. Knowledge is Power. Make sure your overseas partners have enough information and are knowledgeable in C-TPAT and other security related aspects. They are the eyes and ears that manage your supply chain security where you have no visibility.

6)    Follow-up and track progress. Do not wait until the last day of the time table to request status. Show your commitment and  constantly engage in monitoring progress

Using an application like GTKonnect C-TPAT can help you to create and track the action plan for each partner and measure progress against the same. It also creates a collaborative platform for you and your partner to share the same information through a portal.

About C-TPAT

Customs – Trade partnership against terrorism (aka C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.

Launched in 2001, immediately in response to 9/11, to secure our borders from terrorist attacks, the program has grown from 7 US importers at launch to over 10,000 + participants today. For more information please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat

About Netwin Solutions and GTKonnect
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. Netwin's GTKonnect  provides organizations with a one stop solution for all their Compliance, automation, content needs related to Global Trade and Logistics.

While you are dedicated in giving more value added services to your customers and growing your core area of business, GTKonnect Global Trade Software and its services will enable you to meet the constant changing demands in being compliant and efficient and unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs. GTKonnect provides software for ISF, ABI/ACE Software / Imports, Exports, Denied Party Screening, Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Trade Agreements (like NAFTA and CAFTA), C-TPAT, FTZ, Master Data Management; all available as a single integrated suite or available individually as deemed fit for your organization. Our growing global Trade database available for free access includes, trade news, trade content such as CSMS messages, Denied Party lists, global tariffs, various trade tools and trade links. GTKonnect's International Trade Software is being used by organizations in various verticals and of varying sizes, a proof to our capabilities.

 

 

Also Read:

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 1)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 2)

 The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 3)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process - Simplified (Part 5)

In the C-TPAT seminar conducted in March 2010, CBP recommended a 5 Step Risk Assessment Process to assist C-TPAT Partners in conducting a risk assessment of their international supply chain(s), in accordance with C-TPAT minimum security criteria. The following 5 steps are included in the risk assessment process:

1)    Map cargo flow and identify business partners

2)    Conduct a Threat Assessment

3)    Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment

4)    Prepare an Action Plan

5)    Document How Risk Assessments are conducted

 

I have been asked by numerous customers on what can be done to manage their C-TPAT process within the framework of these new guidelines. This 5 part article is my attempt to explain, in detail, each step in the new guidelines and discuss how you can leverage a software solution to support your C-TPAT process and easily conduct the risk assessments to meet the requirements of each step in the new guidelines and to manage your C-TPAT process efficiently.

In this part of the series, lets us look how a company can conduct the vulnerability assessment of its supply chain partners.

Step 3.   Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment

 

The next step in the process is to gather detailed information from your supply chain partner on the C-TPAT minimum-security criteria categories suggested by CBP.

 

Note, this is not a one- time process. It is expected that at least once a year you will reevaluate your supply chain partners for compliance with the security criteria requirements through follow-ups.

 

The following are some of the methods used to conduct the assessment:

 

1)    SVI Number/C-TPAT Membership

2)    Membership in “Mutual Recognition Program”

3)    Security Surveys

4)    Site visits by company representative

5)    Site visits by overseas personnel/agents

6)    Business reports

7)    Security certifications covering C-TPAT minimum-security criteria

8)    3rd party supply chain security assessments

 

However, the security survey is the most simple, cost-effective and commonly used method. Site visits can be an effective method as well when dealing with a new supply chain partner in a new region, especially directly contracted partners of only local presence in the region e.g. new manufacturer in China with only a local factory and no US presence.

 

When using a security survey, your survey must request detailed information on the below listed minimum-security criteria categories:

·         Business Partner Requirements

·         Securing Instruments of International Traffic

·         Procedural Security

·         Physical Security

·         Physical Access Controls

·         Personnel Security

·         Security and Threat Awareness Training

·         Information Technology Security

 

Design your survey in such a way that it identifies the must and should haves under each criteria.

 

 

a.     What happens based on the survey response?

The partner survey response helps you rate them into one of the risk rating based on the following guidelines:

 

·         Low Risk - Meets all applicable Minimum Security Criteria (Musts and Shoulds)

·         Medium Risk - Meets all applicable “Musts” Minimum Security Criteria, but does not meet all “Shoulds”

·         High Risk – Does not meet all “Must” Minimum Security Criteria  

 

b.    Do all my partners complete the detailed survey?

The answer to that is based on the below factors:

·         Are you working with a supply chain partner who is also C-TPAT certified by CBP? 

