Carmichael Success Story

Carmichael International Service:
Streamlined Operational Efficiency

The Challenge

Carmichael International Service is a full-service customs broker and freight forwarder. Carmichael must comply with complex governance by the United States Department of Homeland Security which had overtime become increasingly complex and time-consuming due in part to an aging core architecture based on outdated AS/400 technology. To better serve customers and continue growth of the business, Carmichael needed to streamline systems and wanted to enable clients to fulfil their logistic needs online.

The Solution

Oshyn worked directly with Carmichael’s internal licensed custom brokers to identify opportunities while insuring that all development work would adhere to complex compliance regulations. Oshyn used a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach to redesign core applications and to integrate legacy programs, databases and United States government agency information. Oshyn developed a suite of web-based applications to provide Carmichael with ability to manage end-to-end transactions through one web-based interface.

The complexity of the shipping process and regulatory changes led to rapidly changing requirements by industry and product which legacy systems were not designed to accommodate. Therefore as each individual customer or broker identified new data, they were unable to record this information in Carmichael’s system which led to continual duplicate work and delays. Oshyn developed a system to capture new data and make it available to all users.

The Results

The integration allows for more rapid and efficient communication with various parties such as the Department of Homeland Security, clients, internal staff, importers, shippers, ports and manufacturers. All parties in the shipping process now have simplified access to required information which has significantly reduced the need to contact Carmichael directly. Carmichael reduced phone calls by over 3000 per day because clients are able to obtain information needed via Carmichael’s new web-based interface. The reduction in calls has lead to a significant reduction in payroll expenses for Carmichael and reduced shipping expenses for clients. Carmichael has increased client retention and increased their client base by delivering the best technology combined with the most up-to-date and accurate information in the industry. By using a Service-Oriented Architecture approach, Oshyn enabled Carmichael to maximize the efficiency of any future systems development or expansion.

About Carmichael International Service

Carmichael International Service is a full-service, Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder that delivers superior service by combining the knowledge and experience of its professional staff with advanced information technologies and systems to seamlessly coordinate the flow of goods and information through today's complex trade environment. Carmichael has built lasting partnerships by providing clients with customized and innovative solutions, enabling them to meet their strategic goals and gain competitive advantages. Carmichael operates in the ports of Los Angeles-Long Beach, New York-New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco-Oakland, Seattle-Tacoma, Miami, Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta, Savannah, Louisville, and Memphis. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Carmichael currently employs 245 professionals, including 35 licensed Customs Brokers in 13 offices nationwide.

The Technology