Single Window Solution Benefits

Benefits of SWIT Solution

The benefits of a SWIT solution are enormous when developed with proper planning, good coordination and full integration with all stakeholders and incumbents. In general, a single window solution:

• Reduces transactions cost
• Provides easier, better and more accurate access to intelligent information and databases
• Allows better coordination and integration between all parties involved in trade
• Contributes to fewer delays, more control and better monitoring and tracking of merchandise and documentation
• Builds efficiency collecting, processing, submitting or archiving information
• Improves security among transactions

For the government, benefits include correct revenue yields; improve trader compliance; and the enabling of risk management tools. For traders, the benefits relate to cost cutting through the reduction of delays, faster clearance and release and the predictable application and explanation of rules.

Key Elements for the establishment of a SWIT

• The existence of political will is one of the most fundamental key factors for the implementation of a single window solution. Without this element we cannot support the implementation and success of this system. There is not a defined number of actors involved and it varies in each country, but to have a fully integrated system we need the support and political willingness of each of the main actors involved in the public administration as well as in the private sector.
• The second element is the presence of a strong organization and leadership headed by a champion who will direct and coordinate with all parties involved and with subordinates maintaining the proper political, legal and economic support to conduct its obligations.
• At some point, a decision on which financial model to apply has to be made. The options could go from a system fully financed by the government, to a self-sustainable model. A PPP model should also be explored to share the workload and also the cost involved.
• Sometimes different players have different interest so becomes more complex to get them all involved in the development of a single window solution. In situations like this, it is best to specify the barriers up front and try to develop a coherent solution together with all parties involved for decision making and also during the implementation phase. It is here where the communication strategy plays a key role and it is necessary to establish a proper mechanism for keeping all stakeholders involved at all times about the project goals, objectives, outputs and activities in progress. All this in an effort to increase the trust among all players involved.
• Following the principles of e-government, governments must become citizen/constituent centric and service based. Consequently, the single window solution should be fully integrated (front and back office) and with electronic processing end to end.