WO2004019180A2 - Systemes et procedes d'assistance a des transactions d'import-export - Google Patents

Systemes et procedes d'assistance a des transactions d'import-export Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004019180A2
WO2004019180A2 PCT/US2003/026584 US0326584W WO2004019180A2 WO 2004019180 A2 WO2004019180 A2 WO 2004019180A2 US 0326584 W US0326584 W US 0326584W WO 2004019180 A2 WO2004019180 A2 WO 2004019180A2
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shipment
overview
information
interface
documents
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/026584
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2004019180A3 (fr
Inventor
Timothy D. House
Suvikas Bhandari
Elizabeth G. Beaumon
Boris A. Veksler
Jason V. Dao
Graham R.F. Napier
Original Assignee
Tradebeam, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tradebeam, Inc. filed Critical Tradebeam, Inc.
Priority to AU2003265658A priority Critical patent/AU2003265658A1/en
Publication of WO2004019180A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004019180A2/fr
Publication of WO2004019180A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004019180A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems and methods to support import-export transactions. More particularly, it includes methods and systems for collaborative tracking of international transactions from end-to-end.
  • Transportation companies may operate ships, planes, trains or trucks. While companies handling small packages, such as Federal Express or UPS, have integrated systems for handling and tracking of goods, from pickup to delivery, there is no collaborative integrated system for large international shipments through multiple independent actors. [0004] The cycle for global trade transactions may be slowed by the flow of information, the flow of goods or the flow of funds.
  • the separate software systems of the typical actors, such as ERPs, compliance systems, transportation management systems, customs broker systems and banking and trade settlement networks are not well-suited to expediting these flows of information, goods or funds among the actors.
  • the present invention relates to systems and methods to support import-export transactions. It includes methods and systems for collaborative tracking international transactions from end-to-end. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
  • Figure 1 is an early Mitsubishi depiction of a potential shipment status display.
  • Figure 2 is a version of figure 1 providing enhanced HTML formatting.
  • Figure 3 depicts tracking information linked to figure 1.
  • Figures 4A-B depict an overview display and a key to icons used in the display.
  • Figure 5 depicts extended information for a group of shipments.
  • Figures 6 through 13 illustrate general administration and table set up for a system practicing aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 14A is a further embodiment of the overview display in figure 4 A.
  • Figures 14B-D illustrate how the status of shipment stages may change.
  • Figures 15 A-C depict the set up for a shipment.
  • Figures 16A-B depict a detailed information display for a particular shipment.
  • Figures 17A-B provide for entry of booking information.
  • Figures 18A-B provide for entry of export shipping instructions.
  • Figures 19 A-B provide for entry of an invoice.
  • Figure 20 provides for entry of a packing list invoice.
  • Figure 21 supports access to a third-party export customs system.
  • Figures 22A-B provide for entry of information regarding a bill of lading or airway bill.
  • Figure 23 provides for management of shipping documents required during the set up stage.
  • Figures 24 A-C provide for entry of import shipping instructions.
  • Figures 25 A-B provide for entry of proof of delivery and import status information.
  • FIG. 1 is an early Mitsubishi depiction of a potential shipment status display.
  • the display is designed to meet Mitsubishi's needs in both its roles as an importer 110 and as an exporter 120.
  • the display for an importer includes a line corresponding to a particular shipment 111 and a series of columns such as "arrival shipping instruction" 112, for what Mitsubishi viewed as stages in its importation of goods.
  • Lost in this figure are icons 113 that Mitsubishi proposed be used to represent whether a transaction was done, in progress, not done or having problems 114.
  • FIG. 3 depicts the kind of tracking information that Federal Express or UPS typically makes available to its customers, including information tracking the progress of goods through a delivery system 310 and detailed proof of delivery information 320. Some icons were also accompanied by footnotes, one of which was linked to a scanned copy of a bill of lading. Another icon was linked to an internal Mitsubishi accounting system for payment and settlement upon receipt of goods. In contrast to these few linked fields, no logic was linked to any of the columns 112 of the import section 110 or the columns 122 of the export section 120 of this display.
  • the export section 120 includes a line corresponding to a particular shipment 121 and a series of columns such as "shipping instructions" 122 for what Mitsubishi viewed as stages in its process of exporting goods. Icons were presented 123, sometimes accompanied by footnotes 125, to represent a transaction as done, in progress, not done or having a problem.
  • the export section this display was tailored to exporting on "F.O.B.” terms, as indicated by the chosen columns. Other export order shipping terms would potentially require additional columns.
  • Figure 1 further includes a main center section 130 for messages generated by transmitted through the system. E-mail was intended to be accessible by a link 131. Additional links were intended to demonstrate import standing and export standing information and to alerts to transaction problems are also flagged 132, but these links were not operative and their meaning is unclear. Other miscellaneous information, potentially including an instant messaging window, was depicted.
  • Figure 2 is a version of figure 1 providing enhanced HTML formatting. The numbering of this figure parallels figure 1. It includes an import section 210 and an export section 220. These sections include rows for shipments 211, 221, columns tracking stages of the shipping process 212, 222 and icons 213, 223. The main center 230, e-mail link 231 and instant messaging 240 also appear in this enhanced display.
