Q&A with Joanna MacSween
As the Export Control Officer at the University of Liverpool, Joanna MacSween has seen first-hand how complex and fragmented Export Controls management can become when reliant on spreadsheets, shared folders, and email trails. With growing expectations around compliance and Trusted Research, the need for a scalable, secure, and centralised system became clear.
By implementing Infonetica’s Export Controls solution, Liverpool is not just solving today’s administrative challenges – they’re also laying the foundation for growth, adaptability, and future audit readiness.
We spoke with Joanna about the tipping point for change, what the implementation process has looked like, and how the solution will bring clarity and efficiency to her day-to-day work.
Q: Can you describe some of the challenges you had before implementing our Export Controls Solution? What prompted you to look for an Export Controls solution?
Joanna:
“Before implementing Infonetica’s Export Controls solution, we were using Excel, MS Forms and saving documents and emails in shared folders. We realised that this wouldn’t be sustainable for a growing area, and it was open to error and loss. We needed an IT system to help manage the whole process from Export Control assessment through to license application, issue and compliance recording.”
Q: How have you found the implementation experience?
Joanna:
“The implementation has been good, and we’ve used it as an opportunity to help us review our existing processes – for example, deciding whether something is worth carrying on going forward. Having regular catch ups with the same Infonetica staff who have been helping to create and implement the system has been really helpful and they were very quick to respond to queries too.”
Q: What would you say to a peer considering implementing an Export Controls solution?
Joanna:
“Having Infonetica’s Export Control solution which can grow with the expected increase in the area of Export Controls and Trusted Research gives us the confidence that we have a tool to help ease some of the challenges in this area.”
Q: What are you most looking forward to now that the solution is in place?
Joanna:
“I am looking forward to not having to keep using filters on a spreadsheet and look in lots of different places (folders/Outlook/Teams etc.) to find relevant information. Having everything in one place will make the job a lot easier!”
Ready to strengthen your institution’s approach to export controls? Explore our Export Controls solution or get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.
.jpg)
.png)
