The Power of Partnership: Promocean Goes Live with DMS 4.1 via Pincvision

Promocean

Promocean is an international player specializing in the design, development, production, and delivery of custom brand-supporting items, packaging, and POS materials to multinationals and A-brands. They have offices in the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, the UK, the United States, and Spain and work closely with their offices in the Far East for product development and sourcing. From the Netherlands, they also handle the full fulfillment process, from order processing and shipping to inventory management for international clients.

Implementation of DMS 4.1 via Pincvision

After an intensive implementation process and system configuration, Promocean can now, through Pincvision, use AEB’s customs declaration software via a Private Cloud. This solution offers unparalleled simplification of the import process in the Netherlands, partly thanks to the chain arrangement.

The Process

The process begins in the Portbase port system, where goods are transferred seamlessly from the port to the bonded warehouse in Den Bosch. Inventory management is handled entirely through SAP, ensuring an automated and efficient flow of data into the customs declaration process.

Challenges in the Transition to DMS 4.1

Implementing DMS 4.1 requires patience and dedication. Transitioning to this new system brings challenges, as there is still relatively little hands-on experience with this approach in the Customs production environment. Many companies struggle with moving from the familiar GPA process to the fully revamped DMS 4.1, which requires a new mindset. Most declarants started the implementation process in 2023, but it’s clear that the complexity and intensity of this transition have been significantly underestimated within the industry. Dozens of companies still face the challenge of transitioning by the December 1st deadline.

Software providers also encountered uncertainties and new functional requirements in the initial stages.

Different Business Structures, Different Challenges

Every implementation has its own unique challenges, as I can personally attest. Companies with multiple customs procedures, licenses, commodity codes, and high volumes face more variables than companies with less complex operations. Flexibility in the business system to generate the correct data feeds plays a crucial role. But ultimately, it’s the human factor that makes the difference. The composition of the project team, the collaboration with the implementation partner, and the software developer are all crucial to success. Knowledge and the right resources are essential, and the parties involved keep each other sharp throughout the entire process.

Collaboration as Key to Success

The successful implementation at Promocean is an achievement we can all be proud of. Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved in this project – together, we made it happen. As Ronnie Rutten, Transport & Customs Manager at Promocean, beautifully put it, "We truly accomplished this together."

And that’s precisely what I find so fantastic about this project. At Pincvision, we believe that the power of collaboration is one of the most essential pillars of success. Our vision is rooted in the belief that no project stands alone. In a complex and ever-evolving world of customs and trade, it’s essential that all parties involved – from client to implementation partner and software developer – work together seamlessly. This not only ensures a smooth implementation but also a future-proof solution that evolves with our client’s needs. We see our relationships not as supplier-client, but as partners working together toward the same goals: efficiency, compliance, and continuity in customs processes. "Together, we achieve more than we could alone, and this partnership is, in my opinion, a wonderful example of that," says Peter Italiaander.

Promocean is part of Li & Fung Limited.

Together, we continue to build the future of customs processes. Could you use our help too?