SHIPS*AMS (SHIPS Automated Manifest System) is one of Flagship's full range of software packages for the shipping industry. Certified and approved by the United States Customs Service (USCS) to interface with their Automated Manifest System (AMS), SHIPS*AMS gives you easily accessible release information and full AMS capabilities. These capabilities include submitting manifests to Customs, making any corrections, edits, amendments or deletions, receiving responses, status notifications and releases from Customs, arriving vessel/voyages and creating in-bond movements. You can also send special messages to Customs, for example, to request a General Order or Permit to Transfer.

Designed as an open system, SHIPS*AMS allows you to easily interface with other application software so you can import manifest data, as well as export data to other applications without having to re-key information. This will save you time and money, as well as reduce errors.

SHIPS*AMS can be installed as a single stand-alone system, or as a component of a larger regional or national AMS system involving multiple SHIPS*AMS installations and/or Flagship's SHIPS*SNP (SHIPS System Secondary Notify Party) software, which allows Secondary Notify Parties to receive release information directly from Customs. SHIPS*AMS is designed to operate largely in an unattended manner, collecting and storing data that you can use at any time for reports or inquiries.

SHIPS*AMS includes the following features:

A User Friendly Interface

SHIPS*AMS provides users with an easy to use, friendly interface using state of the art features such as pop-up windows, pull-down menus, and display-and-tag or point-and-shoot data selection. These features allow you to enter data efficiently and accurately without having to remember data codes. SHIPS*AMS also includes an on-line help facility, which you can customize to include system-specific help messages. These features are available on simple terminals as well as on micro computers.

Easily Accessible Release Information

You can obtain release information by bill of lading or by container. If you wish, this information can then be exported to your other application software.

Security

System security is maintained by means of a log in and password procedure. The user name determines which menus and options are displayed, allowing you to specify which menu options a user will be able to access. You can also specify which functions will be assigned to a user. For example, some users may only be permitted to view information without making changes. You can also specify that a user can change or send data only from certain ports.

Reports and Inquiries

Over 70 reports and inquiries are available in SHIPS*AMS to allow you to access information quickly and efficiently.

Multi-User/Multi-Carrier Capabilities

SHIPS*AMS is a multi-carrier system that can process bills of lading received from one steamship line, or many, allowing it to be used either for an individual steamship line, multiple steamship lines, or as an AMS Service Center submitting for many lines.

Handling of In-bond Movements

SHIPS*AMS allows you to handle both paperless and conventional in-bond movements. You can export, depart, or transfer liability for in-bonds, arrive in-bonds at final and intermediate ports, and change in-bond control numbers on the fly.

Data Validation

Before any transmission is sent to Customs, the data is first checked for errors. This allows you to find and correct errors before submitting your data, rather than getting an error message from Customs hours later.

USCS Code Dictionaries

All USCS codes are included in the SHIPS*AMS data dictionaries. You can set up translation tables to convert any internal codes to USCS codes when manifest data is sent, and from USCS codes to internal codes when manifest data is received. This translation function greatly increases the compatibility between your other application software and AMS, allowing you to use your internal codes in-house and still send the proper USCS codes to Customs.

Flexible Cargo Type Capabilities

You can use SHIPS*AMS for any type of cargo- containerized, break bulk, bulk, or roro. In addition to the standard bill of lading information, SHIPS*AMS can also include specific information on refrigerated, hazardous, or other specialized cargoes.

FAX/email Interface

An optional feature, FAX*LINK, allows you to send SHIPS*AMS-generated reports to customers directly as a fax or email, saving document processing time and allowing your customers the fastest possible access to information. You can produce a report and send it without leaving your desk.

Communications

SHIPS*AMS can operate in either US Customs CAMIR format, or the more widely used X12 format, and can also support GEIS and other third party services. This makes SHIPS*AMS compatible not just with Customs but also with other parties with whom you may wish to exchange information. All transmissions use the Customs-approved SDLC communications protocol.

You have direct control over communications sessions with Customs. Usually sessions are carried out automatically on a regular timed basis- you decide the time interval. If you do not want to wait until the next scheduled transmission you can choose to send a transmission immediately. An activity log records information about each transmission.