Companies are digitizing their global supply chain to streamline the end-to-end import process and establish strong internal controls to stay in compliance and qualify for benefits under the Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program.

Join us for a complimentary Journal of Commerce webinar entitled, Automating Imports at Emerson: Key Learnings to Unlock the Value in Your Global Supply Chain, broadcasting on Thursday, November 3 at 2:00pm EDT. During this webinar, viewers will learn how Emerson Automation Solutions automated their import compliance operations, and strategies for measuring and communicating the value of automation.

Risk is a fact of life for any supply chain, whether it’s dealing with quality and safety challenges, supply shortages, legal issues, regulatory and environmental compliance, or natural disasters. Luckily, companies can take a proactive approach to risk management to ensure their global supply chains are insulated.

Supply chain security can take a number of forms, and the challenge can seem daunting: cyber-crime, terrorism and even regulatory compliance audits are constant, complicated threats. Software can help secure your supply chain and assist with government compliance and internal risk assessment.

Recently, governments have instituted security-related shipment regulations to keep on top of supply chain crime, which helps to protect the supply chain, but also requires an extensive compliance program on the part of the shipper. Global trade management software can assist with programs like the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements (commonly known as “10+2”) in the U.S., and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Additionally, the World Customs Organization has adopted a new framework for security filing programs, meaning that many other countries will adopt similar regimes.

It's been six months since the Importer Security Filing (aka Customs 10+2) regulations took effect, but some companies are still struggling to achieve 100% timely and accurate filings as required by these new regulations.

Please take a minute to answer the following unscientific and highly subjective poll! Based on your answers, I will feature more posts on these exciting trade compliance categories in the future.

In a recent AMR Research study, 53% of 160 global trade professionals surveyed claimed that they would be increasing their investment on global trade management (GTM) software in 2010. Some of the main reasons cited in the study for the increase include: to improve coordination of GTM functions internally; to meet government mandates; to meet security requirements; to protect the brand; and to control various costs.