Introduction
Expo Freight LTD (EFL) was founded in 1982 and has emerged as Sri Lanka's leading provider of freight forwarding solutions and supply chain management solutions. Their outstanding success and wide customer acceptance as a reliable provider of world class logistics support has enabled the EXPO GROUP to venture into overseas markets with a strong focus on the Indian Sub-Continent and the Sub Saharan regions where its expertise and experience are widely recognized. Expo Group is already strongly positioned in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mauritius and Madagascar, whilst it's more recent ventures in the U.A.E, South Africa, Kenya, Nepal, Vietnam and Tanzania are well on their way to become part of its success story. Expo Group has ventured into diverse fields of export and import operations, freight forwarding & logistics, airlines GSAs, flight Operations, travelling and etc. The Group draws its strength from a remarkable combination of factors consisting of high customer service standards, business ethics and a committed workforce - all of which contribute to the continued development and growth of the business.
As the first overseas office of Expo Group, Expo Group Bangladesh Ltd started its operations in 1992 and has been providing logistics and freight management solutions for importers and exporters worldwide since then. Expo Group belongs to an active group of companies, involved in a wide range of business which includes exports, imports, travel agency, air lines GSA, garments manufacturing and merchant banking. EFL is well equipped to handle all emergencies, airport closures, strikes, riots and any other disruptions which can hamper business. Their vision is to be a globally renowned diversified business, leading in everything they do. Their mission is to lead the way in creating value for all their stakeholders, through the best business practices.
Over the last 3 decades Expo Freight Limited has established itself as a pioneer in providing freight forwarding solutions and supply chain management solutions. Their commitment to customers and ability to cater to all client needs positioned them as a reliable provider of logistics support and led them to become a strong Indian Subcontinent forwarder with expansions in Africa, Middle East and the US. Expo Freight headquarters in Bangladesh is situated in Tejgaon Industrial Area, Dhaka and has another branch in Chittagong. In order to conduct this report we have interviewed the IT Manager of Expo Freight.

What is Freight Forwarding?
Freight forwarding is a service used by companies that deal with international or multi-national shipment of goods. The freight forwarder doesn't move the freight itself but acts as an intermediary between the client and various transportation services. Transfer of products from one international destination to another involves a multitude of carriers, requirements and legalities. A freight forwarding service handles the considerable logistics of this task for the client, relieving what would otherwise be a formidable burden. The freight forwarding service utilizes established relationships with carriers of all kinds, from air freighters and trucking companies, to rail freighters and ocean liners. Freight forwarding services negotiate the best possible price to move the product along the most economical route available hence ensuring a completely efficient and cost effective transfer of shipments. A freight forwarding service generally provides one or more estimates to the client along with advisement such as taking account of the perishable or hazardous nature of the goods and dealing with special arrangements for transporting delicate cargoes, such as livestock, food and medical supplies.
Services provided by Expo Freight LTD:

* Air & Ocean Freight | * Air-Sea & Sea-Air | * Purchase Order Management | * Project and Heavy lift | * Trade Fair and Exhibition | * Warehouse and Distribution | * Trucking | * Track and Trace |
10 years earlier EFL was not associated with any IT based programs and as a result the employees of EFL were suffering from huge workloads and tiring hours at the office. They eradicated this problem by simply introducing the IT programs for their whole management program. They are taking the whole IT program as a capital investment and the maintenance from their revenue investment. They have installed different software to resolve their versatile issues in various sectors. They had purchased some software individually and had to customize and design some programs by their own IT team. Most of their programs are not centralized except the database they use in freight forwarding.

Enterprise Software and Application
Enterprise software used in Expo Freight LTD (EFL) are all globally selected. The company uses different customized enterprise software and applications by Microsoft Corporation, Sun Microsoft and local software vendors.

Operating system Platforms
EFL has an exclusive global deal with Microsoft Corporation. Every desktop there operates with registered Microsoft Windows operating system. To control and administer network procedures EFL uses both UNIX and Windows server Edition 2003.

