Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
91
Table 21: OIC Member States Single Window Challenges
Dimension Challenges
Driving the initiative/ project
Challenges to accelerate
implementation, maturity and
scale, and innovate.
There are two critical moments in the SW process.
 In the initial stage: Support has to be mobilized,
resistances have to be overcome and preparatory work
needs to be conducted in a context of financial
uncertainty.
 In the test or production phase: Design choices, errors
or omissions of the preparatory phase are revealed,
but it is too late to make chances to the IT and business
architecture.
Organisational management
Challenges to manage daily
operations of the Single Window
and deliver outputs
Single Window operators face multiple pressures:
 Operating under tight budget;
 Lack of strategic and financial autonomy from the
government;
 Drive for constant innovation and evolution and value
delivery.
IT architecture and
infrastructure
Challenges to design and deliver
a cost effective and flexible IT
architecture that support the
business objectives
The IT architecture and infrastructure is the backbone of every
Single Window. Single Windows face challenges on the level of
 Control of development and operating costs;
 Alignment of IT strategy with the business strategy;
 Interoperability at the data and business process level;
 Data harmonization and management.
Performance management
Challenges to measure
performance and ensure quality
of service
Performance measurement and management are important to
ensure a long term impact of the Single Window, and
organizational improvement and planning. Challenges faced are
 Lack of common measurement methodology,
indicators, and data;
 Lack of awareness of quality assurance and
commitments.
Regionalisation
Challenges related to cross-
border cooperation and
definition of standards,
procedures and legal framework
Regionalisation aims to connect national Single Windows share
data across national borders. Challenges for cross-border
initiatives are
 IT interconnectivity and interoperability;
 Agreement and implementation of common standards,
business process, documents, technical specifications;
 Cross-border legal framework for e-documents and
signature, privacy and data retention;
 Mechanism to share financial costs.
Source: Authors’ own compilation
5.1.1. Initiation Phase of Single Window Initiatives
Four challenges occur or relate to the initiation phase of Single Window initiatives. The table
below shows these challenges and possible strategies and options to overcome these challenges.