The background
Ajman's strategic location, nestled on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, has long made it a focal point for international trade, with its ports serving as vital gateways for imports and exports. However, as trade volumes continued to increase, traditional customs processes faced challenges in handling the growing complexities of global supply chains. The Department of Ports and Customs realised that embracing digitalisation was imperative to not only maintain efficiency but also to bolster Ajman's position as a competitive trade destination.
Moreover, Ajman's dedication to digital transformation was part of a larger strategy to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues. By optimising customs operations, the Emirate aimed to attract more investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and create new opportunities for businesses to thrive in Ajman.
Against this backdrop, the partnership with Webb Fontaine aimed to revolutionise customs operations by leveraging advanced technologies. This move was not just about modernising procedures but also aligning with Ajman's broader economic vision, which emphasised innovation and efficiency to drive sustainable growth.
The action
Webb Fontaine's pivotal role extended beyond mere implementation to orchestrating a comprehensive suite of solutions that revolutionised Ajman's customs operations. By integrating a customs management system and Webb Fontaine’s Business Intelligence tool (Webb Executive Vision), tailored for senior management, they ensured seamless operations across various customs and regulatory transactions. Notably, the introduction of an AI-driven search engine for the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System simplified product classification, accelerating customs procedures and enhancing accuracy.
Furthermore, Webb Fontaine conducted extensive software integration, training for customs officers, and sensitisation programs for stakeholders, ensuring the smooth adoption of the new system. This included enabling electronic submission of vessel voyage and container data via integration with Port Operators, facilitating customs declarations by clearing agents, enabling payment of customs duty via integration with Port Operator systems, and facilitating the release of declarations via similar integrations.
The implementation also featured the Webb Executive Vision (WEV), a real-time Business Intelligence (BI) tool providing dashboards of key economic, financial, and operational indicators related to international trade statistics, trade facilitation, performance, and enforcement. Additionally, a mobile application (ENJAZ) allowed for the tracking of declarations, enhancing transparency and accessibility for traders.
Crucially, the integration of Artificial Intelligence enabled the classification of products through a harmonised system for customs staff and the trade community, further streamlining processes and ensuring compliance with international standards. This holistic approach not only modernised Ajman's customs operations but also empowered stakeholders with data-driven insights, ultimately enhancing the Emirate's position as a leading trade destination.
