EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) communication between the clearing agents and Customs came into effect in the latter part of 2002. Although teething problems were experienced in the initial stages, this facility is now in full swing and has resulted in a much improved turnaround time for documentation. In the past documentation submitted to Customs would take on average 3 - 5 days before released. With EDI, we are now in the position where the average time for release is between 2 - 4 hours!!! It goes without saying that any clearing agent without this very important tool will not be competitive in our modern day and age. Project Freight is in the fortunate position to have this facility on hand via the world leading IT specialists for the air cargo & freight forwarding industry, Compu-Clearing Outsourcing Limited.

EDI is the Computer-to-computer exchange of business data in standard formats. In EDI, information is organized according to a specified format set by both parties, allowing a "hands-off" computer transaction that requires no human intervention or re-keying on either end. All information contained in an EDI transaction set is, for the most part, the same as on a conventionally printed document.

Organizations have adopted EDI for the same reasons they have embraced much of todays modern technology-enhanced efficiency and increased profits. Benefits of EDI include:

· Reduced cycle time
· Better inventory management
· Increased productivity
· Reduced costs
· Improved accuracy
· Improved business relationships
· Enhanced customer service
· Increased sales
· Minimized paper use and storage
· Increased cash flow