Game Changer -- Part 3 of 3

Before we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning from an HS/HTS classification perspective, which in of itself is a Game Changer for the world of customs compliance, let's take a look at a recipe Game Changer that I just discovered. 

(Sorry, no pictures were taken as the end result was so good it was eaten quite quickly!)

A recent Game Changer for me was making a dinner that I thought to be quite simple but the reaction and feedback was so positive, it felt that I served a meal prepared by a 4 star Michelin rated restaurant.

If you have not tried Shakshuka with garlic bread, I strongly suggest that you indulge in this delight sooner rather than later.

Recipe...
- 1 large onion
- 1 small yellow or orange bell pepper
- 1 zucchini
- 3 to 4 small mushrooms
- vegetable or olive oil
- 1 can (796 ml/28 fl. oz.) of diced tomatoes
- 7 eggs
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- parsley flakes
- 1 loaf of French or Italian bread
- butter or margarine
- 4 fresh garlic cloves
- mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese
- fresh avocado
- can of hearts of palm

Dice the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms
In a deep skillet/frying pan, pour two to three tablespoons of oil to grease the pan. Heat oil and on a medium heat place the diced onion into the skillet. Once the onion is translucent, place the remaining diced vegetables into the skillet. Fry on low to medium heat for about 7 minutes or until diced vegetables are softened.
Add the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid) into the skillet.
For taste, add in salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
Mix and bring the contents of the skillet to a boil.
Decrease to a low heat. 
With a spoon create little craters in the sauce and add eggs. (Crack and drop the whole egg into each crater.)
Cover the skillet.
Allow to continue to simmer until eggs are no longer runny (poached or even hard-boiled).
Drizzle some parsley flakes

Once the eggs are added and the skillet is covered, heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slice the French or Italian bread into desired size slices.
Spread the butter or margarine on each slice.
Sprinkle garlic powder or crush fresh garlic and spread over the margarine/butter coated bread slice.
Place bread in heated oven for 7 minutes or until bread is lightly browned and toasted.
Remove and lightly sprinkle mozzarella or parmesan cheese (or both) while bread is still hot.
By this time, Shakshuka should be ready.
Plate and serve Shakshuka with a slice of garlic bread.
Can add slices of fresh avocado or sliced hearts of palm on the side.
ENJOY!

Really, compared to other dishes, this one is fairly simple to make and it is all done in under 20 minutes. Game Changer!

How in the world does this relate to AI and machine learning?
Surely HS classification is not as simple as making Shakshuka and garlic bread!?

On the contrary, HS classification is a skill based on specific rules and the ability to initiate a complex decision tree with the information that one does (and at times does not) have.

For example, how can the HS classification be determined with the following information sets (or product "recipe" for the purposes of classification):

1) Top
2) Knit Top
3) Knit Polyester Top
4) Girl's Knit Polyester Top

An aspect of classification to think about is if there is enough detail in the information presented to be able to accurately classify the item in question.
In the scenario above, is there enough information to differentiate as to what type of shirt this is?
> blouse
> t-shirt
> sweatshirt
> tube top
> halter top
> crop top
> sweater
How about differentiating between a baby, toddler, girl or young lady? Does that make a difference in classification?
In Canada, the duty rate for most apparel is 18%. However, in other jurisdiction, the duty rates could have substantial ranges and without the proper description, misclassification could result in a non-compliant declaration and potential amounts owed to the Customs authority of the jurisdiction into which the items are being imported.

So where does AI and machine learning come into play?

To emphasize the point, consider a story I once heard at a seminar surrounding the topic of "First-Sale" in the US. At that time, "First-Sale" was (and still very much is) on USCBPs radar and importers needed to navigate to ensure that business processes remained efficient and cost-effective.
The story outlined was how did one pay a utility bill? Was it still that we walk into a bank and utilize the services of a teller or did we go on-line to initiate an automated payment to the vendor via our financial institution? 
Those continuing to use a teller would begin to see additional charges for the services provided whereas the ones utilizing the efficiencies of on-line banking would save time and money.

AI and machine learning for the purposes of HS classification is still in the infancy stages of being developed. However, ignoring the powers of AI and machine learning can place supply chains at risk of becoming, dare I say, archaic. Continuing to work and develop these tools, would not replace the human element of classification but could possibly leverage the talents of the experts currently classifying products to increase their productivity and accuracy.

If various sectors in science and technology are investigating the powers of AI and machine learning, focusing on how to potentially utilize these tools for supply chain efficiencies is, in my opinion, a must!

HS/HTS is the foundation of Customs compliance! Tools leveraging the expanse of AI and machine learning can align and streamline the process of accurately identifying the key compliance elements of HS/HTS.

Shakshuka was a Game Changer because a simple recipe unexpectedly received raving reviews and accolades!
AI and machine learning for the purposes of HS/HTS classification is also in-line to be a Game Changer! Customs authorities in various jurisdictions are probably using AI and machine learning in a variety of ways to identify non-compliance. Think of how effective these tools would be to support and enhance compliance!

AI - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning...
From a supply chain compliance perspective, it is a GAME CHANGER!
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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