News

August 2010 Version 6.1X released	61X is released with 10 enhancements including major developments to the Transport and Equipment Modules.
July 2010 Version 6.1W released	61W is released with 15 enhancements including changes to the auto loading of Purchase Invoices, Equipment Reporting, additional Dashboard functionality and enhanced SQL table maintenance.
June 2010 Version 6.1V released	61V is released with 15 enhancements including exciting new functionality within the System Users area of the system, various enhancements to both the Dashboard and the Stock Module.
June 2010 FCL welcomes new customers	FCL offers a warm welcome to the following companies who have placed order during Q1/Q2 2010:    Interspan Freight Solutions    Choice Waste Management    Westbound Shipping
May 2010 Version 6.1T released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1T is released, comprising 32 enhancements including EDI analysis improvements, storage of urls in e-Documents, a new EU VAT Analysis report, passing of Tracking Events into the Document Generation routine and ODBC and SQL database mirroring enhancements.
March 2010 FCL withdraws IE6 support	Following Google's recent announcement about the browsers that it will support in conjunction with its Web applications, FCL has now made a policy decision that falls very much in line with theirs. The most notable outcome is that, as of Version 6.1R, Microsoft's Internet Explorer version 6 (IE6) will no longer be classed as a supported browser.
March 2010 Version 6.1R released	ForwardOffice 6.1R is released, featuring significant 34 enhancements. This major release includes changes to Sales Invoice VAT logic, in order to comply with the changes brought in by the 2009 Finance Act to "the place of supply of services rules". It is also the version in which FCL's new ISF/10+2 module will be delivered, allowing its customers to comply with US CBP requirements.
January 2010 FCL sponsors BIFA Awards	The ceremony for the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2009 took place on Thursday 21st January in central london. As an Associate Member of BIFA for many years now, FCL was proud to sponsor the "Special Services Award". FCL was absolutely delighted that this category was won by one of its longest-standing and largest customers - sincere congratulations to Woodland International Transport! FCL would like to offer its congratulations to the winners of all the other categories, but in particular another two of its own customers - Gist (Staff Development Award) and World Transport Agency (Young Freight Forwarder Award). FCL Director, Russell Woodward, presents the Special Services Award trophy to John Stubbings of Woodland International Transport: With some of our customers at the reception: Above, from left to right:    Graham Donnelly (Financial Director, FCL)    Russell Woodward (Software Development Director, FCL)    Shane Beamish (Financial Director, Peters & May)    Andy Polley (Regional Managing Director UK/Ireland, Phoenix International Freight    Services)    Ken Stewart (Marketing Director, FCL)    Robert Cotter (Director of Group Finance, Genesis Forwarding Services)    Nick Walker (Managing Director, SBS Worldwide)    Kevin Stevens (Chairman & CEO, Woodland International Transport)    John Stubbings (Director & Company Secretary, Woodland International Transport)
January 2010 FCL welcomes more new customers	"Economic downturn - what economic downturn?" At any rate, FCL appears to be bucking the trend, 2009 having been one of its busiest years of the noughties. Another warm welcome to the following companies, which placed orders for ForwardOffice during Q3 and are now in the process of going live:    Cardinal Maritime    EFM Event Logistics    Global Specialised Services    Huelin Renouf FCL is certainly getting something right, as 2010 appears set to continue in the same vein - further new customer announcements will be made in due course.
December 2009 Version 6.1Q released	ForwardOffice 6.1Q is released, featuring 16 significant enhancements. This release includes a number of wide-ranging changes to the Customs Entry infrastructure in preparation for ISF/10+2, the new "MyJobs" function and a number of exciting new additions to the Corporate Reporter.
October 2009 FCL welcomes new customers	Deferred for confidentiality reasons, FCL is now delighted to announce that the following companies have joined its growing customer base during Q1/Q2 2009:    Graylaw Freight Group    Killick Martin Group    TS International    Tuscor Lloyds FCL extends a warm welcome to one and all. We are also delighted to announce that four more orders for ForwardOffice were also placed during Q3. These systems are in various stages of implementation, further announcements will be made in due course.
October 2009 Version 6.1O released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1O is released, featuring 10 enhancements including a major enhancement to enhance the editing of HTML documents.
August 2009 Version 6.1M released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1M is released, featuring 22 enhancements including enhancements to Correspondence, Documentation production and printing.
June 2009 Version 6.1K released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1K is released, featuring 10 enhancements including a completely re-written System Update program.
