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ICON Redevelopment Project
AQIS commenced an in-depth review of its web based Import Condition (ICON) system in 2004. It produced a Strategic Information Management Plan (SIMP) that presented strategies to enhance the business and information management of AQIS's import conditions. A significant element of the plan included the development of a Content Model that provided the framework for better organisation and management of import conditions, and the redevelopment of ICON based on this model.
AQIS is now embarking upon the final improvement strategy for ICON – the redevelopment of the ICON system. The ICON Redevelopment project aims to:
- establish a complete, accurate, unambiguous and transparent knowledge base of import conditions
- provide AQIS staff with better tools to manage quarantine and food safety risk
- provide industry and the wider community with tools to access the knowledge base to support compliance with quarantine import requirements and the preparation and clearance of imported goods
- streamline and strengthen the processes relating to permit issuing and the communication of quarantine advice
- provide an extensible and supportable IT system
- strengthen AQIS's links with external stakeholders involved in the management of quarantine and imported food risks.
A request for tender (RFT) for the IT build was issued on 23 June 2008 and tenders closed on 11 August 2008. The tender evaluation process is currently underway. Once a tenderer is selected, work with AQIS on the construction of the new ICON system will commence.
The new system, once developed, will deliver a range of enhancements including better decision support, improved searching facilities and superior interfaces, consistent with the strategies developed in the SIMP.
Industry was extensively consulted during the production of the SIMP and a number of concerns about the way that ICON operated were identified. In particular, the transparency of quarantine import conditions was noted as being a problem for many industry users.
The re-engineering of ICON content to conform to the new system has now started with the recruitment of a core content re-engineering team. As content re-engineering progresses, AQIS will seek the involvement of specific industry groups to ensure that content is beneficial for relevant stakeholders. This involvement will be coordinated through the AQIS/Industry Cargo Consultative Committee (AICCC).
The ICON Redevelopment Project is expected to run over a number of years. If you have any initial comments or suggestions about improving ICON you can email the ICON Redevelopment Team or contact us through the AICCC by emailing icon@aiccc.com.