  • One embodiment of the present invention is a computer aided method of collaborating on tracking an international shipment of goods amongst an exporter, and export freight forwarder, and import freight forwarder and an importer. More generally, this embodiment can be extended to any group of shipment participants. It may be extended to any combination of shipment participants, including customs brokers, transportation companies (including companies operating ships, airplanes, trains, trucks, etc.), warehousing companies, and financial institutions. There are several aspects of this method, which may be combined in various ways.
  • One aspect is allowing one of the shipment participants to set up a shipment.
  • Setting up the shipment includes setting authorizations to view and edit aspects of data that tracks the shipment.
  • the shipment is tracked end-to-end through stages of shipment processing, preferably including some or all of set up of the shipment, instructions for movement of the shipment, preparation of customs filing information, tracking of customs clearance and delivery to the importer or the importer's agent. Tracking from end-to-end also included stages of shipment represented by columns in the accompanying figures. The particular stages of shipment tracked may be adapted to a particular situation.
  • Another aspect of this embodiment is providing the shipping participants with authorization-based access to view and edit aspects of the data.
  • authorization and access may include approving edits, so that, for instance, an exporter may delegate to an export freight forwarder transportation booking functions, but reserve approval of the booking before it becomes final. In this instance, responsibility to act on booking passes from the exporter to the export freight forwarder and back again.
  • a further aspect of this embodiment its displaying an overview of the end-to-end shipment tracking data. This overview may include status information about the stages of shipment. Preferably, the status information is arranged in a matrix, with one or more shipments along one axis and stages along the other axis. Icons may be used to indicate status at particular stages.
  • the statuses used may be a subset or superset of from pending, to do, in progress, done, locked, alert, wait or on hold, as depicted in figure 4B.
  • This overview may further includes information based on a particular role of the participant who is viewing the overview. For instance, status information may be provided as to whether the particular role or individual needs to contribute to completing a particular stage.
  • a green box icon for instance, many indicate that the particular role needs to act before the status of the particular stage will advance.
  • this embodiment may include setting up authorization and providing access to create or upload into the system new documents related to a shipment and to approve edits and/or new shipping documents.
  • authorization to approve edits is limited to a single role among the shipment participants. It may, in some cases, be limited to a specific person or department. The specific person, of course, may function in several different roles for the company that they represent.
  • the data that tracks the shipment end-to-end may further include status of and responsibility for creating shipment-related documents.
  • the list of shipping documents that may be tracked includes at least some of a packing list, an invoice, export customs information, import customs information, bill of lading information, certificates of origin, certificates of analysis, certifications required for regulatory compliance, and other industry or transportation mode specific documentation.
  • the list of shipping documents may be presented in a pull down menu or pick list.
  • One stage of the shipping process represented in the overview may be a summary status the creation of shipping documents.
  • a set of shipment-related documents may be identified and a summary status provided.
  • these are documents that are required for shipment to proceed.
  • More than one summary status may be provided for shipping documents.
  • summary statuses may be provided for documents associated with the exporter and the importer.
  • Search, filtering and sorting logic may be applied in the embodiments where the overview displays tracking data for a plurality of shipments. Different shipments may be assigned different shipment states, such as new, active or completed. The filtering or selection may be keyed to these states. There are times when a user may question the integrity of the shipping process. Accordingly, a further aspect of this embodiment includes placing a hold on editing the data tracking the shipment. Preferably, authorization to place a hold on editing the data is limited to one or more roles and one or more persons.
  • a second embodiment also is for method of collaborating on tracking an international shipment of goods amongst shipment participants.
  • aspects of this invention include setting authorizations for shipment participants to view and edit aspects of data and that tracks the shipment end-to-end, and displaying an overview of the data.
  • the overview display may include, for a particular role, information as to whether the particular role needs to contribute to completing a particular stage of shipment processing.
  • This embodiment may be extended by additional logic invoked from the overview. For instance, this method may include logic to describe requirements and responsibility for creating shipping documents. The shipping documents may be selected from a pick list.
  • the shipping documents created in the system or uploaded may include a packing list and an invoice, and a further set including a 9802 Worksheet, Air Way Bill, Assembler's declaration, Broker's Invoice, Canadian Special Customs Invoice, Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Inspection, Certificate of Insurance, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Weight, CF 3461, CF 7501 Compliance Certification, Declaration of
  • the overview may provide access to logic to review the status of meeting those requirements. That is, the status of creating shipping documents.
  • the logic further may support sending messages to those entities responsible for creating or approving shipping documents.
  • business logic may be added to constrain the generation and transmittal of the invoice so that an invoice may only be generated after a shipment has reached a predetermined stage or milestone in the shipping process.
  • an invoice may be generated may logically depend on shipping terms specified for the shipment, such as "F.O.B. ".
  • Yet another alternative to extend this embodiment includes providing logic behind the overview that maintains an audit trail of at least a predetermined part of edits to the data. The audit trail may be protected from deletion or other tampering by ordinary users or by all users of the system.
  • This logic further may include logic to display at least a portion of the audit trail as a log.
  • a further extension of this embodiment is logic, invoked from the overview, to display detailed information regarding a particular shipment, such as the information displayed in figures 16A-B.
  • This detailed display may include (1640) at least part of an audit trail of at least some edits to the data, such as creation of shipping- related documents.