April 2009 Version 6.1I released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1I is released, featuring 35 enhancements including enhancements to Name and Address Maintenance, Dashboard and Operations Workbench.
March 2009 Version 6.1H released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1H is released, featuring 19 enhancements including Client Utilities and Package Type Tariffs.
February 2009 Version 6.1G released	ForwardOffice Version 6.1G is released, featuring 16 enhancements including greatly enhanced Credit Control Functions especially important in these difficult financial times to keep on top of outstanding revenue items.
January 2009 Version 5.2X released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2X is released, featuring 33 enhancements including ASP Stock Enquiry user definable report views and a complete rewrite of the Supplier Self Billing program
October 2008 Version 5.2V released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2V is released, featuring 34 significant enhancements. Reschedule events on ForwardVision, ability to define OPS Analysis-related Events and various other event enhancements in ForwardVision, Tracking & the KPI area within Dashboard. Also various enhancements to the Transport Module.
August 2008 Version 5.2T released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2T is released, featuring 19 significant enhancements. ITN Numbers added for US clients, enhancements to the Stock module including providing auto production of records to cover pre-set date ranges for charging.
June 2008 Version 5.2R released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2R is released, featuring 34 significant enhancements. New table tariff types, changes to the set-up of Client CRM profiles, various useful additions to the Dashboard and new fields for Webtrack and Consignment Tracking.
April 2008 Version 5.2P released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2P is released, featuring 34 significant enhancements. Includes the ability to generate XML Styled Spreadsheets from lists and various enhancements to the Corporate Reporter module. Also changes for new regulations for VAT Invoicing in the EC and enhancements to e-Documents visibility.
February 2008 Version 5.2N released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2N is released, featuring 30 significant enhancements. In this major release, a brand new Client Management utility option brings with it a variety of advanced functions that will all help to simplify and improve the management of this key data. A number of important changes have also been made to the way in which Client Contacts work and are maintained. A new "Reverse Logic Bulk Invoicing" facility has also been introduced, which can be especially useful where billing a client a fixed amount, such as a "Service Charge", across a range of shipments for a given period.
December 2007 Version 5.2L released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2L is released, featuring 45 significant enhancements. This major release includes some exciting enhancements to Public Tracking, as described in the earlier December News pre-release announcement listed below. This bumper release also introduces advanced new features into the Operations Dashboard, a completely re-vamped Ocean Freight Bill of Lading Rating facility and a variety of powerful enhancements to the Purchase Invoice Approval mechanism, to name but a few.
December 2007 Christmas Greetings from FCL	As 2007 draws to a close, FCL would like to thank all of its customers for their continued custom. Traditionally, FCL has sent out a little "thank you" present to its customers, but this year we have instead decided to increase the charitable donation that we normally make as an alternative to sending out Christmas cards. Customers will find consolation in the knowledge that, along with FCL, they have contributed to a most worthwhile cause. This year, we are supporting the leading children's organisation, UNICEF, with a donation of £1,500. FCL would like to wish you, your families and all of your colleagues a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
December 2007 Public Tracking Enhancements Pre-Release Announcement	First launched with Version 5.2H, Public Tracking has been further enhanced with the principal objective of providing secure access to "private" information through this "public" service. This has been achieved through the addition of a new "Customer PIN". The PIN can be optionally passed into Public Tracking, allowing it to identify the party making the query and adjust its behaviour as required with regard to what information should be displayed. In addition to the PIN, a new "Composite URL" option has also been made available for inclusion within Event-generated e-Mail messages. This provides a simple means of embedding a hyperlink within an e-Mail message that includes both the Consignment Reference and the Customer PIN. When the recipient opens the e-Mail and clicks on the hyperlink, Public Tracking is launched and the Consignment displayed as required with the relevant "view" and "private" information. This new functionality becomes available with ForwardOffice Version 5.2L, which will be available for general release on 28th December 2007. Click here for information about Public Tracking, and a preview of this new capability.
November 2007 Genesis Forwarding expand use of ForwardOffice	As a long-standing FCL customer, for many years Genesis Forwarding has supported its UK and US operations through separate ForwardOffice server implementations, sited in those countries. Genesis are always looking for ways to streamline processes and pass these efficiencies on to their customers and, following acquisitions and expansion into new markets, they recognised a growing requirement for a centralised solution, to which all worldwide offices could be connected. Genesis and FCL have now agreed a major project whereby a single implementation of ForwardOffice will be installed into Genesis’ global headquarters, located in the UK, with all satellite locations connected over a VPN-based WAN. The new global network will begin rolling out during December, with Hong-Kong as the first satellite to be connected.
