IT departments are using TCM`s Electronic Communication Services (TCMECS) software on the integrated IBM eServer to send alerts and messages to cellphones. The system has significantly enhanced productivity, reduced telephone costs and streamlined internal processes.
The TCMECS software is an innovative embedded software application that can be set up to send manual or automatic SMS messages to any cellphone.
TCMECS is used as a replacement for the telephone, allowing operators to send SMS messages to staff and management what would otherwise be done telephonically, saving in some cases on hundreds of phone calls.
The types of messages automatically generated to a cellphone can include a key business user being alerted of specific incidents in their business or the IT manager alerted on the status of a specific application.
The service also includes SMS messages sent to TCM alerting the support division of a pending hardware problem at a customer site. One such customer using TCMECS is Safair, the aircraft maintenance and leasing company.
"As an aviation company, turnaround time and the ability to work towards critical deadlines is part of our daily routine," explained Safair Senior Manager: Information Services Robert Vogel.
"TCM has embedded within our IBM eServer a useful and powerful business tool, facilitating the sending of SMS messages through locally available cellphone service providers. We have seen the business impact of this feature and have incorporated it as a standard tool in many of our internally developed applications," he explained.
"Safair monitors, by the minute, all aircraft despatches and arrivals. Previously, in the event of a delay, operational staff had to phone over 20 people, informing them of delays or provide technical information. Now, a real-time, internally developed application manages all flights and has the TCMECS, SMS system fully embedded for sending messages containing technical information. The system can easily send 25 messages in under 15 seconds," explained Vogel.
The total number of messages exceeds 2 000 per month. The system is also embedded within applications requiring up-to-the-minute reminders and alerts. "We are using TCMECS for alerting technical, engineering and operational staff of auto-landing tests that need to be performed on aircraft. This enables staff to be prepared when the tests are being performed, and is a legal requirement of the local aviation authorities," he noted.
"As a foreign currency-based company, Safair is reliant on the latest exchange rates. The TCMECS application sends out alert messages in the event of currency rates not loaded into the system or if there are excessive variances. Our financial staff rely totally on these messages," explained Vogel.
"TCMECS is also a useful business tool for our internally developed call despatch system. It has improved despatch turnaround times dramatically, alleviating the need for human intervention and at the same time improving user interaction with the IT department. Calls are automatically escalated, resending messages based on a priority class.
"Due to the mobility of our staff, TCMECS is also used to send management and staff scheduled meeting reminders and we use the system extensively for confirming the completion of critical batch runs, successful completion of backup processes and general system process monitoring," he added.
At a recent comprehensive IT audit done by auditors, TCMECS received praise and approval from the auditors.
Vogel said other international aviation companies operating on the same basis as Safair have admired the impact of TCMECS. "It has most certainly improved productivity, reduced turnaround times, kept staff well informed of critical events and resulted in direct telephone cost savings," he explained.
"Without TCMECS, Safair would be disadvantaged in meeting its critical deadlines. The system will provide benefit to Safair for many years to come," he noted.
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