ASYCUDA++ IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Ó UNCTAD - SITE (V1.15) B.7 Community Computer Networks The  potential  benefits  of  EDI  extend  to  all  members  of  the  trading  community.  As  the  use  of  EDI expands,  Customs  can  be  seen  as  only  one  of  a  number  of  clients  on  a  ‘Trade  Community’ computer network who can receive data electronically and to which they usually ‘add value’ and re- transmit. ASYCUDA⁺⁺ Customs Trader Shipping Company Bank Customs Broker Port Authority Direct Trader Input (DTI) The  functionality  of  ASYCUDA,  and  the  Client/Server  architecture,  makes  the  system  ideal  for extensive  use  of  Direct  Trader  Input.  It  is  simple  matter  for  the  trader  or  Customs  broker,  in  their own office, to create, check and lodge an electronic declaration with Customs. They   can   (depending   on   the   system   configuration)   ‘request’   assessment   electronically,   the declaration can be paid automatically upon assessment and release made immediately available - all within a matter of minutes. Through  selectivity,  and  applying  a  process  of  rational  thought  to  Customs  risks  and  effective control    methods,    the    system    offers    the    opportunity    to    make    radical    improvements    to    the effectiveness of the operations of many Customs administrations. Project teams are likely to meet considerable resistance to such changes, from within Customs and also the trade. For instance, in many countries an organised or technically qualified Customs broker network doesn’t currently exist. The introduction of new technologies and methods requires much preparatory   work.   Implementation   strategies   often   include   an   extensive   information/education program for the trade as well as Customs. Within  Customs,  ‘Senior  Management’  and  ‘Risk  Assessment  and  Targeting’  courses  are  highly recommended as a medium to promote discussion on new Customs methods and providing for the use    of    Risk    Management    techniques    and    targeted    selection    of    declarations    outside    the classification of normal trade.