Method
Five phases, in a fixed order
The same order for implementations, support improvement, automation and Customs Tooling. What is delivered depends on the scope of the engagement.
Understand
Current process, responsibilities, systems, data sources, exceptions and risks.
Define
Target process, scope, assumptions, decision points and where responsibility sits.
Configure or build
Configuration, mapping, tooling, automation and monitoring.
Test
Representative scenarios, exceptions, failure behaviour, human approval and fallback.
Hand over and improve
Documentation, handover documentation, support, evaluation and an improvement backlog.
Examples of deliverables per phase
| Understand | Findings on the current process, the systems and the exceptions. |
| Define | Target process, scope, assumptions, decision points and responsibilities. |
| Configure or build | Configuration, mapping, tooling, automation and monitoring. |
| Test | Test set with representative scenarios, exceptions and failure behaviour. |
| Hand over and improve | Documentation, management instructions and an improvement backlog. |
Timescale, scope and deliverables are agreed for each engagement. Where a standardised approach is appropriate, its boundaries are defined in advance.
What is and is not automated
Generally suitable for automation
- Collecting information
- Transferring data from an agreed source
- Structural validation
- Preparing data
- Repetitive processing
- Flagging exceptions
- Status feedback
- Monitoring
- Preparing first-line analysis
Generally requires professional review
- Interpretation of unusual customs situations
- Classification decisions
- Origin assessments
- Authorisation conditions
- Legal disputes
- Final approval where responsibility cannot be delegated
- Rare or poorly documented exceptions
The final design depends on the customer's process, responsibilities, controls and risk profile.
Discuss your situation
Tell us what is going on. Flow29 will assess whether implementation, support, process improvement or Customs Tooling can help.