NT Oliebollen Special 2024: The Work for Stream Software is Far From Over
Stream Software is once again part of the 2024 edition of the NT Oliebollen Special. You can read Léon Van Litsenburg's story on page 99.
Shippers or industrial companies are mostly automated with ERP systems. Stream Software always strives for extensive automation and efficiency gains by seamlessly integrating with the ERP systems of the customer (SAP, Navision, J.D. Edwards,...).
Stream Software's CMS is intelligent, ensuring that the most tax-friendly solution is chosen for warehouses and commercial customs systems such as Inward or Outward Processing or Processing under Customs Control.
The interface to the industrial shipper's system is built in such a way that only invoice, packing list and shipment information is needed to perform customs administration. The typical customs code is derived by our Smart Modules and converted to customs declarations and administrations. Therefore, changing the regulations almost never has an impact on the interface with the ERP system. With the current permanent evolution of customs legislation (UCC), this is a particular advantage.
Customs Streamliner® is the complete CMS package for the shipper, which manages all customs procedures within the Benelux within one and the same application.
A brief overview of the supported procedures and administrations:
In addition, the Customs Streamliner® offers numerous modules that facilitate the life of the user.
Customs and the accompanying administrations and reports can be complex and labour intensive. Stream Software offers a comprehensive solution that takes the burden off the customer and keeps them up to date with all the legislative changes within the customs world.
When using the Customs Dossier, Stream Software can offer a fully integrated Customs Management System (DMS).
The linked data (e.g. from an ERP) is automatically converted into a customs file. The built-in scenario and decision modules complete the customs process flows. First of all, the necessary declarations are made (if applicable), then all customs administrations are automatically created and updated in the background.
We strive to automate as much as possible and create efficiency gains, so our solution works like a black box without manual intervention. Via Customs Dossier, all necessary reports can be managed. These reports (e.g. Declaration 71, customs warehouse administrations, GPA,...) are all filled in automatically.
Besides the standard declarations and customs documents, Stream Software is specialised in the automation of all kinds of customs procedures and administrations. Shippers or industrial players are often confronted with (one of) the following procedures:
Bonded warehouse: By placing goods in a bonded warehouse, payment of import duties and VAT is deferred until the goods leave the warehouse again. When the goods leave the warehouse with destination outside the EU (re-export to third country) no import duties and VAT are charged. When the goods leave the customs warehouse with destination Belgium or another EU country, the import duties and VAT are levied at the moment they leave the warehouse.
Stream Software's Customs Streamliner® automates all your customs warehouse administration. Each movement within the warehouse is logged, with a closed audit trail which can be reported to customs without problems. All mandatory reports (e.g. statement 71) are available at all times.
e-Globalisation: Electronic globalisation is replacing the old way of globalisation. The impact is great, as each interim message (subsequent) concerns a complete data set. However, all the advantages of globalisation remain, so that your logistical flow continues to run efficiently. Stream Software was the first software provider live in production. For more information on e-Globalisation, please read our whitepaper.
Other special arrangements: Shippers can obtain further permits as part of their production processes, such as for example inward or outward processing. Also these complex customs procedures are supported by Stream Software within the Customs Streamliner®. Because of the many implementations Stream Software is your knowledge partner within the automation process of these complex flows. Contact us for an analysis of your flows!
Bonded Warehouse: Our Bonded Warehouse distinguishes itself by the natural and logical way in which operations are conducted. Checks are carried out in the background at the times when they are important, resulting in fast and correct processing at the back end of the processes. All flows can be automated in our administration by setting up scenarios and templates specifically for your processes. Thanks to the links with the declaration systems and the reuse of data as much as possible, this provides a considerable reduction in the burden for the declarant.
GPA: The Bonded Warehouse linked to the GPA takes even more work off the hands of the declarant because many transactions can be written directly to the GPA, with which the movements of goods in the warehouse are reported to Customs on a monthly basis. This ensures that no direct physical control can take place by Customs on some goods movements, which in turn ensures a better flow of goods in your warehouse. The GPA process, including all customs and customer specific checks, runs in the background so that your operation is not affected.
The Transport Management System ILS®, Integrated Logistics Streamliner®, enables the shipper to manage his shipments from A to Z. A file is created for each shipment.
Through milestone management, key performance indicators can be monitored. What does not meet the objectives is reported. The Business Intelligence with dashboard integration provides a clear overview of the situation at a glance.
The most important modules are the job management, or dossier tracking systems. They closely monitor the operational flow of the shipment. For this purpose, they have a number of important tools at their disposal.
The Forwarding Assist manages the business process and records the milestones. It assists the user in managing his daily work. It can automatically give instructions, send e-mails, inform customers, postpone invoices and much more. Every task can be taught to the assistant.
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A standard customs declaration determines the customs status of goods, for example, upon import, export, or transit. EMCS, on the other hand, is specifically used to track excise goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and energy products. While a customs declaration pertains to import duties and customs procedures, EMCS monitors the movement and excise status of these goods within the European Union.
NCTS (New Computerized Transit System) is the European system for the electronic management of transit shipments. You use NCTS when goods are transported under customs supervision from one customs office to another without immediate payment of import duties and taxes. Typical examples include T1 transit for non-EU goods and transit shipments between the EU and countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland.
The EU Customs Reform will eventually replace the traditional model of national declarations with a centralized, data-driven ecosystem featuring an EU Customs Data Hub, a European customs authority, and a new “Trust & Check” concept. For businesses, this means a greater focus on data quality, integrations, and automation. For software providers such as Stream Software, this means a shift from declaration processing to managing, validating, and exchanging customs data within a European network.
The UCC reform is having a major impact on customs software. While traditional systems are primarily focused on preparing and submitting declarations, the focus is shifting toward managing, validating, and exchanging customs data within a European digital ecosystem. Software will need to integrate more closely with ERP, WMS, and supply chain systems, support more automated checks, and be prepared for the future EU Customs Data Hub and the “Trust & Check” concept.
The new UCC reform will be implemented in phases. The first components of the EU Customs Data Hub will become operational on July 1, 2028, for e-commerce, after which the rollout will be expanded step by step. The full transition to the new European data-driven customs model is currently scheduled for March 1, 2034. However, companies would be wise to start investing now in data quality, automation, and integrations to prepare for this evolution.
You don’t need to replace your ERP system to bring your customs process in-house. In most projects, the ERP system remains the central system for orders, items, and invoices, while a customs platform such as Customs Streamliner handles declarations, permits, transit, and compliance processes via APIs or interfaces. This allows you to preserve your existing investments while still gaining full control over your customs activities.
The cost of switching from outsourcing to in-house customs declarations depends on the volume of declarations, the desired level of automation, and the existing IT environment. The investment typically consists of software, integrations, training, and process development. For companies with higher and recurring declaration volumes, in-house processing can lead to lower costs per declaration, greater control over compliance, and less dependence on external service providers.
When is internalization a good option? Often when one or more of the following situations apply:
Streamliner Customs integrates with SAP or Navision via APIs, XML interfaces, or file exchange.
SAP or Navision remains responsible for orders, items, and invoices, while the customs software automatically generates declarations, processes customs messages, and returns status updates. This allows companies to retain their existing ERP system while still automating their customs processes.
The ROI of in-house customs declaration processing is determined by savings on external declaration costs, a reduction in manual tasks, increased productivity among declarants, and better control over compliance. Companies with higher and recurring declaration volumes, in particular, often see a quick payback period because fixed software and automation costs replace the variable costs of outsourced declarations.
Good KPIs for calculating ROI:
Be pleasantly surprised and ask for a demo!
