Aucxis Trading Solutions is attempting to streamline the trading process of fish via electronic systems - Fresh produce gathered from the sea will always be a most volatile commodity, requiring expert handling and immediate transportation to convey it to consumers in prime condition. This requirement is currently met by hundreds of local fish markets which provide the interface between seafood production -the vessels which catch the produce- and the wholesale trade. This situation is an extension of practices established centuries ago, practices that sorely need to evolve from being local in nature to international in scope, if they are to meet the requirements of a market where the demand for quality produce is rising against a background of stagnant, or even declining production. E-commerce offers a flexible response and forward-looking solution.
Aucxis Trading Solutions nv are specialists in streamlining the complete trading process of fish & agri-products. We have delivered over 200 tailor-made electronic trading systems to wholesale markets, selling organisations and public bodies world-wide, including more than 60 to the fishing industry. For many years we have studied the requirements of the fishing industry and are therefore able to offer state-of the art solutions. Whereas in the past auction markets decided to automate in order to increase the speed of sale and to create more transparency and efficiency, two additional factors are now taken into account : the search for fish and the search for buyers. To meet these additional requirements, ATS has, in collaboration with its customers, created a number of innovative new products. The EFICE fish trading network is an example. It interconnects the Belgian market of Ostend and the Dutch markets of Den Helder, Urk, Den Oever, Harlingen, Vlissingen, Breskens, the combined supply of which comprises 75 % of all fish supplies in Holland. The commercial concept was initiated by Urk fish market and ATS designed and implemented the network's technical concept - the remote buying system which is commended by its many users for its clarity. The buyers log
in via IP technology and have access to the supply and pricing information of all markets connected. The network has aroused considerable interest and there are ongoing discussions with fish markets in several other European countries. Recently Fishgate Hull on Humberside declared its intention to join EFICE.
Although networking is not a new concept, it is clearly on the increase. In the early nineties ATS created the technology to establish the electronic white fish trading network in Norway (3 markets), the vegetable trading network in Brittany, France (3 markets) and the fruit and vegetable trading network in Belgium (12 markets), the latter currently being upgraded to IP technology. Last year ATS modernised and interconnected the trading systems of the seven fish markets administered by the CCI de Quimper in Brittany. ATS's network technology includes the option for remote buyers to log in via the public Internet.
Another significant trend is the growing interest in alternative selling methods to auctions, such as pre-bidding and mediation systems.
It is clear that, with the rapid development of e-Commerce worldwide, the advantages and opportunities offered to wholesale agri-business by electronic trading can no longer be ignored.