  • Figures 4 and 5 depict aspects of this collaborative method and system. Figures
  • the navigation bar 410 supports access to administration of the system, to a dashboard overview display, to an address book and to log out from the system. It further may provide access to information about a company providing services related to the software and about the software itself.
  • the display-related elements 420 may include an action message, such as "shipment successfully deleted”. It further may include a filtering component 421, a sort component 422 or a search component, not illustrated.
  • the filter element may include a pick list of alternative shipment statuses or other filtering criteria.
  • the sort component 422 may include a pick list of available sort orders, such as Priority, Shipment #, ETD, and Destination.
  • the shipment stage categories 430 in this embodiment include set up 431, booking information 432, shipping instructions 433, invoice preparation 434, packing list preparation 435, Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) 436, Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) 437 and sending documents and notices 438. Methods and interfaces corresponding to these stage categories are illustrated in figures that follow.
  • the shipment identification information 440 in this embodiment includes a shipment number, a destination, and an expected delivery date. Appearing among the shipment identification information 440 is a column for indicating a hold on the shipment 457. A red stop sign 457 icon indicates that particular shipment has been placed on hold.
  • Shipment status information 450 appears in columns below the shipment stages 430. Icons are used to convey status information regarding each of the shipment stages. Different icons may be equivalent to the ones depicted herein, conveying substantially the same message to a viewer of the overview.
  • Figure 4B provides a key to icons, with the same numbering as in figure 4A.
  • "Pending” status 451 is indicated by a lightly colored square, such as a brown or gray square. This pending status may indicate that a shipment stage is not completed and not yet in progress.
  • "To do” status 455 is indicated by a boldly colored square, such as a green square. This to do status may indicate that the current user viewing the overview display should take some action to help complete a particular stage of shipment processing, so that it may advance to the next status. That is, a viewer who sees a green box knows the ball is in the viewer's court.
  • "In progress" status 453 is indicated by a brown arrow. This in progress status may indicate that a participant other than the current viewer is responsible for advancing a particular shipment stage. The responsible participant may be identified in a more detailed display linked to the icon.
  • the in progress icon further may indicate that no alert date has yet passed for action by the responsible participant.
  • "Done” status 454 is indicated by a box with the check mark. This done status may indicate that all actions required to complete a stage have been accomplished.
  • "Locked” status 458 is indicated by a padlock icon. This locked status may indicate, for instance, that a stage involving production of documents is complete and not subject to further revision by any participant. In some embodiments, it may be possible to unlock a locked status.
  • “Alert” status 456 is indicated by an exclamation point in a triangle. This alert status may indicate that a milestone, for instance for preparation of a document or for movement of the shipment has passed.
  • "Wait” status 452 may be indicated by a clock, as depicted, or another icon such as an hourglass. This wait status may indicate that the computer system is processing a transaction, the results of which will become available soon. Clicking on a wait icon may refresh the screen with an updated status.
  • "On hold” status 457 may be indicated by flashing red words, a red octagonal shape symbolizing a stop sign, or both. This on hold status may indicate that a participant responsible for the shipment, overall, has temporarily suspended editing of data related to the shipment. This kind of temporary suspension may lock out all other participants from updating or even from viewing information about the shipment, until the hold is cleared.
  • Figure 5 depicts extended information for a group of shipments.
  • Principal components of this extended displaying are a navigation bar 510, filtering and sorting elements 521, 522, and details regarding a particular shipment.
  • the details 530 regarding a particular shipment included identification information, such as the shipment number, the product being shipped, the destination, the customer, the contract date and estimated dates of departure and arrival.
  • the details 530 further include status information grouped by stages done, alerts and stages remaining to do.
  • the first example of detailed information, for 4000 bags, includes only items remaining to be done. The remaining actions in the shipment setup has been assigned to a different participant than the viewer, as indicated by the arrow icon. Steps for the viewer to do are indicated, including detail of actions that the viewer needs to take for an invoice, packing list and OBL.
  • the second example of detailed information for 2000 bags, includes stages done, an alert and some stages to do.
  • the set up and booking information stages are done for this viewer.
  • An alert is indicated for past due shipping instructions. Shipping documents are on the viewer's to do list.
  • the final example, for 2040 bags, includes an icon indicating that booking information is being processed by the system and the user should wait for processing to complete.
  • Figures 6 through 13 illustrate general administration and table set up for a system practicing aspects of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a conventional login screen.
  • Figure 7 is a conventional company roster management screen. Principal components of this screen are a navigation bar 710, an add company button 711, company information 712, 713, and 714, and icons for editing or deleting a company entry 721.
  • the company information includes company name, location and roles.
  • a company may have various roles, such as exporter, Request Compliance Check (RCC), View Compliance Check (NCC), TBADMin, import forwarder, export forwarder, ocean carrier, or customs house broker.
  • Figure 8 is a detailed screen activated by the add company button or by an equivalent component. Fields that are mandatory are indicated by an asterix 821.
  • the roles field 822 includes a pick list.
  • Figure 9 is a conventional user management screen. Principal components of this screen are a navigation bar 910, information for a user 911, an edit company button 912, and an add user button 913.
  • Figure 10 is a detailed screen activated by the add user button or by an equivalent component. Again, there is a navigation bar 1010. Entry of general information 1020 and roles and privileges information 1030 is may be supported.
