P&O Nedlloyd chooses PeopleSoft 8 for HR system

P&O Nedlloyd, one of the world`s largest shipping companies, has become the first company in Europe to implement PeopleSoft`s pure internet Human Resources (HRMS) package to manage its workforce. The system went live on 8 December 2000, with implementation taking only seven weeks from start to finish due to the simplicity of PeopleSoft 8`s "out-of-the-box" package.

PeopleSoft 8 will initially be used to support P&O Nedlloyd`s 1800 employees in the UK. The success of this first roll-out within these timescales has encouraged the organisation to consider extending the application to a number of worldwide locations. Coupled with this, the UK HRM team will be adding additional functionality to support general HRM activities.

Pamela Harding, UK HRM Manager at P&O Nedlloyd says, "Our main reason for choosing PeopleSoft 8 was its `zero client footprint`. As there is no need to install new software on the users` PCs, we estimate that we can cut our deployment costs for Self-Service - by approximately #105 per user or #190,000 for the UK alone. Training requirements are minimal, because the web-based interface is so intuitive and easy to use."

Initially, the company is using the Administer Workforce and Absence Management Reporting modules. The Self-Service module is currently being piloted and will be rolled out to all UK employees by the end of quarter one 2001. "Self-Service will empower P&O Nedlloyd`s employees to access and update their own data, for example the number of days holiday they have remaining. This will free time for its HR department to concentrate on strategic initiatives," says Liz Bailey, product strategy manager - HRMS at PeopleSoft.

PeopleSoft 8 will allow P&O Nedlloyd to perform real-time management reporting and provide the capability for business modelling, using `what if` queries to investigate the potential impact of planned changes on the company.

Many employees will use the new HR system from their desktop PCs. For those without PC access, for example drivers, P&O Nedlloyd will provide kiosks in communal locations such as its depots.

"As we don`t have to focus so much on the technology, we can spend more time on communication with our employees and the softer issues involved in rolling out a new HR system," says Harding. "With PeopleSoft 8, the HR department can also manage the front-end security of the system, without having to involve the IT staff."

P&O Nedlloyd is in the process of a global standardisation programme and is using PeopleSofts leading edge technology, including its Financials solution to empower its employees in knowledge sharing and decision-making.