The future of Web Based One Customs (WeBOC) system, developed by Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR's) subsidiary company, Pakistan Revenue Automation (PRAL), appears uncertain. The reason, according to trade circles, is that even after a month of its launch the authorities have yet to satisfy the traders about the performance and functionalities of the system.
PRAL had launched this system at Port Qasim Container Terminal (PQCT) to automate customs clearance procedures. In fact, WeBOC is an improved version of 'One Custom' and this is the third time that PRAL has launched this system at PQCT. FBR runs both systems--WeBOC and One Customs--parallel to each other. At present, three of the systems--Pakistan Customs Computerised System (PaCCS), One Customs, and WeBOC--are operational at PQCT, but factually only PaCCS is providing the true paperless and automated services.
The launch of WeBOC had raised questions in the minds of trade bodies when they were informed about non-existence of Requirements Specification Document System (RSDS) to work on that does not exist at all. It is said that there is no customs project team which may have designed the system, tested it, verified it, and checked the formulas for calculation of duties and taxes, and ensured functionality of each module. The signed off work done is by a few programmers who belong to the private sector and are contractors of PRAL.
According to industry sources ,WeBOC is being imposed by FBR through PRAL as no tender document was issued for the development of WeBOC or replacement of 'One Customs'. Trade circles assert that WeBOC ignores all the principles of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and has been created with zero documentation, written requirements, validations, training and user/stakeholder ownership, and where the system will be developed in a live environment at a 'notorious terminal' with a history of pilferage of containers. FBR has not informed the stakeholders about WeBOC Collectorate for technical assistance and information about the system. Trade personalities are very much keen to know as to who would be responsible for its failure, or pilferage, from FBR, and who put the signature for go-ahead, and who took the responsibility?