The adoption of technology in foreign trade is ceasing to be an option and is becoming a strategic necessity for Brazilian companies engaged in import and export. With exchange rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and strict documentation requirements, digital tools have proven to be allies in the pursuit of efficiency, security, and agility.
"When we talk about foreign trade, the cost of an error is high. Incorrect data on an invoice or poorly filled tax classification can mean fines, detention of goods, and breach of contract," he states.Thiago Oliveira, CEO yesSaygospecialized holding in international operations. According to him, digitalization allows manual processes to be transformed into automated flows, with greater control and predictability.
Among the solutions adopted by Brazilian companies is the use of integrated management platforms, such as Vision, a tool developed by Saygo Tech that centralizes logistical, financial, and regulatory information in real time. Technology enables shipment tracking, pending alerts, exchange rate control, and operational indicator analysis. "The idea is to take the burden off manual routines and free up time for more strategic decisions," explains Oliveira.
Recent surveys by the World Bank and CNI indicate that bureaucracy in Brazilian foreign trade takes an average of 13 business days per import operation, twice the global average. Automation has significantly reduced this time, in addition to increasing compliance with requirements from agencies such as the Federal Revenue Service, Siscomex, and MAPA.
Three key points for companies looking to digitize their operations:
- Mapping of critical processes: identify operational bottlenecks and points that generate rework, such as document issuance or tax deadline management.
- Management of exchange rate and financial risks: integrate cost analysis with automated currency exchange tools and scenario projection, avoiding surprises with dollar or euro fluctuations.
- Integration with suppliers and freight forwarders: platforms that enable real-time communication with the agents involved in the operation — such as carriers, trading companies, and terminals — reduce information errors and delays.
Oliveira also highlights the importance of predictive analysis. "Instead of just reacting to a container delay, the company can anticipate logistical bottlenecks based on historical data, seasonal trends, and even the behavior of business partners," he explains. This more strategic view of the operation is likely to gain relevance in the coming years as the demand for traceability and sustainability in global supply chains increases.
For companies still operating with fragmented processes, the recommendation is to start the transition with targeted steps. "It's not necessary to digitize everything at once. Start with shipment control, then document management, and gradually integrate the areas. The important thing is to have a clear view of the operational gains this can generate," concludes Oliveira.
