The Global Forwarding Division within C.H. Robinson faced common hurdles managing complex commercial customs invoices and packing lists. As a leader in its field, this was a major concern seeing that the company generates over $30 billion in freight yearly and aids 100,000,000+ customers globally. Their services drive trade, managing 20 million annual shipments, leveraging expertise and technology for smarter solutions.
Before integrating Genus Technologies into their workflow processes, extensive manual intervention was required, particularly with the complexities of multi-line invoices spanning hundreds of pages. The variability in formatting within these documents posed a critical challenge.
Genus Technologies stepped in with Advanced Table Processor (ATP), collaborating with Tungsten Automation (formerly Kofax) Transformation Table Locator, to enhance data processing and provide substantial benefits for importers and exporters navigating the strictly relegated area of global trade.
CHALLENGES
Before calling on Genus Technologies, C.H. Robinson’s Global Forwarding team grappled with typical challenges in its customs brokerage processes. Handling dynamic formatting variability within complex invoices was a major obstacle for the organization. The team also depended on manual data entry, which critically impacted efficiency and accuracy. Because of the strict guidelines in the import/export space, the process demanded 100% accuracy, which is nearly impossible using extensive manual processes.
The inefficiencies of manual data entry was extremely time-consuming, taking an average of 2 to 3 hours per job for invoices ranging from 120 to 250 pages. This made the bill entry task time-consuming, labor-intensive, and subject to human error.
It also hindered the prompt completion of customs forms, risking non-compliance, delayed shipments, and diminished trust among customers. Faced with these issues, the inquisitive team at C.H. Robinson sought a more streamlined and effective solution to improve and optimize invoicing processes.
"Genus provides a great level of support with the ability to customize and enhance the quality of workflow-build, and with automated validation checks. This makes them truly invaluable to us." – Wayne Gilleo, Sr. Manager, Automation Solutions at C.H. Robinson
SOLUTION
The Global Forwarding Division initially utilized Tungsten Automation Transformation’s Table Locator, finding that while it excelled at handling standard tables, it struggled to keep up with complex invoices and unconventional packing lists.
After researching solutions, the enterprising team discovered Genus Technologies’ Advanced Table Processor (ATP), an ‘accelerator’ that collaborates with the Tungsten solution. After a bit of Genus customization, the team witnessed a ten-fold improvement in their data extraction processes.
Shortly after the integration of ATP, the team also experienced drastically reduced manual intervention, effectively managing the formatting variability that previously hindered automation. The tailored approach optimized automation for invoices, while quick manual entry was preferred for smaller invoices, balancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
ATP is now an important tool within C.H. Robinson’s Global Forwarding Division, streamlining processes, significantly enhancing customs form completion, and empowering their operations with heightened accuracy and efficiency in managing complex commercial invoices.
Results and Benefits
While C.H. Robinson’s integration of Genus Technologies' ATP significantly increased efficiency and accuracy, it also reduced processing time from hours to as low as 20 minutes per job. With the implementation of ATP, the division achieved 100% accuracy – crucial for customs clearance.
This solution not only handles previously deemed complex invoices with ease, it also streamlines exception correction. Shipments previously requiring days for simple data entry are now processed in minutes, speeding up the logistics and cargo sectors.
“We need to clear customs on export and import and if the information is inaccurate, it can result in fines, penalties, and delays in shipping,” says Wayne Gilleo, Sr. Manager, Automation Solutions at C.H. Robinson. “So, without question, we strive for 100% accuracy and timeliness. ATP gives us this and more.”
To sum it up, this transformation not only minimizes manual labor but also significantly reduced error rates, ensuring accuracy, and improving efficiency.
Benefits included:
- Achieved 100% accuracy
- Reduced processing time for complex line items
- Boosted productivity
- Decreased manual labor
- Streamlined the entry-writing process
- Lowered error rates
- Improved overall operational efficiency
SUMMARY
The Global Forwarding Division within C.H. Robinson faced daunting challenges managing complex commercial invoices and packing lists, critical for their $30 billion freight operation serving over 100,000 global customers. This struggle led to extensive manual interventions, demanding precision in processing 20 million shipments annually. Genus Technologies' Advanced Table Processor (ATP), integrated with Tungsten Automation (formerly Kofax) Transformation Table Locator, emerged as the “game-changer.”
Before ATP, the division struggled with complex invoices and manual data entry, taking hours for each job. These challenges risked compliance, delayed shipments, and diminished client trust. ATP's integration improved their approach, reducing processing time to as low as 20 minutes, ensuring 100% accuracy, and streamlining complex customs forms.
The implementation of ATP transformed operations, minimized manual labor, reduced error rates, and boosted productivity. This shift not only streamlined exception correction but also efficiently managed previously complex invoices, enhancing logistics and cargo sectors. The benefits included achieving perfect accuracy, reducing processing time, boosting productivity, minimizing manual labor, reducing error rates, and overall enhancing operational efficiency.
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