If yes, then their SVI number is all your need from them in response to the survey. Since your partner has gone through the certification process with CBP to obtain the C-TPAT status, it is assumed that their processes are well established and they have already addressed the vulnerabilities within their processes during their certification process. So their SVI number serves as a proof to their status

 

·         Is your partner certified under a Mutual recognition program?

As of January 2010, four Mutual Recognition Arrangements have been signed by CBP:

o    New Zealand Customs Service’s Secure Export Scheme Program

o    Canada Border Services Agency’s Partners in Protection Program

o    Jordan Customs Department’s Golden List Program

o    Japan Customs and Tariff Bureau’s Authorized Economic Operator Program

CBP is also currently working with the following Customs Administration with the goal of reaching MR:

                                                  i.    Korean Customs – Authorized Economic Operator Program

                                                ii.    Singapore Customs - Secure Trade Partnership Plus Program

                                               iii.    European Union – Authorized Economic Operator Program

 

If your supply chain partner is certified under any of the above programs, then you can use their certification status as proof and they do not have to complete the detailed security survey.

 

If your partner is not certified under any of the above then it is expected that they complete the detailed survey.

 

c.     It is lot of data to collect and needs extensive follow-up with my partners. How can I manage the process using my limited resources?

 

Software applications like GTKonnect C-TPAT and PRM help you manage this process easily. Use the template surveys already available in the application or easily create your own survey. Select the partners that need to answer the survey and the system manages the request and response process for both the initial survey and the annual follow-ups. System also automatically rates your partner under one of the risk rating based on the responses to the must and should haves.

 

 

About C-TPAT

Customs – Trade partnership against terrorism (aka C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.

Launched in 2001, immediately in response to 9/11, to secure our borders from terrorist attacks, the program has grown from 7 US importers at launch to over 10,000 + participants today. For more information please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat

 

About Netwin Solutions and GTKonnect
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. Netwin's GTKonnect  provides organizations with a one stop solution for all their Compliance, automation, content needs related to Global Trade and Logistics.

While you are dedicated in giving more value added services to your customers and growing your core area of business, GTKonnect Global Trade Software and its services will enable you to meet the constant changing demands in being compliant and efficient and unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs. GTKonnect provides software for ISF, ABI/ACE Software / Imports, Exports, Denied Party Screening, Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Trade Agreements (like NAFTA and CAFTA), C-TPAT, FTZ, Master Data Management; all available as a single integrated suite or available individually as deemed fit for your organization. Our growing global Trade database available for free access includes, trade news, trade content such as CSMS messages, Denied Party lists, global tariffs, various trade tools and trade links. GTKonnect's International Trade Software is being used by organizations in various verticals and of varying sizes, a proof to our capabilities.

Also Read:

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 1)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 2)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process - Simplified (Part 4)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process - Simplified (Part 5)

 

In the C-TPAT seminar conducted in March 2010, CBP recommended a 5 Step Risk Assessment Process to assist C-TPAT Partners in conducting a risk assessment of their international supply chain(s), in accordance with C-TPAT minimum security criteria. The following 5 steps are included in the risk assessment process:

1)    Map cargo flow and identify business partners

2)    Conduct a Threat Assessment

3)    Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment

4)    Prepare an Action Plan

5)    Document How Risk Assessments are conducted

 

I have been asked by numerous customers on what can be done to manage their C-TPAT process within the framework of these new guidelines. This 5 part article is my attempt to explain, in detail, each step in the new guidelines and discuss how you can leverage a software solution to support your C-TPAT process and easily conduct the risk assessments to meet the requirements of each step in the new guidelines and to manage your C-TPAT process efficiently.

In this part we will look at the Threat Assessment requirements and how a company can plan a strategy to effectively conduct the threat assessment 

2)   Conduct a Threat Assessment

Now that you have created your supply chains and identified all partners involved, the question then becomes if you have to conduct a comprehensive assessment on each partner / supply chain.

In cases where your company has a smaller number of supply chains, it is a good practice to conduct a comprehensive assessment on each of the supply chain partner. However, this can become a daunting challenge in cases when you are dealing with numerous supply chains and trading partners.

In such cases, CBP recommends that you conduct a threat assessment for each supply chain and then to carry on a comprehensive security vulnerability assessment only on the ones identified as “High Risk” supply chains.

Under this model, each partner belonging to a geographic region is considered to inherit the threat risks of the region. For example, if one of your supply chain partners is located in a city where there was a recent bombing then that region is considered a high risk and so is that partner located in that region.

a.     What is a Threat Assessment?

Factors considered in conducting a threat assessment on a supply chain:

·         Terrorism

·         Contraband Smuggling

·         Human Smuggling

·         Organized Crime

·         Other factors such as Theft, Pilferage, Piracy, Hijacking etc.