November 2007 FT Groupage Orders ForwardOffice	Forward Computers has won a contract to supply ForwardOffice to FT Groupage, which provides daily groupage freight services from each of its locations in Oldbury and Warrington. Following training over the next two months, FT Groupage plan to go live with ForwardOffice in January 2008.
November 2007 ConneXion World Cargo expand use of ForwardOffice	ConneXion World Cargo has recently opened offices in Halifax Canada and Hong Kong and fully implemented ForwardOffice into these locations over their WAN. This has enabled ConneXion to introduce the ForwardOffice Consignment EDI module, which provides for office-to-office EDI consignment bookings to be automatically generated between offices, thus providing productivity savings and reducing duplication of data input.
October 2007 Version 5.2j released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2j is released, featuring 26 significant enhancements. In this major release, a variety of new features have been added to the Corporate Reporting module. Further enhancements have also been made to e-Document management, allowing for customer preferences to be configured such that Invoices are e-Mailed as PDF attachments to a nominated e-Mail address, as an alternative to printing and physically mailing.
October 2007 SAD-H goes live	Following successful beta-testing during the last week of September, FCL is delighted to announce that its SAD-H software went live at Arends International during the first week of October. The feedback received from Arends' staff has been very positive and they are unanimous that Entry preparation and submission is substantially quicker under the new SAD-H programs. FCL’s sincere thanks go to Arends for their invaluable contribution to this project. SAD-H will roll out to all other customer sites on a phased basis from 15th October until mid-December.
October 2007 Unsworth Global Logistics go live	In July, Forward Computers won a contract to supply ForwardOffice to London-based Unsworth Global Logistics. Following a phased implementation that began in early September, Unsworth went fully live in early October, with all aspects of operational activity now being performed through ForwardOffice.
October 2007 Bibby International Logistics expand use of ForwardOffice	For some considerable time now, FCL has been proud to include Bibby International Logistics in its customer portfolio. Following recent acquisitions, both parties have now agreed a major project whereby Bibby will expand their use of ForwardOffice, making this the single platform for the various strands of their business to operate under and encompass the full range of their logistics activity.
August 2007 Version 5.2h released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2h is released, featuring 30 significant enhancements. This major release goes hand-in hand with CSP-Connect Version 3, which now supports asynchronous communications between ForwardOffice and CSP-Connect using SOAP Web Services, as an alternative option to the traditional FTP file transfer mechanism. This improves Customs Entry response times substantially and also offers an enhanced experience to the end-user. Version 5.2h also includes a number of key enhancements to FCL’s Web application offerings via the FCL-ASP platform. In particular, FCL is pleased to announce the provision of a new "Public Tracking" application, which allows any party to track a Consignment, without having to formally log in. While undertaking this work, a variety of changes have been undertaken to enhance the visual presentation and new options have also been included to allow our customers to apply their own branding to the product
August 2007 SAD-H Update	Following the SAD Harmonisation JCCC Sub group meeting on 8th August 2007, HMR&C have finally confirmed a live date of 1st October 2007, with a dual running period of 3 months, ending on 20th January 2008. Although the go-live date has been shifted by 3 months, FCL’s overall implementation plan remains the same. Its beta test site will go live as soon as possible after 1st October, with customer training and rollout commencing two weeks after this. Customers will be contacted in due course to make the necessary arrangements.
July 2007 Unsworth Global Logistics orders ForwardOffice	Forward Computers has won a contract to supply ForwardOffice to Unsworth Global Logistics. Headquartered in London, Unsworth is well known for its deep sea groupage services, offering strategically situated receiving depots across the country and handling both exports and imports, as well as providing Integrated Logistics Services covering all aspects associated with supply chain management. Following training over the next two months, Unsworth plan to go live with ForwardOffice in the late summer. Managing Director Geoff Hogg explained: "After researching the leading products in the market over several months, we concluded that ForwardOffice offered the best combination of sophisticated reliable software and value. Moreover, the inbuilt flexibility of their system, together with the size of their pool of experienced support staff, convinced us that FCL are best-positioned to help deliver a prompt installation with the minimum disruption to our operations".
