COSAC-Plus is the third generation of the cargo management system introduced by Hactl when it opened its doors in 1976 at Hong Kong's former airport, Kai Tak. The original system (COSAC - Community System for Air Cargo) was the first air cargo community system in Hong Kong, and featured systems integration with airlines.
Its successor COSAC2 was launched in 1994 to extend connections to forwarders and government bodies via the Internet. It enabled electronic Customs clearance and online data capture using handheld devices including the Hactl Client Device. A further major upgrade to COSAC2 was carried out in 1998 to cater for operations at Hactl's new Chek Lap Kok SuperTerminal 1.
COSAC-Plus embodies hundreds of improvements in the areas of user experience, functions, features and architecture. COSAC-Plus is multilingual and comes with a full web interface, online help and personalisation capability. It handles images for the first time, and has comprehensive cargo tracking features. Its modular and open architectural design facilitate ease of customisation, development and integration with airlines' systems.
COSAC-Plus has been developed for Hactl by HACTL Solutions Ltd - an independent company established in 2009 to provide full air cargo management solutions for all sectors of the industry. HACTL Solutions is owned by the same four shareholders as Hactl itself.
Says HACTL Solutions' Director, Tan Chee Hong: 'The original COSAC was a ground-breaking system which took Hactl to the forefront of its industry in 1976, and began a tradition of innovation that continues to this day. COSAC-Plus builds on the impressive functions and abilities of its two predecessors, and presents a greatly-enhanced system in a modern, user-friendly format that will make users much more productive.'
Adds Mark Whitehead, Hactl's Managing Director: 'We are delighted with the results of HACTL Solutions' work on this major project. Although the current system remains fully viable, and continues to place us ahead of many companies in our business, the new features of COSAC-Plus, its added flexibility and the vastly-improved user experience will make this a worthy successor.'
