The country’s State-owned Enterprise (SOE) Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) will soon digitalise its daily operations.
This came after it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, with Brisbane based Pronto Software Limited, Australia.
The signing of the deal was held at the SIPA conference room in Point Cruz headquarter.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIPA, Eranda Kotelawala said the initiative is purposely to boost the work of SIPA in terms of improving finances and providing convenience during working hours.
“It is a way forward to digitize the finance and billing system of SIPA since most of the work done at the Ports are manual, which is subject to errors and time consuming.”
He explained with the introduction of the new computerize system it will speed up invoicing with more accuracy and speed up cash collection as well.
“Invoice will be processed in much faster and detail manner also,” added Mr Kotelawala.
The SIPA CEO said they hope to implement the new digitize system as towards the end of this year.
He said SIPA has to go into the digitalise world in order to compete and perform to the high standard as a modernized port of entry.
“This is much faster in streamline manner with shipping agents as well.”
Furthermore, Mr Kotelawala said this will enhance revenue collection for the SIPA finance team and will low the risk of cheating by exporters and importers who may want to give false information about the weight and volume of the cargoes.
He said SIPA is proud to sign the MOU with a reliable partner from Brisbane.
The software to be used by SIPA is Pronto software.
Meanwhile, rep from Pronto Software Limited Mr. Peter Hoek told journalists after the signing of the MOU that they will continue to support SIPA in their transition from manual operation to a paperless work.
He added this new system will enhance the work of SIPA to be more productive in terms of finances and management.
“This would in turn help the country give pride to the Solomon government.”
More so, he added this will significantly improve conveniences towards their customers and clients.
Mr. Hoek thanked SIPA for having the trust in Pronto Software Limited to support them in their efforts to modernize the only international port of entry in Honiara.
By AATAI JOHN LAUNGI
