WATERLOO, Ontario, June 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), a global on-demand software-as-a-service (SaaS) logistics solutions provider, announced that more than 300 organizations have selected Descartes' solutions to help them comply with the ISF "10+2" initiative.
On November 25, 2008, U.S. Customs & Border Security (CBP) released a rule on importer security filings (ISF), also known as the "10+2" rule. As of January 26, 2009, this rule requires importers to provide CBP with 10 data elements about ocean shipments inbound to the U.S. at least 24 hours prior to vessel departure, and ocean carriers to provide 2 data messages at least 48 hours prior to vessel departure.
"To help standardize cross-border business processes, we considered the varying needs of organizations involved in the process to comply with the "10+2" initiative when designing our Global Logistics Network services," said Edward Ryan, Executive Vice President of Global Field Operations for Descartes. "Our services can help organizations of all sizes with basic electronic compliance, and are flexible enough to help them with more advanced electronic documentation and interaction with customs brokers and authorities."
Descartes offers three different ISF service delivery options to accommodate varying customer needs:
* Descartes ISF: This simple web user interface enables customers to login via the internet and enter the data required for an ISF filing (5 or 10 elements). This service sends data directly to CBP and provides a view of the filing status. Customers have the option of receiving the status updates via electronic data interchange if they choose. E-alerts can also be used to notify the customers via email if there is a problem with the filing. * Descartes ISF -- Connect: This service enables customers to gather a complete data set for the ISF filing from their own systems for submission to CBP. The service transmits the data for each ISF filing and provides a status of the filing via electronic message for posting in the customer's own system. Transmissions to CBP are made via the Descartes Global Logistics Network's secure connection to CBP. * Descartes ISF -- PREMIER: This service enables the customers to collect the data needed for the ISF filing from multiple electronic document submissions or parties, including data sources such as a purchase order or advance shipment notice. Once the data is collected for the partial ISF filing, the customer can complete the remaining required fields and submit the filing to customs via the user interface as needed.
Descartes' ISF Service is a part of Descartes' GLN Customs Filing & Compliance suite. The Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN) is one of the world's largest multimodal networks of transportation providers and their customers. The Descartes GLN facilitates the interchange of logistics information and provides value-added application services that leverage this information to help enterprises standardize business processes and streamline their logistics operations. Descartes' customs filing and compliance services help companies meet regulatory requirements for international shipments for both international customs agencies and security initiatives.
Descartes is hosting a web seminar, "Ready for 10+2? Prepare for the Inevitable", to help organizations understand what is needed to comply with the regulations, how to get started and the latest developments with ISF "10+2". Customers can sign up for the web seminar by visiting Descartes' website at www.descartes.com, emailing info@descartes.com or calling 1-416-741-2838 ext 298.
About Descartes
Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX), is making the world a better place by enabling global organizations with logistics-intensive businesses to save money by improving the productivity and performance of their operations. Underlying Descartes' offerings is the Descartes Global Logistics Network (GLN), one of the world's most extensive multi-modal business applications network. As a federated software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, the Descartes GLN combines with component-based 'nano' sized applications to provide messaging services between logistics trading partners, shipment management services to help manage third party carriers and private fleet management services for organizations of all sizes. Descartes' solutions and services deliver results by enabling organizations around the world to reduce administrative costs, billing cycles, fleet size, contract carrier costs, and mileage driven; improve pick up and delivery reliability; and optimize working capital through fleet visibility. Descartes' hosted, transactional and packaged solutions deliver repeatable, measurable results and fast time-to-value. Descartes customers include an estimated 1,600 ground carriers and more than 90 airlines, 30 ocean carriers, 900 freight forwarders and third-party providers of logistics services, and hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, private fleet owners and regulatory agencies. The company has more than 350 employees and is based in Waterloo, Ontario, with operations in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Ottawa, Montreal, Miami, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Derby, London, Stockholm, Shanghai, and Toronto. For more information, visit www.descartes.com.
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This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relate to Descartes' solution offering and potential benefits derived therefrom; Descartes' ability to help customers comply with emerging compliance initiatives and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the structure or deployment of compliance initiatives and the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.