June 2007 Version 5.2f released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2f is released, featuring 43 significant enhancements. This release incorporates substantial enhancements to the Auto-Costing procedures, including the option for a two-stage costing process. Specific cost codes may now be categorised as "phase-1" or "phase-2" costs, to be processed separately at different times. Typically, this scenario might be applied to Import shipments, where the Clearance cost may need to be calculated up-front, but Handling and Delivery accruals need to be deferred where the goods are not being delivered immediately.
June 2007 FCL Sponsors IFW Award	The IFW Awards has become a high point on the annual calendar - a true ‘Oscars’ ceremony for transport and logistics providers. At this year's glittering event, hosted at the HAC and presented by Michael Portillo, Forward Computers was delighted to be able to sponsor and present the Information Technology award, which went to Emirates. Sponsors' Page Award Photos
May 2007 HMRC postpones SAD-H	On Friday 11th May, HMRC announced that they can no longer achieve their original target live date of 1st July for SAD-H. According to JCCC Information Paper (07) 22: - "A final software delivery was expected on 14th May to allow HMRC to meet the previously published dates. This delivery date will now not be met. The consequences are that HMRC are no longer able to fully test the release prior to the 1st July. Our key aim has always been to ensure the integrity and performance of the CHIEF service and that the trade have sufficient time to test their software. This can no longer be achieved by the 1st July. We have asked our software supplier to re-plan and as soon as this is done we will be is a position to agree a new and acceptable delivery date with the trade. Regardless of this slippage we are committed to providing a 3 month dual running period and this will commence from the revised live implementation date. As soon as HMRC have agreed revised software release schedules with our supplier we will call a JCCC Sub Group to discuss planning options with the trade." FCL will continue to test its own SAD-H software as far as it can at this stage, given the limited test facilities provided by HMRC. The customer training plan will be moved forward to match with the new live date, whenever this is announced by HMRC and customers will be kept informed as more details are released.
April 2007 Version 5.2d released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2d is released, featuring 70 significant enhancements. This major release delivers a variety of new and advanced features into the ForwardVision Order Management module, including sophisticated transit time and KPI reporting. Version 5.2d also introduces a brand new Airfreight ULD rating facility, plus major changes to “Client Notes” that simplify their management and provide greater accuracy in their targeting at key points within the system.
April 2007 Independent Road Transports AB orders ForwardOffice	Forward Computers has won a contract to supply its ForwardOffice product to Independent Road Transports AB of Gothenburg, Sweden. IRT provides its Customers with high quality transport solutions between Sweden and all European countries and is also the Swedish agent for one of FCL’s longest-standing customers, RW Freight Services. Through the use of a common operational platform, a key objective for both parties is to implement bi-directional data exchange of consignment details and transport status updates. Following training during the next two months, IRT plan to go live with ForwardOffice early in the summer.
March 2007 Coming soon - new Fax e-Mail gateway	At the first quarterly User Group meeting of the year, held on 14th March, FCL announced to its customers that work was now in progress on the development of a replacement to its current Fax communications software. While the user-interface will remain largely unchanged, the replacement will utilise an e-Mail gateway service, rather than specific hardware, for Fax delivery. The target release for this new offering will be Version 5.2f in June 2007 and more information will be provided to customers nearer that time.
March 2007 SAD-H development on target	The main thrust of the SAD-H development was completed within ForwardOffice Version 5.2b and factory testing has been in progress since January. FCL’s customers will be interested to hear that, through the extensive use of parameters and defaults, the number of keystrokes required to prepare a simple declaration has been substantially reduced. This development is as complete as it can be at this stage, given that HMRC are still only offering a draft specification and a very basic test facility. HMRC plan to deliver a more complete test service from 31st March, after which FCL will be able to conduct more extensive testing. Following intense lobbying from various quarters, HMRC recently announced that the 1st July “big bang” has now been abandoned in favour of a dual running period. Declarants who are not ready to submit declarations in the new format will be given an additional period of time to become SAD H-compliant. This will run from 1st July to 30th September, during which time declarants will be able to continue to use old messages and old data. This change in strategy by HMRC may provide FCL with an opportunity to implement SAD-H at customer sites over an extended period. However, HMRC’s ruling is somewhat ambiguous and FCL is currently awaiting clarification on this issue. Whatever the outcome, provided that HMRC do not make any more radical changes to their plan, SAD-H compliance will be delivered in a timely manner to all of FCL’s customers.
