Participants are responsible for developing or procuring software that is compatible with AMS. Independent data processing companies and port authorities have developed hardware, software, and teleprocessing capabilities that meet Customs requirements. These companies are located throughout the United States and charges to participants vary. Customs can provide a list of AMS data processing providers. The decision to use a particular provider is strictly an individual AMS participant's decision. System demonstrations can be arranged by contacting the independent data processing companies. Commercial vendor software must have complete edit and validation/verification logic.

Customs Data Center
The Customs Data Center serves as the communications link to AMS for qualified participants and is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Testing
Each participant is required to complete a series of tests designed to evaluate their ability to receive and transmit manifest data. Testing for AMS is done in three stages: the systems interface test, the software test, and the pilot test.

The systems interface test is used to verify the accuracy of the participant's communications software and hardware. All communications problems encountered during the test are resolved. The test is successful when the participant has retrieved and verified several special Customs-created, client-specific files from the AMS database. A pre-defined test scenario must be followed by each prospective participant to evaluate their software's effectiveness in transmitting and receiving manifest, site, user, and other data. Software packages purchased from a vendor must be tested even if the vendor has previously tested the package.

The software test allows final adjustments to the participant's system and provides an opportunity for error detection without risk to the AMS production system. Each participant must demonstrate the ability to transmit sample manifests, various messages, amendments, and General Order (GO) status replies according to established test procedures. Customs will process the sample messages and generate error messages, reject messages, and status notifications.

The pilot test occurs after software testing is completed, and live data is transmitted at a port designated by the participant. Upon successful completion of the pilot test, paper processing is reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the appropriate port director.

Operational Status
In order to continue processing through AMS, participants must maintain a high level of quality as well as a low error ratio. Participants who do not maintain these standards may be placed in a probationary status or removed from AMS.

Costs
The costs incurred for developing or purchasing software and hardware are the AMS participant's responsibility. The costs can be lessened by purchasing existing approved software or by using a service center or port authority to provide the automated interface.