·         Conditions within a country which may foster any of the above threats

 

b.    How to conduct a threat assessment?

 This is a subjective process of conducting research using known and trusted sources that can provide information on the above factors for a region. CBP has provided a comprehensive list of known sources that can be used for the research. You can also create your own additional source list. The key is to constantly monitor these sources to look for new information that may change the status of your supply chains from low to high risk.

 c.     How is the threat assessment score computed?

The following guideline can be used in assigning a threat assessment score to your supply chains:

 1 - Low Risk – If there are no recent incidents or reports of intelligence or information from the trusted sources on a region, then that region is considered a low risk. All partners belonging to this region are considered “Low Risk” partners.

2 - Medium Risk – If there are no recent incidents but if some intelligence reports or information is available from trusted sources on possible activity causing threat, then the region is considered a “Medium Risk”. All partners in this region are considered “Medium Risk” partners

3 - High Risk – If there are recent incidents of threat and availability of strong intelligence reports and trusted information about a region, then the region is considered as a “High Risk” region. All partners in this region are considered “High Risk” partners

 

Since the strength of the supply chain is based on its weakest link, the supply chain’s score will be based on the highest score of its partners. For example, in a supply chain with 15 partners, even if 1 partner has a threat assessment score of 3 then the entire supply chain has to be considered as a “High Risk” supply chain.

d.    Does the threat assessment have to only be a manual process?

Since this is subjective research where you have to look up the various sources for information this can become an arduous manual process. However, tools such as GTKonnect C-TPAT, can automate the process of research for you by systemically identifying the geographies based on your partners and looking up for information across the various trusted sources and identify the risks for you.

The Threat assessment helps you to identify the supply chains that need your immediate focus and partners needing your immediate attention. Instead of dealing with the entire universe of your partners, this step helps you narrow down and focus your efforts on a subset of partners.

About C-TPAT

Customs – Trade partnership against terrorism (aka C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.

Launched in 2001, immediately in response to 9/11, to secure our borders from terrorist attacks, the program has grown from 7 US importers at launch to over 10,000 + participants today. For more information please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat

About Netwin Solutions and GTKonnect
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. Netwin's GTKonnect  provides organizations with a one stop solution for all their Compliance, automation, content needs related to Global Trade and Logistics.

While you are dedicated in giving more value added services to your customers and growing your core area of business, GTKonnect Global Trade Software and its services will enable you to meet the constant changing demands in being compliant and efficient and unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs. GTKonnect provides software for ISF, ABI/ACE Software / Imports, Exports, Denied Party Screening, Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Trade Agreements (like NAFTA and CAFTA), C-TPAT, FTZ, Master Data Management; all available as a single integrated suite or available individually as deemed fit for your organization. Our growing global Trade database available for free access includes, trade news, trade content such as CSMS messages, Denied Party lists, global tariffs, various trade tools and trade links. GTKonnect's International Trade Software is being used by organizations in various verticals and of varying sizes, a proof to our capabilities.

Also read:

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 1)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 3)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 4)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 5)

 

 

 

In the C-TPAT seminar conducted in March 2010, CBP recommended a 5 Step Risk Assessment Process to assist C-TPAT Partners in conducting a risk assessment of their international supply chain(s), in accordance with C-TPAT minimum security criteria. The following 5 steps are included in the risk assessment process:

1)    Map cargo flow and identify business partners

2)    Conduct a Threat Assessment

3)    Conduct a Vulnerability Assessment

4)    Prepare an Action Plan

5)    Document How Risk Assessments are conducted

 

I have been asked by numerous customers on what can be done to manage their C-TPAT process within the framework of these new guidelines. This 5 part article is my attempt to explain, in detail, each step in the new guidelines and discuss how you can leverage a software solution to support your C-TPAT process and easily conduct the risk assessments to meet the requirements of each step in the new guidelines and to manage your C-TPAT process efficiently.

1)   Map cargo flow and identify business partners

“The strength of your supply chain security is based on its weakest link”.  - In order to identify the weakest link it is imperative that you must first know all the links in your supply chain.

a.     Map the cargo flow – The first activity in step 1 is to clearly map the flow of cargo from origin to destination. You are essentially creating your supply chain in this activity. Identify the various transport modes, transit stop locations such as ports and cargo inspection facilities. For example, each transport mode may have to be considered as a separate supply chain for meaningful risk assessment.

b.    Identify the Partners - In simple terms you are expected to know who all the partners involved in facilitating the movement of your cargo from origin to destination. The key to success in this step is to identify all the partners involved in the supply chain.

c.     Gather contact information for each partner - Some of them may be directly contracted with you, while others may be part of your supply chain, through relationships with your contracted partners. While it is easy to gather and in most cases you may already have information of all partners that are directly contracted with you, the biggest challenge in this step is to identify and gather information about partners that are not directly related to you.