March 2007 Version 5.2c released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2c is released, including bespoke customer enhancements. This interim release includes a raft of enhancements to the ForwardVision Order Management module, providing for sophisticated transit time and KPI reporting. These enhancements will become generally available to all relevant customers under the next major release, Version 5.2d.
February 2007 OPS Dashboard Rollout	With the release of Version 5.2b, the latest version of the OPS Dashboard is now rolling out and is being enthusiastically received. New features included further enhancements to the spreadsheet emulation and integration tools and enhanced EDI correlation and mapping on data import.
February 2007 Version 5.2b released	ForwardOffice Version 5.2b is released, featuring 24 significant enhancements. This major release also incorporates substantial changes to the infrastructure in preparation for SAD-H compliance, which will provide a dual-operation capability for pre and post SAD-H customs procedures.
January 2007 Flexible Zone Modelling	A major new development within ForwardOffice now facilitates multiple Zone models for haulage pricing. Any number of Zone models may be defined and linked to the relevant area codes and suppliers. This will greatly simplify auto costing for haulage where numerous sub-contract hauliers are engaged.
January 2007 Dynamic Lists steal Excel's Thunder!	New developments within the ForwardOffice "list management" infrastructure now offer users the sort of column filtering tools previously only found in spreadsheets. The new filter bar works in a very similar way to Excel column filtering, by maintaining a sub-list of the different values found within a column. The list may be filtered simply by selecting one or more of the sub-values. The feature also supports 'Regular expressions' for more advanced filtering.
January 2007 New e-Mail to e-Document Plug-In Available	FCL is pleased to announce the launch of a brand new plug-in option for the Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird e-Mail clients. The plug-in allows for any e-Mail and associated attachments to be logged directly as e-Documents against the relevant entity within ForwardOffice. For example, the end-user may receive an e-Mail from the carrier with a PDF Bill of Lading attachment. Via a special launch icon within their e-Mail client, the user invokes the ForwardOffice e-Document application that then allows them to recall the relevant shipment to attach the PDF Bill to. Thereafter, as an e-Document, the Bill of Lading will always be available to view against the shipment, both back-office and via the Web. Any customers interested in implementing this powerful new option should contact their account manager or support representative.
January 2007 Version 5.1x released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1x is released, featuring 36 significant enhancements. This major release incorporates further extensions to the capabilities of the e-Document Management module, including a new e-Mail to e-Document plug-in option (see associated article above).
November 2006 SureFreight Orders ForwardOffice	Forward Computers has won a contract to supply its ForwardOffice product to SureFreight of Bradford, a leading logistics company operating between Britain, Ireland and Europe. Following intensive training during December, SureFreight will go live with ForwardOffice early in the New Year.
November 2006 Freight Insurance U-Turn	In October, HM Treasury announced that it is prepared to remove the requirement for forwarders offering insurance to be regulated by the FSA. We understand that this U-Turn has come about largely through some remorseless and tenacious lobbying by Ron Willis of BIFA, the former managing director of RW Freight Services, one of FCL’s first customers. Some congratulations are in order - well done Ron! For more information, see the associated news article at The Times Online news site: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9077-2406049.html
November 2006 Version 5.1w released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1w is released, including bespoke customer enhancements.
November 2006 MCP delays Destin8 rollout	Following extensive parallel test runs to compare FCPS and Destin8 output, as well as dealing with some remaining application issues, MCP have now announced a delay to their original 3rd December cutover date for the final rollout of Destin8. Although only 10 days behind schedule, owing to the Christmas period this will now be rescheduled to early 2007 and the new date will be announced a minimum of two weeks before the actual cutover, which will still take place over a weekend in order to minimise any interruption to business operations. The ForwardOffice Destin8 integration project was completed some months ago, the software fully tested by FCL and accredited by MCP. All customers who interface to MCP have now received the appropriate upgrades and can thus be assured of a smooth transition when the cutover finally takes effect.
October 2006 Version 5.1v released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1v is released, featuring 35 significant enhancements. This major release also includes the first version of the “Premier Account Dashboard” facility, which provides for user-definable consignment status control lists and a new front-end to the OPS Workbench. A "hot-data-import" facility allows spreadsheet-based consignment data to be quickly and easily imported into the database. This new offering will also provide the foundations for the subsequent development of a Work Flow Management sub-system.
