ASYCUDA++ IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Ó UNCTAD - SITE (V1.15) B.14 Legislative Reform It is important early in the project to review the Laws under which Customs operate and identify any alterations  that  will  have  to  be  made  to  implement  ASYCUDA  and  accompanying  procedural changes. The situation varies from country to country.  In some instances the necessary changes may be in administrative measures that are within the power of Customs to amend. Other changes may require changes in the statute law that need the approval of the Parliament of the country and the amendment process may be slow and cumbersome. Direct Trader Input (DTI) is an area that is new and not catered for in most legislation. This could include  legal  recognition  of  an  electronic  lodgement  process,  with  electronic  ‘signatures’  and  the like. Tariff  sub-divisions  and  further  tariff  breakdowns  below  6  digit  levels  are  another  area  where legislative change has been needed in previous projects. Procedural Reform It  is  a  significant  task  to  identify  and  implement  procedural  changes.    As  stated  above,  the  SAD replaces the majority of the existing import and export forms currently in use.  In addition, the entry processing method in can follow a completely new path that may include physically separating the Customs Brokers from Customs staff. The computer system may require a revision of procedures to accommodate internationally agreed data standards and codes. Transparent Implementation. During the entire reform process the ASYCUDA implementation team must maintain a high level of openness and transparency. This should go hand in hand with change management efforts carried out within Customs to avoid misinformation,  minimise reaction and resistance based on  rumour or incorrect  information.  One  means  of  reducing  problems  is  to  either  use  existing  Customs  media resources or to commence publication of a regular newsletter. Systems Integration When carrying out the phased introduction of ASYCUDA modules or functions, or integration with other  systems  designed  to  work  in  conjunction  with  the  ASYCUDA  core,  care  must  be  taken  to ensure a rational implementation. One  strategy  is  for  the  creation  of  a  systems  integration  working  group,  to  produce  a  strategic systems  development  plan  acceptable  to  all  parties  and  with  a  clear  assignment  of  development activities. Site Preparation and Facilities Management Implementation   strategy   is   often   dependent   on   the   availability   of   hardware,   site   preparation, communications facilities, facilities management and in some situations the provision of staff to be supplied by contractors. Installation  sites  frequently  require  major  works.  That,  and  difficulties  in  installing  communication lines are frequent causes of project delay. In many instances because of the absence of detailed or accurate   plans   of   existing   buildings   the   unexpected   becomes   the   expected.   Allow   sufficient flexibility in your planning to allow for such occurrences. Fallback Procedures Fallback   procedures   should   be   in   place   before   automation   at   each   site.   The   systems   being automated  will  be  verified  by  manual  procedures  before  automation  at  each  place  and  for  each process.  This  has  the  effect  of  assuring  the  integrity  of  the  fall  back  arrangements  as  well  as providing a test for the new system without the added complication of the computer facilities. Manual  procedures  that  compliment  the  automated  applications  need  to  be  in  place  prior  to computerisation.