IT Systems
Introduction
McArthur Shipping has its own IT Department responsible for the
day-to-day running and maintenance of all of McArthur’s Systems and the future
evolution of these systems to provide a competitive, technologically advanced network
servicing Principals and clients alike. This provides McArthur’s with a robust system
with minimal down-time and immediate response with respect to troubleshooting of network
and desktop systems.
Shipping Application
Our IT Shipping operations are undertaken through a customised central
application located in Sydney. This has been developed progressively and provides a
flexible shipping agency system specifically catering for our industry. All our offices
have access to the system and this can be rapidly expanded to other out-ports in line with
demand.
Main features of our system are:
- Multi-Principal, trade, vessel, handling capability.
- Equipment control, inventory tracking, allocation, R & M, and archiving.
- Bookings and Quotations
- Documentation - production of all customary documents, including bills of lading,
manifests and delivery orders.
- Accounting - both internal and Principals voyage/general accounts.
- Statistics/marketing/sales data/client details.
- EDI / eCommerce
- Transmission of Shipping Documentation to Australiana and Overseas Principals, Agents
and Clients. We have established a simple method whereby all manifest, bills of
lading, bookings and other relevant documents can be transmitted to and received from
overseas. We are one of the early adopters of a full EDI program and have developed our
own translation programs, bought in international standard message sets (eg. EDIFACT) and
are fully capable of communicating documents and information electronically.
- Australian Customs Electronic Reporting of Manifests has been integrated into the
system. Underbond movement of cargo is also handled electronically.
- Electronic Port Authority Reporting of Import & Export Manifests.
- We have a fully integrated computer link to Container Terminals, depots and container
parks. This saves time and ensures that hazardous, over-dimensional and reefer cargo are
handled correctly. The process is fully automated.
- Our users can send via fax, email or EDI directly from the system proforma bills of
ladings, booking confirmations, arrival notices, invoices to customers, accept electronic
payments and transmit delivery orders, container releases to clients and terminals.
Through the above, we are currently effectively handling all
Principals’ separate requirements. These Principals range from liner operators
through the complete range of vessels trading to and from Australia.
We are of the opinion that our system places us in a firm position to
efficiently service our Principals individual requirements efficiently.
Wide Area Network
McArthur has a wide area network (WAN) that directly connects all of
the 13 branch offices throughout Australia. Remote secure VPN access is also provided for
roaming users from anywhere in Australia. This is significant in outports, where
communications can even be made while staff are on-board a vessel. Documentation,
messaging, etc can be authored and even printed in such locations.
Messaging Systems
McArthur’s has the use of a "state-of-the-art" messaging
system for all employees. This messaging system provides desktop SMTP mail, fax and telex
(with answerback confirmation). McArthur’s messaging system also provides remote
access to any staff member or selected VIP to access their e-mail anywhere in the world
via a standard web-browser. This server also supports mailing lists that provide fax- or
mail-on-demand delivery of Sailing Schedules or other broadcast documents from our
principals.
Intranet/Internet
McArthur Shipping embraces internet/intranet technology and uses
intranet as a foundation for centralised document management and distribution. McArthur
Intranet facilitates all user and principal manuals, procedures and protocols, current
liner sailing schedules, trampers movement database, electronic documentation workflow,
various office templates, e-forms, contacts, tariffs, news letters and press releases,
external links etc. McArthur Shipping can be reached externally via the internet address
of www.mcaship.com.au.
Summary
Overall, McArthur Shipping IT infrastructure provides our staff with
modern, professional and reliable systems to perform day-to-day duties to the highest
quality resulting in optimal service for principals and clients alike. |
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