ACI Commodity Description Search Page (ACI eManifest)
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🔖 This article is part of the BorderConnect Software User Guide |
ACI Commodity Description Search Page
A master data tool for managing, standardizing, and cleaning up commodity descriptions in ACI eManifests.
Overview
The ACI Commodity Description Search Page allows you to manage the library of stored commodity descriptions used when creating or editing ACI shipments.
Whenever a new commodity description is entered on an ACI shipment, BorderConnect automatically saves it for future use. While convenient, over time this can result in duplicate entries, typos, or inconsistent wording. This page is designed to keep your commodity list clean, accurate, and easy for dispatchers to reuse.
How to Access: Navigate to the ACI eManifests menu and select Commodity Descriptions.
Why Manage Descriptions?
Keeping your commodity list organized provides several operational benefits:
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Faster Data Entry | Quickly select common goods from a dropdown instead of retyping them every trip. |
| Fewer Errors | Correct typos once centrally instead of fixing them repeatedly on every manifest. |
| Consistent Reporting | Standardized descriptions improve clarity for Customs officers and reduce inspection risks. |
| Cleaner Lists | Removes clutter and duplicates from the autocomplete dropdowns. |
Search & Filtering
Use the search tools to quickly locate specific commodity descriptions to edit or delete. You can filter by Description Text or Package Type.
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| Search | Refreshes the list based on your entered filters. |
| Reset | Returns to the full, unfiltered list of all stored descriptions. |
| Clear | Empties all filter fields for a fresh search. |
Adding Standard Descriptions
While descriptions are created automatically during shipment entry, you can also manually add standardized entries here.
Steps to Add
1. Click New Commodity Description. 2. Enter the Description Text (plain language). 3. Set the Default Package Type (e.g., Cartons, Pallets). 4. Set the Default Weight Unit (KGM or LBS). 5. Click Save.
Note: Setting defaults here means the Package Type and Weight Unit will automatically populate whenever this description is selected in the future, speeding up data entry.
Managing Results
The results table displays all matching descriptions. You can manage them using the links in each row.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Edit | Correct spelling mistakes or update default package/weight settings. Saving applies the update to future selections. |
| Delete | Remove duplicates or outdated descriptions. Note: Deleting a description does not affect past shipments; it only removes it from the future selection list. |
Best Practices
Recommended Cleanup Workflow
1. Search for a common item (e.g., "Auto Parts"). 2. Identify duplicates or typos (e.g., "Auto Prts", "Automotive Parts"). 3. Edit the best version to ensure it has the correct defaults. 4. Delete the misspelled or duplicate versions.
Tips for Success
- Keep descriptions clear and in plain language (avoid internal jargon).
- Avoid abbreviations unless they are commonly recognized by CBSA.
- Periodically review the list to remove clutter.