Local container shipping giant, Safmarine, is currently implementing a Web-based information delivery, quoting and booking system for its clients, based on Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino. Apart from providing the normal Company PR information, the first phase will provides customers access to the existing Safmarine intranet, enabling examination of the shipping schedules housed on an internal Oracle database.
In addition, phase one also sees the move of the Web site hosting from an external service provider to an in-house server. "The proof of concept took 20 man days to complete and I estimate another 20 day period to put the system into full production," says Ewald Ziervogel, Research & Network Development executive at Safmarine.
The second phase enhances electronic services delivery by providing quotes across the Web. "Once this phase is completed our clients will be able to log on to the Web site, check the schedule, then receive a quote for the schedule that best suits them," says Ziervogel.
The third and final phase of the Notes/Domino system will be to make electronic booking a reality. "The customer can start the process of shipping directly from the Web," says Steve Dunbar, marketing manager at Lotus Development SA.
"The phased approach to the project allows for an easy transition from intranet to extranet. On completion, the system will improve service delivery to clients as well as improve processes within Safmarine," he says.
Safmarine is using two IBMNetfinity servers, based in Belgium and Cape Town, to host the Notes/Domino solution. The Lotus replication feature allows for synchronisation of all information. "We have identical up-to-date information available to customers no matter where they are located and regardless of timezones," concludes Ziervogel.
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Lotus Development
Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus sets the standard for truly innovative software products and services that reflect the company`s unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus is redefining the concept of conducting business through practical knowledge management, e-business and other ground-breaking ways of connecting the world`s ideas, thinkers, buyers, sellers and communities via the Internet. Lotus markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide through direct and extensive Business Partner channels. The company also provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Professional Services organization.