  • Figure 11 is a conventional products management screen. It includes an add product button 1111, a project number 1112 and a product description 1113.
  • Figure 12 is a detailed screen activated by the add product button or an equivalent component. Components of the screen included a navigation bar 1210, a product number 1211, a product description 1212 and currency 1213.
  • a set of components are associated with the product, each component indicated by several fields 1214. Use of components to a describe product is adapted to import/export transactions because a single product shipped may be treated as a plurality of components for application of duties and tariffs. Fields associated with a component include component, HTS No., HTS value, HTS unit of measure, weight, weight unit of measure, country of origin, CAS No. and United Nations ID.
  • the screen further may include an add role button ⁇
  • Figure 13 is a conventional address book management screen. Information included for a user in this embodiment is company name 1311, contact name 1312, contact phone number 1313, contact e- mail address 1314, contact typel315 and contact registration status 1316. Separate buttons are provided in this embodiment for adding registered and unregistered contacts.
  • Figure 14A is a further embodiment of the overview display in figure 4 A. Figures
  • the shipment description information 1450 includes a shipment number, an origin, a destination and a bill of lading or airway bill number.
  • the shipment stage categories 1430 in this embodiment include setup of authorities 1413, entry of booking information 1432, entry of export shipping instructions 1433, preparation of an invoice 1434, preparation of a packing list 1435, preparation of export customs information and documents 1441, entry of information for preparation of a bill of lading or an airway bill 1442, document management 1443, preparation import shipping instructions 1444 and proof of delivery plus import status information 1445.
  • Icons are used, consistent with the key in figure 4B, to indicate the status of the stages. For shipment "timtest003", four variations in status are depicted.
  • figure 14A set up is complete and the viewer needs to act to help complete all of the stages related to export.
  • activities related to the import side have been delegated to another actor and are in progress.
  • Figure 14B may be the importer's view of the same information viewed by the exporter in figure 14 A.
  • set up is complete and has resulted in delegation or assignment of much of the preparation of export documents to someone other than the viewer.
  • This preparation of documents may be delegated, in the sense that another actor has authority to approve the documents, or may be assigned in the sense that draft documents are being prepared subject to approval by an actor who retained to approval authority. If the viewer retained approval authority, the arrow icons 1461 will change back to green "to do" boxes, if the tasks are completed timely, or to alert icons, if deadlines or milestones are missed.
  • This figure is likely to be the importer's view, as indicated by the "to do" boxes 1462 for import-related shipment stages.
  • Figure 14C may be the exporter's view again, with the exporter needing to approve booking arrangements made by an export freight forwarder 1471.
  • the preparation of export shipping instructions 1472 is in progress with another actor.
  • the preparation of an invoice is completed 1473.
  • Other import-related stages require action by the viewer 1474.
  • the export- related stages 1475 are in progress with another actor.
  • a number of stages have been completed.
  • Three of the import stages, including invoice and packing list preparation and bill of lading preparation 1481 are complete and locked.
  • the summary document management category 1443 indicates completion 1482 of all the documents specified in the set up 1431 as required for this shipment.
  • Figures 15 A-C depict the set up for shipment "timtest003". Principal components of this display are navigation bar 1510, shipment description information 1520, summary status information by shipment stage 1530, an audit trail log 1540, access to templates 1545 and alerts 1546, set up for various actors, including the exporter 1550, the importer 1555, the export freight forwarder 1560, the import freight forwarder 1565 and the customs house broker 1570, and identification of shipping documents requiring preparation 1575.
  • the shipment description information 1520 includes shipment number, expected departure, expected arrival, vessel/voyage, if applicable, bill of lading or airway bill number, origin, destination and flight/date, if applicable.
  • the shipment stage categories and status icons used are as described above.
  • the shipment log 1540 displays at least a portion of an audit trail.
  • the audit trail records dates, times and actors for significant events. Significant events may include creation, edits were approval of documents or data tracking the status of the shipment or explicit status changes made by an actor, as described in more detail below.
  • audit trail events may be filtered and only those related to set up, such as "set up completed," are displayed. Compare, for example, the events displayed on the trade index shipment log 1640 of figure 16A or on the booking information page log 1740 of figure 17A. [0038]
  • blocks 1545, 1546 allow selection of templates and configuration of alerts.
  • Templates may be established to assign identities and access rights or authority to shipment participant roles.
  • a template is a shortcut that saves on the decision- making as to the access rights associated with pre-established routes.
  • Alerts 1546 may be configured, viewed or modified through the configure alert box.
  • An alert is a tickler keyed to an event. It may be keyed to the expected date of the event, to a prudent time prior to the late than event, or to a time after the event. The event may correspond to the name of the tickler or it may be a different, related event. For instance, shipping documents may be required one week before the final drop-off date for an oceangoing container. If shipping documents are not completed by the one week milestone, an alert appears on various overviews and detailed displays.
  • FIGS. 15 A-C also depict set up of various potential actors. Not all actors may need to be set up for a particular shipment. Not all actors may need to be included on this detailed display, for instance where it is customary for the import freight forwarder to act as a customs house broker.
