Accenture has released a new version of the Accenture Ocean Cargo Software designed to improve billing accuracy and consistency through a more streamlined and automated pricing process for ocean cargo carriers.

The release includes a new detention and demurrage (DnD) module to help ocean cargo carriers maintain and manage DnD tariffs, negotiations, and calculations. Carriers charge customers detention and demurrage fees for delays, including the late pick up or return of shipping containers.

The enhanced suite can support ocean carriers by helping improve operational efficiencies in rate and surcharge management, quotes, tenders and contracts administration, route generation and schedule supervision. It also supports booking, vessel capacity management, and documentation.

The software is designed to help ocean carriers prevent revenue leakages and improve business results by providing greater visibility into the utilization of a vessel’s capacity and its yield carrier’s contribution. As a result, ocean carriers can improve pricing strategies, make more efficient use of assets and seek to improve customer satisfaction.

Within the suite, the Accenture Ocean Cargo Price module offers carriers increased flexibility and functionality in quote and tender requests, and the ability to manage a volume incentive program. With the addition of the DnD module, carriers can set up charges depending on regional needs and calculate the charges incurred for a shipment based on container events. The solution, available separately or as part of the overall suite, can be integrated with an ocean carrier’s existing shipment and equipment management systems to calculate charges for customers. This can improve billing accuracy and reduce invoice disputes.

“For ocean cargo carriers, enhanced visibility into pricing means the ability to make better decisions,” said Ganesh Vaideeswaran, managing director in Accenture’s freight and logistics practice. “Our latest release is designed to provide a much deeper and transparent view for carriers, which will help them streamline their pricing process and ultimately improve customer satisfaction.”