Data Management and Storage
EFL uses Informix database system and Oracle for its Data management and storage system. Each database requires at least one database administrator. An Oracle Database system can be large and can have many users instead of one. Therefore database administration at times becomes a job for a group of database administrators who share responsibility.
A database administrator's responsibilities can include the following tasks: * Installing and upgrading the Oracle Database server and application tools * Allocating system storage and planning future storage requirements for the database system * Creating primary database storage structures after application developers have designed an application * Modifying the database structure, as necessary, from information given by application developers * Enrolling users and maintaining system security * Ensuring compliance with Oracle license agreements * Controlling and monitoring user access to the database * Monitoring and optimizing the performance of the database * Planning for backup and recovery of database information * Maintaining archived data on tape * Backing up and restoring the database * Contacting Oracle for technical support

Hardware and Devices
EFL made sure of assisting their applications with a solid infrastructure. They are as following: HP ProLiant DL380 Generation 5 (G5) Server Computer | HP ProLiant ML110 Generation 7 (G7) Server Computer | Gateway GT110 F2 Server Computer | Cisco 891 Series Router | HP Pavillion Desktops |

The HP ProLiant DL380 (G5) Specifications * Processor: (2) Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® Processors E5450 (3.00 GHz, 80 Watts, 1333 FSB) * Cache Memory: 6MB (1 x 6MB) Level 2 cache - Intel® Xeon® processor 5200 sequence * Memory: 4 GB (4 x 1 GB of PC2-5300 Fully Buffered DIMMs (DDR2-667) with Advanced ECC, mirrored and online spare memory capabilities * Network Controller: Two embedded NC373i Multifunction Gigabit Server Adapters * Storage Controller: HP Smart Array P400/512MB BBWC Controller (RAID 0/1/1+0/5/6) * Hard Drive: None ship standard * Internal Storage: 4.0TB SATA; 4.0TB SAS (with optional hard drives) * Optical Drive: IDE DVD-ROM/CDRW combo * Power Supply: (2) 800Watt, CE Mark Compliant * Fans: Fully redundant hot plug fans ship standard (N+1) * Form Factor: Rack (2U), Height 3.38-inch/8.59 cm; Depth: 26 inches (66 cm)

HP ProLiant ML110 (G7) Specifications * Processor: Intel® Core™ i3-2100 (3.10GHz/2-core/3MB/65W, 1333, HT) * Cache Memory: 3MB Intel® Smart Cache * Memory: 2GB (1 x 2GB) PC3-10600E DDR3 UB ECC (Total 4 DIMM slots) * Network Controller: HP NC112i 1-Port Ethernet Server Adapter (x2) * Storage Controller: HP Embedded Smart Array B110i SATA RAID Controller (4 ports for HDD) * Hard Drive: 1 x 250GB 3.5" Non-hot plug SATA * Internal Storage: Up to 8.0TB (4 x 2.0TB) Non-hot plug LFF SATA (Maximum) * Optical Drive: HP Half-Height 16x SATA DVD-ROM * Power Supply: 350 Watts Non-Hot Plug, Non redundant Power Supply * Fans: (1) Non-redundant system fan ships standard; (1) Non-redundant PCIe fan ships standard; (1) Non-redundant CPU heatsink fan ships standard * Form Factor: Micro ATX Tower (4U)

Gateway GT110 F2 Specifications * Processors: Intel Xeon E3-1200 series processors * Memory: Unbufferred DIMM: 1, 2, 4 GB Maximum capacity up to 16 GB unbuffered DIMMs when fully populated with 2 DIMMs per channel in 4 slots * Network Controllers: Integrated single-port Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet * Storage: SAS/ SATA Hard disk form factor: 3.5” Up to 8 TB SATA HDD (2 TB 3.5" x 4 HDDs) Up to 2.4 TB SAS (600 GB 3.5” x 4 HDDs) * Storage Controllers: Intel C202 onboard storage controller; Optional PCIe 4-port SAS RAID card * Expansion slots: 1 x PCIe x16; 1 x PCIe x8; 1 x PCIe x4; 1 x PCI

Cisco 891 Series Router Specifications
Cisco 891 Series Integrated Services Routers offer: * High performance for secure broadband and Metro Ethernet access * Business continuity and WAN diversity with redundant WAN links (Fast Ethernet, V.92) * Secure 802.11a/g/n access point (optional), which offers dual-band radios for mobility, and supports Cisco Unified WLAN architectures * Enhanced security, including: * Firewall with advance application and control * Site-to-site remote-access and dynamic VPN services, including IP Security (IPsec) VPNs, Group Encrypted Transport VPN [GET VPN] with onboard acceleration, and Secure Sockets Layer [SSLVPN] * Intrusion prevention system (IPS) * Content filtering * An 8-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet managed switch with VLAN support and 4-port support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) (optional) * Metro Ethernet features that include: * One 1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet and One 10/100 BASE-T Fast Ethernet WAN port * Intelligent hierarchical quality of service (HQoS) * Connectivity Fault Management (CFM), link operational administration and maintenance (OAM), and Ethernet Local Management Interface (E-LMI) for the Customer Edge * IP service-level agreement (SLA) for Metro Ethernet