  • the set up for an exporter 1550 includes selection of an exporter. Exporters may be selected from a pick list, after they are set up administratively. In this example, the exporter is assigned rights to create, modify and approve actions taken in the export-related stages and has rights to modify actions in the import-related stages, subject to approval by the importer 1555. Similarly, set up of the importer 1555 includes selection of the importer and assignment of rights for each of the shipment stage categories.
  • This importer has the create, modify and approve rights over import shipping instructions and proof of delivery/import status information.
  • the set up of an export forwarder 1560, import freight forwarder 1565 and customs house broker 1570 generally follows the set up of an exporter or importer, with an important exception.
  • the exporter for instance, sets up the shipment, the exporter of will set up both the exporter and the importer, but may differ set up of the import forwarder 1565 or the customs house broker 1570 to the importer 1555.
  • the importer may have rights to create this part of the set up or to enter data subject to approval by the exporter. More generally, the exporter or importer may defer set up of agents of their counterpart to their counterpart. Another section in this detailed display supports setting up shipping documents 1575.
  • Shipping documents may serve various functions, such as satisfying customs requirements, satisfying health, safety or environmental regulations, or satisfying contractual terms. Shipping documents serving these functions and others may include as an invoice, packing list and a further set including a 9802 Worksheet, Air Way Bill, Assembler's declaration, Broker's Invoice, Canadian Special Customs Invoice, Certificate of Analysis, Certificate of Inspection, Certificate of Insurance, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Weight, CF 3461, CF 7501 Compliance Certification, Declaration of Dangerous Goods, Delivery Order, Domestic Trucking Invoice, Forwarder Invoice, Fumigation Certificate, MSDS, Mill Certificate, NAFTA Certificate, Ocean Bill of Lading, Physical Inspection Certificate, Proof Bill of Lading, Proof of Delivery, and Textile Declaration may be required by the set up.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 1610, shipment description information 1620, summary status information by shipment stage 1630, and an audit trail 1640, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • the principal components further include action buttons 1635-37, and sections of information for participants 1645, orders 1650, compliance checks 1655, shipment details 1660 and added shipment notes 1665.
  • the hold button 1635 in this variant of the detailed display is available to one or more actors who have authority over the shipment.
  • the hold shipment button 1635 may be used to temporarily freeze edits of shipment information. During "on hold" status, a release hold button will replace the hold shipment button.
  • the complete shipment button 1635 is available to the actors who have authority over the shipment.
  • the complete shipment button 1636 may be used to close out the shipment as complete.
  • the actors who have authority may have the option of un- completing the shipment, even after the complete shipment button is selected. After "complete" status, further entry or modification of data may be blocked.
  • the cancel shipment button 1637 is also available to the actors who have authority. The cancel shipment button may be used to close out the shipment without completion.
  • the actor who has authority may have the option of un-canceling the shipment.
  • Participants information is displayed in section 1645. Information in this and other sections may be accumulated from other displays and viewed here. Links may be provided to the other displays. Alternatively, logic may support editing on this screen by an actor who has appropriate authority.
  • the shipment participants who, in figure 15, could be given authorities include importer, exporter, import forwarder, export forwarder and customs house broker.
  • information regarding a carrier, import warehouse, import trucker, export warehouse and export trucker may be provided and summarized on this display.
  • Orders information is displayed in section 1650.
  • a shipment may consolidate multiple orders and line items from one or more orders.
  • Order lines may correspond to purchase orders, sales orders or both.
  • the information on the order line in this example includes purchase order number, line item number, sales order number, line item number, product ID, description, quantity and unit price. Compliance check information is listed in section 1655.
  • the shipment detail information is listed in section 1660.
  • Information optionally displayed in this example includes requested arrival data for the shipment, a bill of lading or airway bill number, a booking number, a vessel name and voyage number, if applicable, a flight number and date, if applicable, an origin port or airport, the cutoff date and time for drop-off of the shipment to be loaded on the vessel or flight, an estimated time of departure, a destination port or airport, an estimated time of arrival, places in terms of delivery, equipment required for shipment and a pickup location and date. Additional shipment notes are supported by section 1665. Notes can be added to the shipment.
  • Figures 17 A-B provide for entry of booking information.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 1710, shipment description information 1720, summary status information 1730, and an audit trail log 1740, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include booking information 1751-56 and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1760-62.
  • Booking information includes buyer and seller reference numbers 1751. It includes information regarding carriage 1752-53.
  • the carriage information 1752 includes carrier, contract number, requested arrival data, booking number, vessel name and voyage number, if applicable, flight number and date, if applicable, place of loading, loading cutoff time and date, expected time of departure, place of discharge, and expected time of arrival.
  • the carriage information 1753 further includes place of carrier receipt and place of carrier delivery.
  • the carrier may be any of a ship, airplane, train or truck.
  • Additional information 1754 includes the country of origin, the country of export and shipment terms, such as "F.O.B."
  • Packaging information can be added to the booking 1755 both for containers and packages. Rows of information can be added for full container loads, less than full container loads, mixed containers or not. Rows can be added for packages, with gross weight information.
  • Product identification information 1756 can be provided, including product ID, description and quantity.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 1760. In this instance, the arrow points to the exporter. If the current task was the responsibility of this actor, a notify button would appear next to the cancel button.
