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iOM's Colombo Development Centre retains master copies of the IBIS core applications for current versions being supported. In addition, it keeps a library of client-specific modifications by IBIS version.
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Financial Objects Delivery Management staff issues to iOM a schedule of System Build requirements. This specifies the sequence in which Financial Objects' clients have agreed to have their software upgraded. Our Development Centre then receives detailed upgrade schedules for each client via email, which becomes the client project plan.
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The Development Centre allocates staff to each build, assembling the client libraries to construct a complete system, hence the term System Build. On completion, the specific modifications for the client under the old version are then examined and their relevance under the new version is determined. Where changes are required, these are then incorporated in the new version. Where the changes are now redundant or incorporated in the Base IBIS Product then the code is removed and documented accordingly.
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Project management operates remotely. The Project Estimate issued by Financial Objects' Delivery Management staff generate the Project Plan. Each element of the Project Plan is processed and updated electronically. Internet-timesheet forms are updated and inspected by Financial Objects staff.
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Quality control processes have been defined involving a mix of manual sampling, as laid down by Financial Objects, and additional tasks carried out by Financial Objects staff in London, using remote terminal access into our Development Centre. The end result is that the offices of Financial Objects and iOM's Colombo Development Centre are linked just as any 2 offices in the UK…or the same building. The use of the Internet for both workflow and real-time access to each other's systems means that the infrastructure for remote working is operated at very low cost.
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On completion of an upgraded system, after QC signoff by Financial Objects staff, a client tape is shipped to the country, where the client's system is operated, together with all the appropriate systems packaging and documentation. Financial Objects' staff then visits the site to complete the loading process and verify the integrity of the system with the local test and live files.
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iOM staff complete electronic timesheets and other routine administrative tasks using iOM's Internet-based infrastructure, which has been developed over the past 5 years to deal with its employees being managed from 7 offices around the globe…and often needing to work from client sites in over 11 countries.
Case Study - Bangkok Synthetics Limited
Established as the first C4 derivatives in Thailand, Bangkok Synthetics (BST) is known as one of the leading producer of MTBE, Butene-1 and Butadiene in Thailand.
BST was established in 1991 under the promotional privilege of the Board of Investment of Thailand for the purpose of promoting and executing the C4 derivatives Project in which utilizing the Mixed C4. BST, the regions largest C4 Company, focuses their business activities in the production and marketing of various petrochemical products using mixed C4 as raw material.
BST has established and is a major shareholder of BST Elastomers together with JSR Corporation and Nippon Zeon for the business diversification in rubber industry with the initial investment in Butadiene Rubber (BR) and Styrene Butadiene. In addition they are also shareholders in various related petrochemical joint ventures such as Thai MMA Co. Ltd., Rayong Olefins Co., Ltd. and Thai Olefins Co., Ltd.
BST’s plant is located within Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Eastern Seaboard Development Program at Rayong Province, Thailand.
The Situation
BST’s business is expanding rapidly; therefore, the existing system is too small to cover their sophisticated needs for information. BST wanted to eliminate the unnecessary work outside the system. Due to the size and functional limitation of the old system at BST, they had to manually manage all sales activities and sales-related information including that pertaining to import/ export taxes. Oracle's OM enables electronic order management in a multi-company environment spanning the activities occurring across their factories and HQ. They wanted only one database in the company, and this system was able to meet their requirements.
BST’s production control process starts from the very point where the raw material is pumped into the production process and continues until the final product is stored in containers. Within this process, the production is monitored by a digital computerized system (DCS), which is monitored from a central control room. The hi-tech control system gives an accurate measurement and makes it possible to step in and adjust any operating conditions in the process such as temperature control, pressure, flowing rate, level of liquid in container and many other details.
Furthermore, BST pays great attention to quality control in every processing step of the production. Samples of raw material and products are collected in every phase and analyzed and tested for its correct properties following international standards to ensure that the customer will receive the product of the highest quality to meet their demand.
The Challenge
BST wanted Oracle Applications and Database to accommodate the dynamic growth of their business, especially in the area of process manufacturing. These include shifts towards e-business and supply chain management: avenues of growth that Oracle extensive e-business suite of modules can accommodate in an additive and integrated manner. They also expect first-line support from iOM (both in person and via iOMHelp – a 24 x 7 web based International Support center) in addition to the 24 - Hour support from Oracle to ensure business continuity and software efficacy at the optimal levels.
In terms of specific business requirements, they expect to see the costing and scheduling from the production line, a benefit they would want Oracle to enable. Ultimately, upon the purchase of Oracle Business Intelligence products, they would like Oracle to supply timely and quality information to the top management, so the management can make strategic business decisions at a competitive speed.
The Response
When BST was looking at converting their system the first thing they wanted was experience. And at iOM, we had the experience in process manufacturing. We were a global company. We understood their needs and responded to them on time. We sincerely suggested to BST on the investment with no hidden cost in the future. We helped them split the investment into phases; so they can fit them in to their yearly budget.
When it was decided that iOM would be implementing the required system, we suggested that the Oracle E-Business suite is the perfect fit. Oracle was able to match their current requirements and supports their e-business requirements in the future. This gave BST the confidence in the system as we were not only looking into giving a solution to meet their current requirements, but we were looking ahead, looking into BST expansion process and implementing a system that is highly flexible and developed to suite the future.
Our solution meant that a Compaq NT Proliant server was required to run the Oracle E-Business suite. The modules required were Financials and Distribution, which were to be implemented using Oracle’s FastForward process. Looking towards the future, we are expecting on providing Oracle Business Intelligence tools. This will enable BST to be more focused and stay leaps ahead of competition.
