Together with partner Ygl Convergence, two business collaboration messaging solutions - the Electronic Data Interchange[ 1] (EDI) System and the Unattended PC EDI Gateway – were built on the Sterling Commerce Gentran Integration Suite (GIS). This created an integrated, fluid messaging platform which enabled Jurong Port to align their system with their customers, making the transaction of data and invoicing more efficient, while giving Jurong Port better visibility to information to identify potential issues in the supply chain.

“With over 7000 ships calling at our ports every year, it is integral for us to meet their needs in the most efficient manner on all fronts, including declaring cargo manifests and shipment booking records. GIS’ unified, single and cost-effective platform met all our EDI requirements to make transactions more efficient and secure,” commented Ho Kong Meng, manager, Information Technology, Jurong Port Pte Ltd.

“It also helped us streamline our EDI implementation process and focus on providing more value-added services to drive a more superior experience for our customers,” added Ho.

Prior to the implementation, EDI messaging was implemented using traditional Java™ programming. Maintaining and customising EDI messaging for various customers with different EDI message versions requires effort and is a time-consuming process. Sterling Commerce GIS, which was implemented within seven weeks, provided Jurong Port with a stardardised, flexible integration platform from which it could interact with partners in real time and manage large electronic communities and sensitive data more securely.

“Today’s growing global supply chain had put tremendous pressure on ports and they are constantly looking for new ways to improve terminal and customer management.” said Fulvio Lana, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Sterling Commerce Asia Pacific. “Jurong Port is an excellent example of a port that has leveraged technology to position itself as a premier multi-purpose port and services provider. We are confident that the stability and functionality of GIS will be able to provide a solid foundation on which Jurong Port can build flexible and secure systems to drive greater competitive advantage.”

About Sterling Commerce
Sterling Commerce, a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), helps 80 percent of the FORTUNE® 500 thrive in a global economy by solving complex business process challenges. The company’s innovative software and services integrate customers’ systems - inside and outside the four walls of the enterprise - so companies can conduct business without borders. Sterling Commerce solutions help customers adopt best practices in e-sales, supply chain execution, payment processing and business-to-business integration. The solutions also give executives and front-line managers greater visibility inside and outside the enterprise in order to improve profitability, reduce costs and minimise risk. Sterling Commerce enables businesses to innovate key processes in real time, while continuing to deploy ERP or transaction system infrastructures. With more than 30,000 customers worldwide, Sterling Commerce has unparalleled experience in retail, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, financial services, supply chain, logistics, and telecommunications. More information on Sterling Commerce can be found at www.sterlingcommerce.com

[1] EDI refers to systems used in the creation, transmission and receipt of documents that are structured according a set of specific standards established for information that needs to electronically exchanged between two entities.