The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has automated a number of its services to improve efficiency and turnaround time for better service delivery.
At the launch of the automated services, the UNBS Executive Director, Dr. Ben Manyindo said: “The UNBS automated services have replaced the manual systems and we believe this will go a long way in improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in our systems and processes while allowing our clients carry out self-assessments and other self-service checks”.
Some of the automated services launched include Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which provides faster clearance and tacking of samples being tested at UNBS laboratories; Certification Information Management Systems (CIMS) that allows companies to apply for certification and track their applications up to issuing of e-certificates, the Webstore, which allows for online buying and selling of standards.
Other services launched include the online support service that allows clients to register complaints as part of UNBS effort to increase public participation in the fight against substandard products on the market.
The Truck verification system (e-rig) allows UNBS staff to carry out faster verification of oil tankers and ensure accuracy in measurement of bulk meters while the Standards Information Management System (SIMS) ensures interactive participation in the standards development process.
“The automated services will improve access to information by allowing our clients to access our services from anywhere without the burden of having to visit our offices to access such services thus reducing the cost of doing business,” Dr. Manyindo said.
The UNBS with support of Trade Mark East Africa automated its imports clearance procedures which has reduced the turnaround time for imports clearance from 11 days to 5 days.
UNBS is also part of the electronic single window which allows various government agencies involved in imports clearance to interface and share data electronically.
“Use of ICT in service delivery is part of government’s effort to promote e-government. In addition, automation will allow us to keep up-to-date with latest trends in the technology and to continuously innovate to better serve our clients,” Dr. Manyindo said.
“Our primary role is to serve our customers and automated systems will help us achieve this goal in line with our client service charter and our customer value proposition. I would like to urge our clients to continuously use our newly automated system and to help us identify areas for continuous improvement.”