Network,Telecommunication and Internet Platform
For networking EFL is using CISCO branded routers and switches. The company has a very strong setup of LAN & WAN throughout the country. The Chittagong office of EFL is connected with Country Office using Virtual Private Network (VPN) in Dhaka and can enjoy the same facilities as the Country office. EFL uses Grameen Phone’s GSM network for real-time data collection of delivery system, internet connectivity for both wireless and wired connection is used along with standby backup system. Following is a sample LAN and WAN sytem diagram used at EFL :

EFL Departments and Applications Usage

Accounting
They are using ‘Aspect’ for their accounting department which has clearly helped them in numerous ways. Previously most of their accounts were done manually which was pretty hectic comparing the workload and time required before and after implementing the software. it would take around 18 to 20 days to close an account previously, whereas after applying Aspect they reduced the time to 3 days and has also relieved a great deal of workload of the employees.

Finance
Finance department is driven by the goal of keeping the company financially healthy, preparing bills for customers, collecting bills from customers, preparing budgets, maintaining bank accounts etc.
Finance department’s personnel are directly involved with company’s financial factors and day to day transactions. The finance team uses the following application and tools for their everyday use: * Pricing Marginal Math Tool for quick and accurate pricing of the product. * Pipedrive for tracking their future prospective customers. * Customer Master File Application to keep all information of customer accounts. This application also shared by other departments. * COMET (Saturn Software Inc.) for weekly/monthly sales reporting. * Internal Billing System for billing. It is a custom Oracle application developed by OHSU and IMPAC. Services consisting of custom tables, forms, procedures, processes, and reports which are integrated with, and registered in the Oracle Financial application. * QuickBooks for general ledger and balance sheet. * Oracle SQL Application for shipment information and billing information. * Money Receipt for acknowledgement of money received from customer * Microsoft Office for storing of all billing document and shipment related documents to use in future and by other EFL countries.

Human Resource
The company has been using ‘KORMEE’ for this department. It is a software which has been purchased from Srilanka. KORMEE helps them to follow their employee’s attendance and operates to pay payrolls. The HR department is very crucial and this software has benefitted most companies in a profound manner as they can now keep a track on their employee’s performances and can treat them by assisting their strengths and sorting out their weaknesses.

Marketing
Since ocean freight shipment has become a largely homogenized service with differentiation on value-added services offered, traditional marketing campaigns just aren’t feasible. The idea here then is to focus on these value-added services and portray it as a benefit to the clients. One way EXPO FREIGHT LIMITED has done this is through the usage of its subsidiary company Cargo Smart for online cargo transactions for its clients.
Since EFL is a service provider and is similar in nature to that of other carriers, focusing on its brand image and reputation of quality service has become of great importance in order to attract and retain clients. The Marketing team of EFL uses the following application and tools for their everyday use: * Pricing Marginal Math Tool for quick and accurate pricing of the product. * Customer Master File Application to keep all information of customer accounts. This application also shared by other departments. * COMET (Saturn Software Inc.) for weekly/monthly sales reporting.
Sales
This department responds to rate enquiries and establishes sales contracts, which are approved from the Trade Department. These applications are used by the sales team for everyday tasks: * Pricing Marginal Math Tool for quick and accurate pricing of the product. * Sales Tracking Application for sales performance tracking of their existing customer. * Customer Master File Application to keep all information of customer accounts. This application also shared by other departments. * COMET (Saturn Software Inc.) for weekly/monthly sales reporting.