October 2006 HMRC announces SADH delays	HMRC’s SAD Harmonisation Project Board has decided that ‘M’ day (harmonised declaration Message day) will be moved to 31st March 2007 (previously planned for 7th January 2007). ‘H’ day (Harmonisation day) remains fixed at 1st July 2007. It now also transpires that the provision of a trade test facility, originally planned for October, will now not be available until 24th January 2007. The latter announcement in particular comes as something of a bombshell and clearly shows that HMRC have been less than honest with many of their comments made in recent weeks. Software suppliers and the trade alike may be compromised by these developments, as it substantially reduces the window between testing and rollout of new software. In the meantime, FCL’s SADH development continues apace. Its new SADH-compliant Customs Entry preparation facility will be completed by the end of October, after which focus will turn to the new EDI message sets. Full testing has now been re-scheduled to take place during February and March 2007, with live rollout from April onwards
September 2006 Version 5.1u released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1u is released, including bespoke customer enhancements.
September 2006 FCL “SAD-H” project on target	Due to delays on the part of their suppliers (BT), HMR&C recently announced that there will be some slippage in the SAD Harmonisation project. It now looks increasingly likely that “M-day”, originally scheduled for January 2007, will be delayed until March. Furthermore, it appears that HMRC are still unable to provide a finalised specification. Despite these issues, Forward Computers can report that its own SAD-H development project is still very much on target. Provided HMR&C provide test facilities on schedule, Forward Computers envisages completion well before the end of 2006. The SAD-H compliant version of ForwardOffice will then be rolled out to all customers during Q1/Q2 2007, in good time for “H-day” in July.
September 2006 ASM GeMS 10.0.19 interface rolls out	ForwardOffice now interfaces to the latest version of ASM’s GeMS software (version 10.0.19) and following acceptance testing is now being rolled out to all relevant customers.
September 2006 MCP “Destin8” migration: Phase 1 Completed	Phase 1 of the MCP Destin8 migration has now been successfully completed. Customer acceptance testing for the Phase 2 go-live is now underway.
August 2006 Version 5.1t released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1t is released, featuring 34 significant enhancements, including major additions to our On-line facilities. Also of particular interest to many customers will be the new “Data Warehousing” feature that has been added to the “Corporate Reporter”. Fully user-definable and optimised to identify changed data only, this provides for automated data extracts for use by third-party reporting tools.
July 2006 Fast-track ForwardOffice implementation completed	In May, Forward Computers won a major contract to supply its ForwardOffice product to one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing logistics companies. The first phase, delivery of core operational and accounting functionality complemented by a number of bespoke integration developments, was delivered on schedule in mid-July. Ken Stewart, Forward Computer’s Marketing Director, said “We would normally expect a project of this size and complexity to require a lead-time of at least three months from contract signing to live implementation. The fact that go-live was achieved in only two months is a credit to our whole team, not to mention the customer themselves.” Additional functionality will be rolled out in subsequent phases, including the provision of “Premier Account Control” facilities, On-line Services via the Web (FCL-ASP) and the implementation of the ForwardOffice UK Customs modules and links to CHIEF via its CSP-Connect product.
July 2006 Version 5.1s released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1s is released, including bespoke customer enhancements.
June 2006 Hong Kong Customs interface implemented	Following a fast-track development by Forward Computers, its customer Sea-Air Logistics (HK) has now successfully implemented a bi-directional data exchange facility with Hong Kong Customs. From the shipment information keyed by Sea-Air Logistics staff directly into ForwardOffice, House Manifest information is now automatically transferred to HK Customs via the Traxon Asia portal and the HK cargo terminal operators, HACTL and AAT. This development represents an enormous productivity boost to Sea-Air Logistics, as it has completely removed the time-consuming requirement for staff to double-key shipment information.
June 2006 Version 5.1r released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1r is released, featuring 24 significant enhancements, including substantial augmentation to e-Document Management. This version also includes new accounts interfaces for Sage MMS and the latest version of CODA.
May 2006 FCL wins major new contract	Despite fierce competition, Forward Computers has won a major contract to supply its ForwardOffice product to one of the fastest growing logistics companies in the UK, which in total employs over 4,500 people at 40 locations. The company (who for confidentiality reasons cannot be named) delivers throughout the supply chain and has an urgent requirement to implement an advanced system that is capable of handling its more complex logistics requirements. An ambitious implementation schedule has been drawn up, requiring the first phase to go live by July 2006.
May 2006 Version 5.1q released	ForwardOffice Version 5.1q is released, including bespoke customer enhancements.
