Dimension Data I-Commerce Services automates human resource function with Microsoft technologies

Global networking company Dimension Data`s I-Commerce Services division has implemented a fully automated and efficient Employee Registration Utility (ERU) system using Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange. With a headcount of almost 1 600 and a rapid monthly growth rate, effectively managing and streamlining the human resource function is critical to the group functioning as an integrated and efficient whole.

Developed by Fulcrum Information Technologies, the ERU is used by the Human Resource manager to notify the necessary departments of the various tasks required ahead of a new recruit joining the department. On the new employee`s arrival, technical requirements such as email, log on addresses and telephone extensions are already in place, with several electronic notices waiting for his/her attention. These notices include requests for information such as personal details, banking particulars and computer literacy skill levels. The necessary information, accurately provided by the new recruit, is returned to the Human Resource department automating the entire process.

"People and information are a company`s most precious assets," says Andre Wolmarans, managing director of Fulcrum. "Efficient management of these resources will result in increased productivity and improved business practices."

The ERU has been designed around the Microsoft Exchange mail and messaging infrastructure. The Exchange server is used as the basic communication delivery network with collaborative and administrative work flow, archival, retrieval, management, and extended e-mail and document distribution capabilities.

"Collaborative technology provides two major benefits to businesses - extensive, secure communication and storage of information in a central location," says Gail Moffitt, channel programme manager at Microsoft South Africa. "Microsoft Outlook and Exchange server provide a robust infrastructure to run critical collaboration services, as well as the resources to build an extensive knowledge base equipping organisations to make meaningful business decisions.

"By implementing this system into our organisation, we are able to capitalise on our investment and leverage messaging and collaboration functionality already available to us," comments Pauline Smith, CIO at Dimension Data I-Commerce Services. "The application enforces the collection of accurate up-to-date data, is cost effective and easy to maintain. By streamlining and automating our internal processes, we are moving towards the creation of a paperless environment."