Single Window Systems

In the OIC Member States

Interconnectivity has three dimensions:



The process level whereby standardised data and procedures build the foundation for a

common process and data model. If two agencies or end -users administrations use

different processes and data models, interoperability will be hard to achieve.



Then there is message interoperability, whereby data is exchanged in a process based

on the same semantic structures and definitions. As mentioned above there is always a

certain amount of data translation or conversion but the aim is to minimize these

requirements to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, by using the same

syntax and the same message implementation guidelines.



And finally there is the technical interoperability which translates into infrastructure

requirements to support technical exchange of information through interconnectivity

patterns like network systems and communication standards, security devices and

encryption etc.

Interoperability also requires data translation and conversion, but the extent of this can be

minimized through data harmonisation/integration

and alignment with international

standards. Recent SW projects place an emphasis on this work to be done as part of the

implementation.

2.2.

Practice: Singapore Single Window

The Singapore Single Window, TradeNet/TradeXchange, is the world’s first Single Window

electronic platform and is operational since January 1989. It is a platform for secure

interconnectivity and exchange of information between traders, government agencies and

logistics service providers and covers all

trade regulatory requirements.

Since 1989, the Singaporean Single Window has gradually and continuously developed and is

now in its 4

generation. The back office services that on a daily basis process approximately

25.000 requests for permits and certificates—out of which 95 % of the requests are

automatically processed—are a critical success factor for the Singapore Single Window.

TradeNet/TradeXchange has an integrated risk management system, which currently manages

8000 rules (agencies’ taxonomy services and risk profiles), and the validation, reconciliation and

write off of the requests are processed automatically.

2.2.1.

SW Evolution in Singapore

The Single Window initiative was launched in December 1986, when the Singaporean

Government formed the Executive Committee, led by Trade Development Board (TDB-Trade

Agency) and National Computer Board (NCB IT agency). In mid-1988, Singapore Network

Services Pte Ltd (late’88 renamed CrimsonLogic) was created to develop and operate the

Data transformation / integration is the identification of common data elements’ formats, compliant with the WCO and UN

Data Model and the mapping of these data elements to the business processes.

There is only one import permit that is currently not covered as it is rarely used.