JLM Industries, Inc. has begun planning the implementation of Lotus Notes and Domino Release 5 (R5) for its offices worldwide. The plans are to not only standardise on a single messaging platform but also host its Web requirements on a Domino platform.
This international manufacturer, distributor and marketer of chemicals and speciality plastics has not been a global Lotus customer. Sean Pillay, PC and network systems manager at JLM, SA, says the South African office was the catalyst for this project. "When JLM International acquired the South African office we were already running on Notes," says Pillay. "After comparing our messaging system with theirs, the decision was made to standardise on Domino R5 throughout the company."
JLM`s international backbone will be structured round Domino, while Notes will take care of workflow and messaging. "Notes` workflow application reduces time spent on tracking information while offering up-to-date records that are accessible by the relevant staff," says Pillay.
Pillay still heralds the sales reporting tools of Notes as the primary benefit to JLM`s global sales force. "It will allow for collaborative information between our sales people as all the needed information will be replicated worldwide. In this industry sales are done on an availability basis. Using Lotus` technology, sales people will be able to locate stock and the quantities involved - all at the click of a button."
The JLM offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are in the process of upgrading their systems to Notes/Domino R5 and will be followed by offices in the Americas, Europe and Singapore. All Lotus software required for the international roll out will be purchased locally.
JLM SA customer database is hosted on a Domino server. This system records all information, transactions and correspondence between the company and its clients. Notes provides the correct electronic documentation, reduces delivery time and keeps an electronic record.
Lotus offers compatibility with JLM` SA use of, eBPCS its ERP application. As a fully integrated manufacturing, planning and financial system, eBPCS manages stock control, order processing, updates the general ledger system and all of JLM`s manufacturing requirements. This is where JLM utilises Lotus Enterprise Integrator (LEI previously Notes Pump).
LEI is a server-based data distribution product that enables exchange of data between eBPCS and Lotus Notes. "LEI extracts the relevant information from the eBPCS system directly into a Notes Database. The purchase order system is an example where the data is extracted from eBPCS and stored in Notes. The Notes system ensures that the correct documentation is produced ready to be sent out via lotus Notes or Domino Fax says Pillay.
Once the international Lotus backbone is up and running, attention will be given to the acquisition of Lotus Sametime in order to further streamline business processes.
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