chris thibedeau

WCO SG Speech - Happening Now...Opening Ceremony of 2018 WCO IT Conference in Lima, Peru

WCO SG Speech - Happening Now...Opening Ceremony of 2018 WCO IT Conference in Lima, Peru

June 6, 1015am:  Dr. Kunio Mikuriya delivers an opening speech that touches on risk management and data sharing + border coordination between Customs and OGAs.  He also referenced machine learning and artificial intelligence as emerging technologies for Customs.

Interested in seeing a tangible example or demonstration of what that looks like?  Visit the TTEK booth #19 for a live demo!

The ASYCUDA Myth Part 4:  Time to Open Source

The ASYCUDA Myth Part 4:  Time to Open Source

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has never intended to open source ASYCUDA (as the WCO recently did in June 2017 with their Cargo Targeting System).  It seems clear that Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) should not be in the business of building and selling rudimentary software solutions, and donors should not be funding the development or deployment especially when there is an appearance of a kickback scheme for a select few...

The ASYCUDA Myth Part 3:  Where is ASYCUDA Millennium?

The ASYCUDA Myth Part 3:  Where is ASYCUDA Millennium?

Today we launch the next chapter in our series on ASYCUDA.  We hope you enjoy.  If you missed parts 1 and 2, they can be accessed here:

The ASYCUDA Myth Part 1

 The ASYCUDA Myth Part 2

In the last chapter, we discussed the findings of the UN Audits on ASYCUDA and UNCTAD in 2008 and 2012.  In this chapter, we discuss the plans UNCTAD had for ASYCUDA and why they never actually emerged. 

As requested by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in 2008, UNCTAD/ASYCUDA was asked to develop a strategy in regards to the development and roll-out of the next generation of ASYCUDA World branded as “ASYCUDA Millennium”...

The WCO CTS Myth – Part 2: A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons of an IGO Targeting System

The WCO CTS Myth – Part 2: A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons of an IGO Targeting System

A good discussion followed Part 1 of The WCO CTS Myth.  Access the PART 1 blog here.  Part 2 will focus on the functions and integration methodology for the system. It sounds like the WCO thinks it is doing the right thing by building an entry level targeting system for it’s members who want one. There’s nothing overly nefarious here.  The problem is, it puts the WCO in direct competition with the technology vendors....

The WCO CTS Myth - Part 1: Is the WCO Marketing with the ASYCUDA model?

The WCO CTS Myth - Part 1: Is the WCO Marketing with the ASYCUDA model?

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is blocking the technology providers from those countries who require and seek a robust risk management solution, by suggesting their Cargo Targeting System (CTS) as the only viable solution available.  No market awareness or survey is provided. Sure -the WCO will point members to the TEN network or WCO IT Conference, but it’s clear to us that members are shown all roads lead to the CTS…. especially when they are told it makes them compliant with WCO SAFE....