E-shipping Flask system
The E-shipping System has two main parts. The first part allows clients to obtain shipping schedule and shipping order from the Internet. The second part is an application that allows staff to manage and access the data, which is necessary for handling each shipping transaction. It allows the staff to view and update various data, including the shipping order, bill of lading, and warehouse data.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
EDI replaces postal mail, fax and email. While email is also an electronic approach, the documents exchanged via email must still be handled by people rather than computers. Having people involved slows down the processing of the documents and also introduces human errors. Instead, EDI documents can flow straight through to the appropriate application on the receiver’s computer (e.g. the Order Management System) and processing can begin immediately. Following is a sample diagram of an Order Management System:

Interactive Voice Response System
EFL is planning to adopt the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is an automated telephony system that interacts with callers, gathers information and routes calls to the appropriate recipient. IVRs are increasingly popular as they help reduce costs significantly. Gradually, Carriers and Enterprises are turning to IVR to reduce the cost of common sales, services, collections, inquiry and support calls to and from their company.

Security
In terms of security the EFL has a strong intranet which requires different passwords for every employee and enables limitations for certain employees to visit certain levels.
Server rooms are fitted with Fail-secure Electromagnetic Locks by ‘Ebelco’ which prohibits unauthorized access. A fail-secure locking device remains locked when power is lost, thus the server rooms of EFL remains protected even when there is a power loss. Authorized personnel can access the server room by swiping past the reading head with a magnetic stripe ID card.

Specifications: * Voltage Input : 12 VDC / 24 VDC * Current Draw : 12V / 500mA ; 24V / 250mA (±5%) * Holding Force : Up to 600 lbs (272 kg) * Hall Effect Contact : SPDT rated 2A at 24 VDC * Anti-Rust Surface Treatment : Blue Zinc Plating * Operating Temperature : 0~55° C ( 32~131° F) * Operating Humidity : 0~95% ( non condensing) * Weight ( Magnet) : 1.1 kg (±1%) * Dimensions:
Magnet - (L)250x(W)42x(T)25mm
Armature - (L)180x(W)38x(T)11 mm

Official Antivirus in EFL: * Sophos: Official Antivirus for all servers of EFL
EFL protects the computers in its intranet by the solutions of centralized antivirus software ‘Sophos’. EFL uses one Parent Antivirus Server in the head office and child antivirus server for each department. The parent antivirus server acquires updates directly from the Internet and then it updates all child servers. All connected computers get updates from its respective antivirus servers.

Backup System
The company is using ‘Cold backup’ for standby system which takes around 5 seconds to get the system back active. A cold backup, also called an offline backup, backs up databases when offline thus not accessible for updating. This is the safest way to back up because it avoids the risk of copying data that may be in the process of being updated. However, a cold backup involves downtime because users cannot use the database while it is being backed up.

Problems * Operation: There has been a great development in terms of operation after the application of IT programs but still it’s not being efficient enough as it takes around 40 minutes for a order to process. EFL is on a process of developing the software which can reduce the time to 14 minutes only. * Maintenance: This is a big subject of concern for EFL since there is hardly any expertise found in this department of theirs.
Future Developments:
EFL is on a process of changing their freight forwarding software from ‘E-Shipping Flask’ to ‘Fast Freight’ which would offer them certain advantages. Such as reducing the time of order processing, providing a tracking option for their clients and also have better accuracy. Conclusion:
Expo Freight Ltd. is doing the best they can to remain competitive in the freight forwarding industry. Not only they are using the Information system wisely but also they are continuously planning to develop their system internally and externally in order to improve their performances and usability. They seek efficiency by reducing work time, increasing the work speed and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders. Expo Freight Limited’s prices are not more than their competitors which is a great opportunity to attract the customers. It is not as well known as UPS, DHL and FedEx but it is not any less than them in terms of service either. Overall Expo Freight Ltd. sets an unique example for those of this industry in Bangladesh. Being amongst one of the best IT system users, it strives to remain one of the companies in our country which never fails to incorporate integrity, efficiency, quality, and world-class service in each and every part of their work from the very beginning to the end. We are extremely grateful to the entire team of Expo Freight Limited for providing us with the extensive information and knowledge required to complete this report; without their cooperation and support this wouldn’t have been a success.

References

Interviews: * Mr. Iftekher Ahmed
IT Manager of Expo Freight Limited, Bangladesh
Email: iftekhera@expofreight.com

* Mr. Faiz Ahmed Siddiqui
Executive Sales in Expo Freight Limited, Bangladesh
Email: faizs@expofreight.com

Websites: * www.expofreight.com * www.hp.com * www.gateway.com * www.cisco.com * www.ebelco.com * www.oracle.com * www.sophos.com * www.saturnsoftwareinc.com