Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
114
assistance also frequently takes the form of advice and capacity building and support the
preparatory work.
5.3.1 Technical Assistance Contributions
Single Windows are costly, lengthy and complex projects. Many Single Windows have reported
that they received technical assistance for the development of the SW, namely advice, capacity
building, and funding79.
Preparatory Work
From the case studies it appears that technical assistance is mainly requested during the initial
phase in support of the preparatory work. Technical assistance contributes to feasibility
studies, the development of the Single Window strategy and IT strategy. Technical assistance
can make an important contribution during this phase as different technical expertise and
knowledge of other SW systems need to be pulled together.
The quality of the preparatory work can only be ensured if technical assistance only
contributes but does not run this process and in case of analysis and drafting procedures, is
not operating without involvement of the national project team. Strategies that are drafted by
an external consultant may not reach the required level of buy-in and may not adequately
reflect the specificity of the country.
Business process analysis and data analysis and harmonization are activities that are
frequently conducted by consultants contracted by development partners. A business process
analysis is necessary to develop the functional requirements and specifications and should
ideally be done in a comprehensive manner.
Data harmonization is based on a standardized approach and tools that can be easily sourced
in and the results can be translated into practice by a local team. Business process analysis is
slightly more difficult and over-reliance on technical assistance is not recommended for the
following reasons:
79 Funding is no longer discussed as this is financial assistance
Box 5: Contribution of Technical Assistance in the Kyrgyz Republic
In the Kyrgyz Republic GIZ and USAID jointly conducted and drafted the SW feasibility study,
a matrix of requirements, and legal documents for the creation of the SW enterprise. GIZ also
funded three study visits and financed the IT pilot system covering 6 agencies. The pilot
systems’ aim was to overcome doubts of stakeholders. The technical assistance also helped
building government support to the Single Window over a long period of time.