April 2006 New Cheque Control launched	With the release of ForwardOffice Version 5.1p on 26th April, FCL is pleased to announce the addition of a new software module to its already impressive product portfolio. Often working with a wide selection of carriers and sub-contractors, the logistics provider is frequently required to make immediate payment for services before goods will be released. The efficient control of cheque authorisation is thus an essential but often extremely time-consuming activity. In an environment where time-sensitive requests for payment and the actual management of the cheque book are normally handled by different departments, “manual” control systems can often be fraught with difficulty. The new ForwardOffice Cheque Control module provides all of the mechanisms required to accurately control cheque authorisation. And because the module is fully integrated with the cost estimate logging and cost allocation functions within the mainstream ForwardOffice Job Costing module, it has been possible to reduce the duplication of effort that often surrounds accruals and cost allocation for cheque payments - and also eliminate many of the potential errors that can occur. FCL firmly believes that this latest offering will make a major contribution to improving accuracy, efficiency and productivity in this area. The module should appeal to anyone with a high volume of “immediate payment” for the release of goods type activity; in particular import-orientated forwarders, logistic providers and NVOCC operators where this is likely to be the normal working practice. Related pages: Cheque Control
February 2006 FCL extends Airline EDI coverage via Tradevision	Communications with Airlines is becoming ever more important, as the use of the “FHL” message widens with Canada now requiring housebill information along with USA. More countries are likely to follow suit. With this in mind the ForwardOffice Airline EDI module has been enhanced to now provide access to all Airlines able to communicate via “Tradevision”, one of the major portals within the Airfreight Industry. Along with the current links via the Syntegra portal, which will be maintained, this new connectivity will now provide access to approximately one hundred airlines. Most of the Airlines covered operate on a worldwide basis, thus providing a wider scope for electronic transmission of the “FWB” and “FHL” messages and receipt of subsequent status update information. If any Customers require further information on this extended functionality, please contact any of FCL’s Project Managers. Related pages: Airline EDI
November 2005 Condor Logistics - Bar-coding Streamlines Operations	Based in Portsmouth, Condor Logistics and its sister company Condor Ferries provide daily services to the Channel Islands and St. Malo on the Brittany coast. The vast majority of goods arriving in the Channel Islands pass through Condor Logistics, which currently handles around 120,000 consignments a year, helping to keep the wheels of the Islands’ economies turning. As an existing FCL customer, Condor Logistics has already learned how ForwardOffice can help to streamline many aspects of a complex logistics operation. However, during 2003 a detailed review of operational processes and IT infrastructure was commissioned internally, with a view to identifying new ways that the business could achieve even greater control and profitability. This in-depth review highlighted the huge potential benefit offered by the introduction of bar-coding. The objective was to introduce bar-code labelling for all cargo received at origin hub. RF scanners were then to be used during trailer loading at origin, unloading at destination hub, and then for subsequent loading onto local delivery vehicles. Finally, “remote” scanners were to be used by the driver at each drop, with the final "cherry on the icing" being the ability to gather and return POD information electronically for every shipment. Having already implemented a number of bespoke bar-code solutions for other customers, FCL was ideally placed to help Condor achieve its objectives. Following discussions, FCL was engaged to develop a solution tailored to Condor’s specific requirements, using the latest RF technology. The decision was also made to take additional "shrink-wrap" software solutions from FCL, which would integrate with and complement the overall solution. For example, using "WebTrack", Condor has been able to provide customers with complete lifecycle visibility of all their shipments, including POD signatures and images, via the Web. The entire project, which has been implemented on a phased basis, has taken two years to complete. Although the project has required major procedural changes to be implemented on the ground throughout the operation, according to Condor the benefits have totally exceeded expectation. In the words of Paul Wilson, Guernsey office manager, ‘It really does work!’. Related pages: Condor Logistics Case Study
