Case Study: Philippines Bureau of Customs

After working with the Philippines’ Bureau of Customs (BOC) back in 1994 to 1999,
Unisys once again secures this important public sector client, which recently embarked
on a major upgrade of its computer-based operations system, the ASYCUDAWorld (e-
Customs) Project. Under this Project, Unisys will integrate five (5) major systems, i.e.,
BOC Portal, Import and Assessment System, Export Processing System, Operations
Support System, and Enterprise Resource Planning/Customer Relationship
Management System. This multimillion dollar Project aims to provide BOC the requisite
ICT-based tools to enhance its core and support systems, including hardware and
network infrastructure, in seaports and airports nationwide. Consequently, these
enhancements will support and strengthen BOC’s core functions of trade facilitation,
revenue collection and law enforcement.

The BOC, an agency attached to the Department of Finance, is mandated to assess

and collect for government, the correct amount of duties and taxes on imports, facilitate
the release of imported cargoes to the manufacturers/traders, and to protect the society
and the environment from prohibited and harmful substances. In support of these
functions, BOC intends to be more responsive to its clients’ needs and more supportive
of the government goals.

Also included in the solution, is the modernization and rehabilitation of chosen offices in
BOC such as the Port of Manila Formal Entry and Cash Divisions, the Information and
Communications Technology Center (ICT Center) and the Management Information
Systems and Technology Group (MISTG) offices in the Metro Manila ports. Unisys will
also provide technical, implementation and operations support services in the initial
efforts towards a sustainable Customer Relationship Management System and ISO
Certification Plan, change management, comprehensive training programs, and system
maintenance.

The full implementation of these components is expected to result in:

• An automated import and export cargo clearance process, decision support
system, and support infrastructure that will further sharpen and strengthen BOC’s
ability to meet strategic thrusts, to more effectively carry out its mandated tasks
and to satisfy current and future information requirements for better trade
facilitation, enhanced revenue collection, and more reliable and effective
enforcement;
• A streamlined process between the BOC and other agencies in the electronic
exchange of information such as license and permits required for cargo
clearance;
• A realization of the ASEAN Single Window’s vision of ensuring prompt clearance
of imports through single submission and processing of Customs data and single
decision-making for cargo release; and
• An extensive use of E-Commerce solutions that will allow non face-to-face
transactions process that will be more convenient to the transacting public.
Project Benefits
Unisys will deliver the total IT solution to BOC head office, three (3) major ports, 12
provincial ports and 32 sub-ports nationwide. The implementation of the Unisys Solution
will allow BOC to:
• Increase revenue for government;
• Reduce processing time on low risk transactions;
• Carry out efficient and non face-to-face transactions with clients;
• Gain transparency and enhance risk management system;
• Streamline its process and interaction with other agencies;
• Gain compliance with internationally-accepted standards;
• Improve administrative and personnel services; and
• Enhance professionalism of its workforce.

Looking forward to this Project’s successful completion, BOC envisions a big leap
towards the Philippine government’s efforts for e-governance.

To land this important client, our broad-based team applied the Unisys’ TEAMmethod™
and 3D Blueprinting approach to develop a comprehensive solution, which includes
project methodology, software application, technical architecture, change management,
training and system integration. This fulfilment of BOC’s requirements is helped by
Unisys’ intimate knowledge of BOC plus its proven track record with other Philippine
clients — value-adding factors that sealed the deal.