 Note, your supply chain is not complete unless you have mapped all partners (both direct and indirect) involved.

Using a solution like GTKonnect PRM and C-TPAT, you can easily solicit your contracted partners to provide the address and contact details for the indirect partners. This information is used to create a comprehensive supply chain with all partners identified. GTKonnect also lets you view your supply chains graphically using real time maps. Once created, this will help you track status and progress of individual partner’s, each supply chain and the all supply chains of the company as a whole.

 

About C-TPAT

Customs – Trade partnership against terrorism (aka C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.

Launched in 2001, immediately in response to 9/11, to secure our borders from terrorist attacks, the program has grown from 7 US importers at launch to over 10,000 + participants today. For more information please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat

 

About Netwin Solutions and GTKonnect
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. Netwin's GTKonnect  provides organizations with a one stop solution for all their Compliance, automation, content needs related to Global Trade and Logistics.

While you are dedicated in giving more value added services to your customers and growing your core area of business, GTKonnect Global Trade Software and its services will enable you to meet the constant changing demands in being compliant and efficient and unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs. GTKonnect provides software for ISF, ABI/ACE Software / Imports, Exports, Denied Party Screening, Partner Relationship Management (PRM), Trade Agreements (like NAFTA and CAFTA), C-TPAT, FTZ, Master Data Management; all available as a single integrated suite or available individually as deemed fit for your organization. Our growing global Trade database available for free access includes, trade news, trade content such as CSMS messages, Denied Party lists, global tariffs, various trade tools and trade links. GTKonnect's International Trade Software is being used by organizations in various verticals and of varying sizes, a proof to our capabilities.

 Also read:

 

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 2)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 3)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 4)

The new 5 step C-TPAT Risk Assessment process – Simplified (Part 5)

GTKonnect is ACE Certified      

 

Netwin Solutions, Inc. (www.gtkonnect.com), a premier provider of integrated Global Trade Management (GTM) solutions (GTKonnect), today announced its certification on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). GTKonnect is positioned among the list of a top tier vendors to obtain ACE ABI certification, allowing its customers to transmit and receive data on imported merchandise through a direct electronic interface with CBP's newest commercial platform. Use of this interface translates to more timely, complete and accurate data.

What is ACE?

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the United States’ commercial trade processing system designed to automate border processing, to enhance border security and foster our Nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel. ACE will eventually replace the current import processing system for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Automated Commercial System (ACS). 

ACE provides a solid technology foundation for all border security initiatives within CBP and will:

 

 ·         Allow trade participants access to and management of their trade information via reports;

·         Expedite legitimate trade by providing CBP with tools to efficiently process imports/exports and move goods quickly across the border;

·         Improve communication, collaboration and compliance efforts between CBP and the trade community;

·         Facilitate efficient collection, processing and analysis of commercial import and export data; and

·         Provide an information-sharing platform for trade data throughout government agencies.

Netwin’s certification means that users of the GTKonnect platform can currently derive benefits from the new generation customs trade platform such as:

-          Faster entry processing by streamlined entry summary filing and response processing.

-          Override Census warnings through the automated process thereby virtually eliminating paper documentation.

-           Status notification messages provides up to the minute details of CBP actions on an ongoing basis.

Anand Raghavendran COO Netwin Solutions says, “Netwin is committed to becoming a leader in the global trade management field. We were amongst the first few companies to achieve the ABI certification, was the first to electronically transmit AII, first to be AES certified etc. and in continuing our commitment to lead, we are amongst the first few companies to get our ACE certification.  The testing process was complex and time consuming. However it was worth the effort considering the benefits and business advantages to our users.

GTKonnect is the application platform of choice for growing numbers of Fortune 500 organizations involved in global trade. With GTKonnect integrated platform, organizations experience increased trade compliance thereby reducing or eliminating fines and audits; provide real-time visibility and tracking capability to information throughout the life of the transactions. GTKonnect platform is available in modules designed to solve every global trade need.  
 
About Netwin Solutions
 
Netwin Solutions is a premier provider of integrated global trade management software solutions through its GTKonnect platform. GTKonnect platform unifies import, export, Partner Relationship and CTPAT management, post entry reconciliation and financial processes, Drawback and Trade programs including ISF (10+2),  U.S. Customs clearance, Partner Solicitation and response tracking, CTPAT certification management and risk assessment, export licensing, denied party screening, trade data repository.