In a bid to consolidate its communication and knowledge management procedures, Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has implemented Lotus Notes.
According to James Kamyuka, general manager, management services at BDC, the company required more than just a communication model, but a total solution that encompasses all of its business processes. The BDC aimed to enhance communication and distribution of information to its client base and 94 associated companies.
Despite the fact that BDC already had Microsoft Exchange installed, they had no in-house application development. "We required a solution that provides up-to-the-minute management information and production of financial reports. Also, we needed something that allowed authorised personnel to extract information from the system at any given time and enabled potential customers to process applications through the system - all things that were lacking," says Kamyuka.
To cater for the specific needs of this company, Lotus Professional Services managed the project with additional development from the South African-based Futuristic - a Lotus Business Partner.
The solution was an IT renewal project constructed with various modules developed in Lotus/Domino. "Lotus provides a platform for the development and delivery of systems to enable collaboration and co-ordination within the various BDC divisions. Now users share information and knowledge without having to think about it," says Lesego Tlhabanelo, marketing communications manager at Lotus Development SA.
"When dealing with a large number of employees, providing electronic documentation simplifies the process for all involved," explains Kamyuka. Lotus developed standardised documents and procedures that all the different divisions of the BDC can make use of.
Kamyuka says the Lotus workflow option has simplified and streamlined procedures at BDC. "As a financial institution, there is a daily application for funds. With Notes we are able to streamline this process, so that the customer only has to see a single person when applying for a loan.
"In the past, the applicant had to go from person to person to ensure that it was completed correctly. This capability has allowed us to offer better and faster service to our clients," he adds.
Kamyuka suggests that BDC is edging towards becoming a player in the ISP/ASP market. "We provide loans to a number of companies, and they have a need to view statements and general account information online. Seeing that we have a relevant infrastructure in place, we are able to - in theory - look at offering such services and, in so doing, significantly reduce the time to return on investment."
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