  • Selecting the notify button would alert the next shipment participant responsible via an email or fax notification and a change in the Dashboard icon from the brown 'in progress' arrow to a green 'to do' box. If the viewer had authority to approve the booking information, a complete button would appear next to the cancel button. In some embodiments, a modify button may appear after a complete button is selected, to permit an actor with authority to un-complete the booking.
  • the CC field 1761 allows identification of registered or unregistered persons, selectable from the address book, to receive notice of the booking information. Notes visible to those accessing booking instructions may be entered 1762.
  • function buttons are provided on the bottom of screens behind the overview and will consistently be accessible or inaccessible based on the security permissions designated during the setup of the shipment.
  • the function buttons may include Complete, Modify, Notify, Save, and Cancel.
  • the Complete button should be accessible only for those actors granted high level authority, such as "complete/modify/approve” authority on the setup.
  • This button allows that authorized actor to change the screen from being editable to non-editable for all actors. Use of this button will also change the dashboard icon to a blue checkmark, designating complete, that will be visible to all actors with access to that shipment on their dashboard.
  • the Cancel button will appear for actors with the exception of the actor with high level authority.
  • the Complete button is replaced by the Modify button, which the authorized actor may use to change the screen back to a modifiable state for all actors with access for that screen.
  • the Notify button will appear on a screen initially for the actor given high level authority, but may be transferred to another actor with at least a lower authority, such as 'modify' authority, using the radio button selections at the bottom of the screen. Use of this notify button with radio buttons selected will send an email or fax message to the intended recipient and change the Dashboard icons for sender and receiver.
  • the actor that currently controls the Notify button will see a green 'to do' icon and other actors with at least modify permissions on the screen will see a brown 'in progress' arrow.
  • the 'Save' button will be accessible to all actors with at least modify permissions to a screen while it is in an editable state.
  • the Cancel button will be seen by all actors with permission to access the screen in all states. This logic applies generally to the figures discussed below. Summarily: [0043] Complete: Used to indicate that a step (represented by a screen) in the shipment process is finished. One user has the authority to determine that the step has been sufficiently completed. Clicking 'Complete' prevents any further changes.
  • Modify Used when changes need to be made to a step in the shipment that was previously completed. Only the user with the ability to complete a process can reopen it through 'Modify' for changes. [0045] Notify: Used to let another user know that their input on a workflow screen is required.
  • Save Saves data or dropdown selections on a screen so the user can be sure their work has been recorded.
  • Cancel Exits the user from a workflow screen and takes them to the Dashboard.
  • CC Used to add send a copy of the workflow screen via to parties that do not have access to the system. This feature helps keep parties not directly involved in the shipment 'in the loop'.
  • Figures 18A-B provide for entry of export shipping instructions.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 1810, shipment description information 1820, summary status information 1830, and an audit trail log 1840, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include specific information related to export shipping 1851-59, equipment information 1859-60, recipient information 1870, shipping documents status information 1880, and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1890.
  • the specific information related export shipping includes purchase order, sales order and seller reference numbers 1851. Names and addresses of consignee and notify parties may be entered 1852.
  • information 1854 includes pickup location, a date and time when the supplier's goods will be available, a date and time when the packaging will be available and a date and time by which the goods should be loaded into the packaging. Planned and actual pickup dates and times may be entered 1855.
  • the carrier in next toward in 1856 may be identified for movement of loaded packaging to a drop-off location by a cutoff date and time 1857. A booking number for the carrier may be recorded 1858. Delivery terms synchronized from other screens are indicated 1859. Equipment information from other screens 1860 also is indicated. An "add row" button allows modification or updating of the equipment information.
  • Selected recipients of the export shipping instructions are identified in section 1870. Recipient roles include export forwarder, export trucker and exporter warehouse.
  • Special documentation can be provided, such as a cargo release authorization to the exporter warehouse.
  • the viewer may select whether not to send a copy of the export instructions to each of the recipients and may enter specific remarks addressed to the individual recipients.
  • Shipping documents status information for documents required during setup is listed 1880.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 1890.
  • save and notify buttons appear next to the cancel button because data has been entered on the display and the viewer has authority to approve the instructions.
  • the save button will leave the instructions open for further modification or approval before the recipients are notified.
  • the notify button will approve the instructions and send them to selected recipients.
  • Figures 19A-B provide for entry of an invoice.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 1910, shipment description information 1920, summary status information 1930, and an audit trail log 1940, as appeared in figure 15A.
  • Principal components further include typical invoice information 1951-55, container or packaging information 1956, payment terms information 1957-59, and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1960.
  • Typical invoice information includes buyer and seller reference numbers 1951.
  • the typical information further includes 1952 invoice number and date, bill of lading or airway bill number and date, and shipping, payment due and delivery dates. Names and addresses of customer, sold to, payer and ship to parties 1953 may be entered.
  • Payment and shipping information 1954 includes payment method and remit to, place of loading and discharge, vessel name and voyage number, if applicable, and flight number and date, if applicable.
  • Product information 1955 may be viewed and, in some embodiments, edited.
  • Equipment information is displayed 1956.
  • Payment-related information may include payment terms 1957, delivery terms 1958, and letter of credit number and remarks 1959.
  • Customer notes and special instructions may be entered reflected.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 1960. In this instance, the arrow points to the exporter. If the current task was the responsibility of this actor, a notify button would appear next to the cancel button.
