I started my first business in 1979 by the name of DP programming. This is the time that i was working with IBM mid-range computer. They were the system 34 and later the system 36. I work with the IBM sales person. He would sale the hardware and I would create the Software.  It would work well because they would not only finance the hardware but also my software. Because of the cost involved they were usually middle to large companies. The customer were mainly U.S. customs Broker and Freight forwarder. I did also created software for various housing authority’s , and Laredo Waterworks. Later I incorporated and started S.U.M.S. (Software Unlimited Memory Systems).

Later, I changed the name to Trade Technology Systems. It was at this time that I started working with trade Customers. IBM started selling to the small companies with a new small computer system.  CBP(U.S. Customs at that time) started a program call ABI(Automated Brokers Interface). I had already started working with a US customs but CBP started to required transmissions of information of shipment instead of paper. Eventually it would become a requirement in order to be a U.S. Customs Broker. I have to become a certified vendor to sell the CBP software.

Trade Technology Systems(TTS Inc.) a  bilingual company(English and Spanish), was established in Laredo, Texas as a computer software development business. Since 1979, we have been providing computer software ,hardware, installation, development, training, legislative updates, technical support, and Federal representation to the import and export industry. We were the first to be ABI approved software vendor the southern part of the United State. One of our customer received the award of being the 100th approved ABI broker in the United States. We keep up with all the regulations CBP (customs) changes.

SBA 2010 AWARD

Trade Technology Systems Inc. was selected by the Small Business Development Center for the region of south Texas as the 2010 “Success Story of the Year”. We are proud of this prestigious award and would like to thank our staff and clients for their dedication and support.

Local programmer brings new technology to border business.  By Bob McVey(Times News Editors)(1980-1982)

Changes in business operations are coming faster and faster these days, and the forefront of the changes are in the areas of increasing controls and computerization of business functions.In Laredo, and in other border cities from Brownsville to El Paso, Diana Padilla is doing her part to help those changes come about while developing a business of her own.

Padilla, a computer programmer, is also the head of the expanding D.P. Programming Co. The firm is moving rapidly to secure a strong foothold in programming services for the burgeoning import-export industry on both sides of the river.The native Laredoan learned her present craft at Laredo Junior College where she also worked for eight years of programmer.“It is really a challenging career”, the young businesswomen says, noting that, “Before I can work up a program for any of the businesses I work with, I first have to learn how they run their own business so the program they get will fit into their operation.” Starting last year with just her training and her hopes, Padilla has secured contracts with several import-export firms both in Mexico and in the U.S. in cities including Brownsville, Eagle Pass, Laredo and El Paso.

“I have been working very hard to develop a package for import and export companies because of the tremendous paperwork and time currently consumed in them,” she says, adding that she also worked for one local import firm before branching out on her own. “It is one of the businesses I know best.”

While her main emphasis is on the border trade, Padilla also takes care of programming businesses like the Pepsi and Schlitz distributors for the area. One contract she has is certain to touch everyone in the city one way or another.

Working with the Laredo Water Works System main office, she is in the progress of helping program their computers to take care of the regular water bills, addition of the new garbage fee and bookkeeping needs for the department.

As a woman working in a male-dominated business world, Padilla says she has had little problem with people wondering if she was competent, “but people do say they are fascinated by the work I do.” “One of the most challenge parts of the job, after the program and business have been matched up, is to teach the employees how to run their new computer. When possible, it is always better that they learn to run it themselves to save or hiring outside personnel.”

While she takes the growth of her business in stride, like hiring two new programmers to handle the work load recently, Padilla also admits it has had an effect on her personal life.