Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
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5.4 Policy recommendations
The following recommendations aim to assist COMCEC and its member countries as they seek
to set up Single Windows, improve existing Single Windows, and foster cross-border and
regional Single Window initiatives.
5.4.1 Encourage further development of National Single Windows
The number of Single Windows in OIC Member States has significantly grown in the last seven
years and is likely to continue to increase further. The Single Window efforts of the OIC
Member States should be further encouraged keeping in mind the following recommendations:
1. Mobilise sufficient resources and time to develop skills and knowledge prior and
during the development of a Single Window and invest into continues training,
namely of IT skills.
Decisions that are taken in the early phases of a Single Window initiative are crucial
for the success of the project and for shaping the design and development of the
system. It is therefore necessary to ensure close involvement and collaboration of the
relevant stakeholders and availability of technical expertise in the preparation of the
vision, strategy and business processes alignment and assessments.
Changes to the legal and regulatory framework should be undertaken from the
beginning of the project and the necessary legal framework for e-documents and
digital signatures need to be in place when the Single Window becomes operational.
Furthermore, Single Window Systems brings transformational changes on the way of
government agencies and commercial entities on delivering service to end-users and
collaboration among them. Therefore, it is necessary that agencies integrated into the
Single Window change their practices and behaviour and regulatory framework.
Stakeholders therefore need to be systematically engaged at all levels throughout the
project to motivate and monitor the implementation of these changes.
2. Mobilise a culture and behaviour that support the changes of the Single Window
The success of a Single Window project is tied to changes of the way government
officials and the business community operate, approach service delivery, and
collaborate. Staff at all management levels and with diverse backgrounds are engaged
in the task of developing and implementing a Single Window. This engagement needs
to be managed and sustained over time through systematically involving users into the
project design and testing, through creating incentives and motivations for change and
by building knowledge and skills of the people involved. Attracting, retaining and
developing staff with skills and competencies in areas such as business process
analysis, project management and IT is crucial for the sustainability of Single
Windows.