ABF Trade Modernisation — Australian Cargo System Strategy

GoSource developed the strategy, architecture and business case to modernise Australia's cargo clearance around high-integrity supply chain data.

Challenge

The Australian Border Force, working with trade-related agencies under the cross-agency Simplified Trade System (STS) programme, needed a future-state vision and strategy for cargo clearance. The existing Integrated Cargo System (ICS) relied on a just-in-time self-assessed declarations model that placed the compliance burden on traders, made illicit trade harder to detect, and limited ABF’s ability to leverage modern supply chain data.

Solution

GoSource deployed a team of around 10 experienced staff spanning programme governance, strategic policy and enterprise architecture.

• Value metrics: Developed measurable metrics (clearance time, revenue compliance, strike rate) directly traceable to the ABF mission. Current-state benchmarks were established alongside measurement methodologies for assessing impact.
• Supply chain data paradigm shift: Reversed the reporting paradigm from “read all the rules and declare your compliance” to “give us the raw data and we’ll tell you what to do.” This leverages high-integrity supply chain data such as cargo waybills and goods invoices, simultaneously making illicit trade harder and facilitating legitimate trade.
• Identity-linked cargo tracking: Leveraged emerging national identity frameworks in trading partner nations (e.g. India’s Aadhaar) to attach stronger identity to cross-border cargo movements, addressing piggybacking — the most common vector for illicit goods trafficking.
• Generative AI integration: Incorporated generative AI to facilitate mapping to external natural business processes.
• Modular future-state architecture: The Australian Cargo System (ACS) architecture was designed to be modular and flexible. The costing model aligned with the Scaled Agile Framework, with team sizing attached to each module.
• Stakeholder engagement: Conducted user research with all internal and some external stakeholders. Developed journey maps, KPIs, roadmaps, and impact assessments. Presented the strategy at multiple levels throughout the ABF organisation.

Outcomes

• Capital funding secured — executive approval and capital funding obtained
• Compelling business case with values that significantly exceed costs
• Positive stakeholder reception — facilitation teams could see efficiency improvements; compliance and enforcement teams could see more targeted interventions backed by evidence
• Modular architecture designed for rapid accommodation of future change
• SAFe-aligned costing with ongoing product teams rather than capital projects
• Anti-greenwashing capability via digital product passports enabling border interventions against goods failing sustainability criteria

Technologies & Methods

• Domain-driven design and enterprise architecture
• Value metrics framework with benchmarking
• Generative AI for business process mapping
• National digital identity framework integration
• Digital product passports
• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) for costing and team sizing
• User research, journey mapping, and stakeholder engagement

Team Size

~10 experienced staff (programme governance, strategic policy, and architecture)

Ethical Considerations

GoSource provides both “above the line” strategy services and “below the line” delivery services but recognises the conflict of interest when both are provided on the same project. GoSource made clear that it would not respond to any market tests for implementation services arising from its own strategy work.