BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
A new benchmark was set yesterday between Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and Pronto Software Limited from Australia.
Both parties signed a new agreement to implement a new streamline software called Pronto which looks at improving daily service deliveries of ports authority’s international wharf.
SIPA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Eranda Kotelawala said implementation of the Pronto software will provide better customer service and experiences to all levels internationally, regionally and nationally.
Kotelawala explained such newly introduced digitised system will slowly remove all manual systems which SIPA is currently using.
“We have a lot of manual systems in place and now we are trying to move into making them more digital to provide a better service, revenue collection and also for stakeholders like shipping agent getting their invoices accurately on time and with much more details,” he adds
“It will also improve our finance and billing systems to speed up invoicing procedures.”
Kotelawala said interesting part of the Pronto software is when implemented it will improve internal processes, outputs and relationships undertaken with other stakeholders.
He adds, it will liaise Ports with international shipping lines, fast track invoice procedure and clearing of all the deliverables.
Manager of Business Development for Pronto Software Mr Peter Hoek said they are very proud and humbled by the trust SIPA has given to assist in its development ambition.
“With our assistance on this journey we would like to look at improving the commercial aspect of SIPA so that Solomon Islands will be able to benefit from.
“I would like to say we are very proud to be selected, hence let make it happened,” he said.
With the Pronto software, Solomon Islands is the first Ports in the Pacific to embark on this journey especially with the newly introduced initiatives which combine weight motion, integrated finance and billing system.
Also, the software combines effective billing of Human Resource and Pay roll which puts the country on the next level.