  • Selecting the notify button would alert the next shipment participant responsible via an email or fax notification and a change in the Dashboard icon from the brown 'in progress' arrow to a green 'to do' box. Selecting the notify button would alert the next shipment participant responsible and would create an entry in the page log. If the viewer had authority to approve the invoice, a complete button would appear next to the cancel button. In some embodiments, a modify button may appear after a complete button is selected, to permit an actor with authority to un-complete the invoice.
  • Figure 20 provides for entry of a packing list invoice.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 2010, shipment description information 2020, summary status information 2030, and an audit trail log 2040, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include information synchronized with other screens 2051-54, packing list information 2055, equipment information 2056, and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1960.
  • the information synchronized with other screens includes seller reference, invoice and bill of lading or airway numbers 2051, customer 2052, bill of lading or airway bill, invoice and shipment dates 2053, and transport and letter of credit information 2054.
  • the packing slip information 2055 in this example includes line item sequence no., product ID and product description, container and container seal identification, lot no., pickup location, package ID, quantity, packaging, unit weight, net weight, gross weight, and distinguishing marks and numbers.
  • Equipment information is displayed 2056.
  • Download Template allows the user to download a template to their local system in an Excel or other format that allows the user to manually enter or 'cut and paste' packing list information into a standard format that can be converted into a data format that can be uploaded into the system.
  • the Upload Template allows the user to upload the template into the packing list whereby new rows would be created.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 2060. In this instance, the arrow points to the exporter. Missing from this figure is the cancel button that applies before an actor enters any information in the display. If information had been entered into this figure, a notify button would appear next to a cancel button. Selecting the notify button would alert the next shipment participant responsible. If the viewer had authority to approve the packing list, a complete button would appear next to the cancel button.
  • a modify button may appear after a complete button is selected, to permit an actor with authority to un-complete the invoice.
  • Figure 21 supports access to a third-party export customs system.
  • AES Direct is the U.S. Customs Agency's free internet-based system for filing a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) to U.S. Customs via the Automated Export System (AES). It is the electronic alternative to filing a paper SED, and can be used by U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs), forwarders, or anyone else responsible for export reporting. Users of AES Direct are directed to record ITN and XTN numbers 2151, 2152 generated by the AES system. Alternatively, other logic adapted to export customs may be supplied, particularly logic adapted to export customs in countries other than the United States.
  • FIG. 22A-B provide for entry of information regarding a bill of lading or airway bill.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 2210, shipment description information 2220, summary status information 2230, and an audit trail log 2240, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include status information 2251, carrier name and bill of lading or airway bill number 2252, shipper name, booking number and export references 2253, consignee and forwarding agent names and addresses 2254, point or country of origin 2255, Notification party and instructions 2256, AES XTN No. from a third-party export system 2257, loading pier terminal and type of move 2258, freight terms 2259, additional shipping information 2261-62 and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1960.
  • the status information in this example indicates whether proof and final versions of the bill of lading or airway bill have been received and uploaded 2251. Once uploaded, a copy of a proof or final bill of lading can be downloaded.
  • the bill of lading cannot be prepared or at least cannot be approved by the exporter, because it acknowledges that the transport company has received goods, and serves as title for the purpose of transportation.
  • the additional shipping information may include pre-carriage, place or port of receipt, loading and discharge and vessel/voyage or flight/no. information 2260, place of delivery 2261 and equipment information 2262.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 2270. In this instance, the arrow points to the exporter. If information had been entered into this figure, a notify button would appear next to the cancel button. Selecting the notify button would alert the next shipment participant responsible. If the viewer had authority to approve the invoice, a complete button would appear next to the cancel button.
  • a modify button may appear after a complete button is selected, to permit an actor with authority to un-complete the invoice.
  • Figure 23 provides for management of shipping documents required during the set up stage.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 2310, shipment description information 2320, summary status information 2330, and an audit trail log 2340, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include status information for shipping documents required during the set up stage 2351 and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1960.
  • the status information regarding a particular document includes a status icon, a document name, indications of whether the document has been mailed or faxed (manually or by automated process) to intended recipients, a file name for downloading a copy of the document, a manual upload function, original and duplicate copies specified when the requirement was set, note and a select document option.
  • the select document option is connected to an action button to send the selected documents.
  • the email addresses of intended recipients of the sent documents can be added in the CC: box either manually or from the user's address book. Alternatively, the documents may be sent by fax if that is the recipient's preferred means of receipt.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 2360. In this instance, the arrow points to the exporter.
  • a send documents button appears next to the cancel button because the viewer has authority to finalize the invoice and send it. .
  • a modify button may appear after a send document button is selected, to permit an actor with authority to retract the sent document.
  • Figures 24 A-C provide for entry of import shipping instructions.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 2410, shipment description information 2420, summary status information 2430, and an audit trail log 2440, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include import specific information 2451-56, packing slip information 2457, equipment information 2458, customs information 2459, selected recipients for notification 2460, shipping document status information 2461, and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 2470.
  • the import specific information includes importer and end customer reference numbers 2451, importer's domestic receiver and notify party 2452, carrier identification 2453, pickup location and planned date and pickup party 2455, delivery location and planned date and delivery party 2456.
  • the packing slip information 2457 in this example includes line item sequence no.
