In 2008, it was announced that from July 2009 on, all filings of export documents must take place electronically through the Automated Export System - AES. Like many other companies, Syngenta had to face this challenge and find an effective simplified European customs solution.
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies and is dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Therefore, Syngenta needed a customs solution that would ensure their efficient supply chain and goods flow.
Until then, Syngenta had outsourced their customs activities but decided to look for its own solution as part of a process rationalisation effort.
Choosing the right Customs Software Provider
After Syngenta had benchmarked various customs solution providers, they quickly discovered that MIC was the most suitable candidate for
their sophisticated needs. They decided to implement MIC’s Software as a Service solution (SaaS). Pramod Prasanth, Syngenta’s EAME Supply Chain Operations Programme Manager, states, ‘One of the major benefits is MIC’s multi-country capacity (40+ countries), allowing multinational companies to connect to national customs authorities worldwide via one customs software.’
Other elements that convinced Syngenta that MIC were the right partner:
- MIC’s solution is modular. Like in an “A la carte Menu” you can choose the applications you really need. Not more or less.
- Low investment expenses and „pay per use“ cost savings thanks to MIC’s SaaS.
- MIC provides competence and profound technical knowledge.
- MIC’s solution can easily be integrated into SAP which is Syngenta’s corporate ERP system.
- Competitive pricing given MIC’s range and quality of services.
- MIC’s experience with multi-country customs projects.
MIC’s impressive list of references, including a broad range of big, established, global companies.
In March 2009 MIC and Syngenta decided to implement MIC’s solution in Belgium, Switzerland, France and the UK.
Complex, changing requirements ... You are in a project!
The project phase itself was at times challenging. Through efficient cooperation, the two companies were able to successfully overcome
all obstacles they had to face. Pramod Prasanth points out, ‘It was highly beneficial that MIC’s project team was very knowledgeable
in the application. Their flexibility and their ability to adapt to changing requirements considerably facilitated the project. Moreover, the process of sending the EDI documentation to transporters was enabled by MIC’s cooperation with inet.‘
In July 2009 Syngenta had their go live on SaaS export in Belgium, followed by Switzerland and France.
What are the benefits, now?
After now, more than one and a half year of experience with the MIC system, Syngenta is highly satisfied with the final outcome. Not only is the system running stable and properly, but also MIC’s support activities are very satisfying. Pramod Prasanth highlights, ‘One of the major benefits? We continue to maintain the high standard of compliance! We are benefitting from an improved efficiency and transparency of the whole process.’
Furthermore, Syngenta is now also more efficient in terms of controls of the export. If something is not working correctly, they can handle it immediately.
Thanks to MIC’s solution, Syngenta’s customs clearance is now fully automated. Syngenta only has 2-3 people working directly with the
application. The company, thus, gains flexibility and time that can be used for other important matters. Pramod Prasanth says, ‘Clearance automation represents an enormous relief and helps us to save a significant amount of time. We don’t need customs experts in all countries, as our team has access to all the data and can help easily at any time.’
Instead of employing and maintaining multiple customs systems, Syngenta benefits now from having only one interface and one customs
system. This enables easy data exchange among Syngenta’s subsidia ries and national customs authorities. As a result the customs process gets simpler and cheaper across the entire supply chain.