In recent years, the workload of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has doubled with no increase in staff. CBP has handled this workload, in part, by using desktop productivity tools known as “scripts.” CBP relies on Computech to keep their desktop productivity tools up-to-date.

What is a Script?
CBP uses a software package called a terminal emulator to connect employees’ desktop computers to the mainframe applications that perform import processing. This package includes a scripting language to automate repetitive keyboard functions.

CBP users have developed over one thousand scripts to automate routine keyboard functions performed during the processing of import entries. These scripts greatly improve the users’ productivity by eliminating duplicate data entry, seamlessly linking together related data entry screens from different mainframe applications, and automatically transferring data to desktop tools such as Microsoft Office. In short, the scripts have allowed CBP employees to tailor mainframe “green screen” applications for the unique workflow of a port. Over the past decade, scripts have become so important to port operations that CBP established a National Scripting Team to develop and maintain these productivity tools.

Why did CBP call on Computech?
As they upgrade their computer systems, CBP is replacing their terminal emulation package with one that does not support the scripting language. The one-thousand scripts that are critical to port operations will soon become inoperable.

So that they could replace their terminal emulation package, CBP asked Computech to replace 800 desktop scripts with new Java applications that:

• Perform exactly the same functions as the scripts;
• Execute as least as fast as the scripts do;
• Require minimal support for installation;
• Integrate with the new terminal emulation package and all Microsoft Office products;
• Permit the user to see the mainframe “green screen” in the background.