  • product ID and product description container and container seal identification, lot no., pickup location, package ID, quantity, packaging, unit weight, net weight, gross weight, and distinguishing marks and numbers.
  • additional information may be entered by the user for each product information row. Not displayed on this screen shot, but present when the information is in modifiable format, are two function buttons: Add Rows, and Upload Template.
  • Add Rows allows the user to create another row in the packing list.
  • the Upload Template allows the user to upload a template downloaded form the packing list screen which allows the user to manually create packing list rows and which is prepared offline for uploading.
  • Customs information 2459 includes customs entry no. and identification of the party who will pay the customs duty.
  • Selected recipients of the import shipping instructions are identified in section 2460. Recipient roles in this example include import forwarder, import trucker, import warehouse, customs house broker and customer. Special instructions can be provided to each recipient via the Remarks box, as in figure 18. The viewer may select whether not to send a copy of the import instructions to each of the recipients and may enter specific remarks addressed to the individual recipients.
  • Shipping documents status information for documents required during setup is listed 2461. Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 2470. Missing from this figure are an arrow and a cancel button that applies before an actor enters any information in the display.
  • Figures 25 A-B provide for entry of proof of delivery and import status information.
  • the principal components of this display include navigation bar 2510, shipment description information 2520, summary status information 2530, and an audit trail log 2540, as appeared in figure 15 A.
  • Principal components further include importer and end customer reference numbers 2551, transit status information 2252, customs status information 2553-57, delivery status information 2558-62, and information related to further processing in this shipment stage 1960.
  • Transit status information 2252 includes dates of export, arrival at port of entry, availability from carrier and free time expiration, and further includes the place of international carrier delivery.
  • Customs status information includes import costs entry dates 2553 for preparation, filing and release and for availability from customs 2554.
  • Customs status information further includes applicable customs duty rate(s), total duty amount and indication of whether the duty has been paid. Also, entry no., date and port 2256 and requirements by customs for examination and original documents 2557 are displayed. Delivery status information identifies the consignee and delivery location 2559, requested arrival date 2560 and equipment information 2561.
  • Delivery tracking 2562 includes date and time of pickup dispatching and actual pickup and of delivery to the final recipient.
  • Information related to further processing in this shipment stage includes an indication of the shipment participant responsible for the next action toward completion of the stage 2570.
  • the radio button is completed for the importer. Save, notify and complete buttons appear next to the cancel button because the viewer has authority to approve the proof of delivery and final import status entries.
  • the save button will leave the instructions open for further modification or approval before the recipients are notified.
  • the notify button will approve the instructions and send them to selected recipients.
  • the complete button will complete the shipment, as in figure 16A.

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Abstract

L'invention porte sur des systèmes et procédés d'assistance à des transactions d'import-export permettant de suivre en collaboration des transactions internationales du début à la fin. Les aspects particuliers de l'invention sont décrits dans les revendications, les spécifications et les dessins.
PCT/US2003/026584 2002-08-26 2003-08-25 Systemes et procedes d'assistance a des transactions d'import-export WO2004019180A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003265658A AU2003265658A1 (en) 2002-08-26 2003-08-25 Systems and methods to support import-export transactions

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US22815802A 2002-08-26 2002-08-26
US10/228,158 2002-08-26

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008058860A1 (de) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Jacobian Innovation Unlimited LLC, Wilmington Import-Export-Modellierungssystem
US8121928B2 (en) * 2002-12-27 2012-02-21 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Electronic reimbursement of customs broker
US20230169576A1 (en) * 2020-05-15 2023-06-01 Fuzhou Boe Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. Vehicle order processing method, apparatus and system, and storage medium

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5168444A (en) * 1989-11-15 1992-12-01 Teknekron Transportation Systems Shipment system including processing of document images
US20020032612A1 (en) * 2000-03-28 2002-03-14 Williams Daniel F. Apparatus, systems and methods for online, multi-parcel, multi-carrier, multi-service parcel returns shipping management
US20030009361A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2003-01-09 Hancock Brian D. Method and system for interfacing with a shipping service
US6571149B1 (en) * 1996-11-12 2003-05-27 U.S. Bancorp Shipment transaction system and method
US20030115072A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-19 Rajiv Manucha Integrated import/export system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5168444A (en) * 1989-11-15 1992-12-01 Teknekron Transportation Systems Shipment system including processing of document images
US6571149B1 (en) * 1996-11-12 2003-05-27 U.S. Bancorp Shipment transaction system and method
US20020032612A1 (en) * 2000-03-28 2002-03-14 Williams Daniel F. Apparatus, systems and methods for online, multi-parcel, multi-carrier, multi-service parcel returns shipping management
US20030009361A1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2003-01-09 Hancock Brian D. Method and system for interfacing with a shipping service
US20030115072A1 (en) * 2001-12-18 2003-06-19 Rajiv Manucha Integrated import/export system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8121928B2 (en) * 2002-12-27 2012-02-21 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Electronic reimbursement of customs broker
DE102008058860A1 (de) * 2008-08-28 2010-03-04 Jacobian Innovation Unlimited LLC, Wilmington Import-Export-Modellierungssystem
US20230169576A1 (en) * 2020-05-15 2023-06-01 Fuzhou Boe Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. Vehicle order processing method, apparatus and system, and storage medium

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AU2003265658A8 (en) 2004-03-11
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