August 2004 US CBP/AMS Implementation	Beginning August 13, 2004, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency will require advance electronic presentation of data for all cargo shipments imported into the United States. As mandated by the Trade Act of 2002, air carriers must present specific master air waybill (MAWB) and house air waybill (HAWB) data through the Air Automated Manifest System (AMS). This data must be provided prior to the arrival of the flight that is carrying the shipment at the first U.S. port of entry. These requirements will be implemented across the country in a phased approach. Data will be required for shipments arriving in Customs Ports in the eastern region on August 13, in Customs Ports in the central region on October 13 and in Customs Ports in the western region on December 13. Customers are advised that ForwardOffice can now fully satisfy the new CBP/AMS requirements. The project was completed during March 2004 - well in advance of the 13th August deadline. Compliance has been achieved by enhancing the ForwardOffice Airline EDI module to provide support for the “FHL Consolidation List” message. The latter can be optionally automatically generated for Consols on a Carrier/Country basis and transmitted to the Syntegra portal, along with the FWB message, at the time of printing the AWB. All of FCL’s Airfreight customers were notified of the impending CBP requirements, and FCL’s response to it, during March. If any customers require further information on this new facility, please contact your account manager or any of FCL’s Project Managers. Related pages: Airline EDI
August 2004 Ocean Carrier EDI Nears Beta Test	As a direct result of the Cargo 2000 initiative, since 1998 the Air Freight community has benefited from the existence of a unilateral Airline EDI system. While unfortunately the Ocean Freight community has been unable to establish a similar unilateral EDI system. the last 2-3 years have witnessed some promising developments with the establishment of trade “portals”. These provide integration services, enabling Ocean Carriers and their customers to exchange shipping information. In response to these exciting new developments, FCL has developed its Ocean Carrier EDI module. The option to exchange data is activated within ForwardOffice on a carrier-by-carrier basis. Where the carrier requires data exchange, additional options are triggered within Ocean Freight Operations that allow additional Ocean Bill-related information to be entered at movement level. Overall, the facility allows shippers and agents to submit Shipping Instructions to carriers, via the portals, using a variety of different message formats. One particularly useful by-product of Ocean Carrier EDI is that it can be used to satisfy AMS requirements for the USA’s CBP and Canada’s CBSA bodies for advance cargo status reporting. Although based on a different message protocol, many underlying features are shared between this module and its sister Airline EDI module. In particular, it complements FCL's Consignment Tracking and Event Management module and e-Commerce offerings. Factory testing has been completed and FCL is now awaiting accreditation from INTTRA and GT Nexus, two of the leading portals. It is anticipated that beta testing will begin in late August with two selected clients. Related pages: Ocean Carrier EDI
July 2004 ConneXion World Cargo selects ForwardOffice	With over 19 years experience in freight forwarding and active in all modes of shipping, ConneXion World Cargo is a comprehensive cargo service provider, handling Air, Ocean and Surface movements. Formed in 1985 ConneXion has gone from strength to strength, with facilities in London, Exeter and Paris, France. ConneXion World Cargo wanted to consolidate their existing freight systems into one integrated system. Having first heard of FCL through the trade press, one of the key factors for selecting ForwardOffice was on the recommendation of some of FCL’s existing customers. Working with FCL’s Professional Services team, Connexion are now in the process of implementing ForwardOffice with a view to going fully live in the Autumn. For more information about ConneXion World Cargo Limited, visit their web site at http://www.connexcargo.com
May 2004 ForwardVision Launched	Supply chain visibility has become an increasingly important issue for traders in recent years. Recent research has revealed two aspects of this issue: the first is that customers want to extend supply chain visibility and are looking for a single source of end-to-end supply chain visibility; the second is the need to link many more players into the system. Ideally, customers want to see manufacturers, service providers and stores all linked up. This means that the logistics provider’s systems need to interface with many different supply chain players. FCL has been watching this trend. “The pressure is on forwarders to re-shape themselves as key supply chain players”, says Graham Donnelly, a founding Director of FCL. “For the forwarder, one of the keys to adapting to these new challenges is the use of new technology to support both the business process and to meet the information needs of the customer. Improving supply chain visibility is a key part of this”. The result is ForwardVision, FCL’s flagship Supply Chain and Order Management product, which was formally launched during FCL’s May 2004 Roadshow. ForwardVision provides complete visibility of Orders throughout their lifecycle, to all of the parties involved in the supply chain. It enables customers’ Sales or Purchase Order information to be recorded, down to line item (SKU) detail. User-defined Milestone “Critical Paths” and “Events” facilitate flexible Order status monitoring and tracking. Incorporating back-office, Web browser and XML-based data exchange interfaces, ForwardVision’s inherent flexibility allows the forwarder to tailor a solution around their customers’ specific trade requirements. This can offer a major competitive advantage when tendering for new business. Ultimately, it enables the forwarder to integrate their customers’ systems more closely with their own, providing a pivotal means of locking them in. Related pages: ForwardVision The Elite Group Case Study Redfern International Case Study