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IT PROCESS IMPROVEMENT FOR INDUSTRY

Software Development: WAN Workflow System Case Study American National Can (Rexam Corporation) Brief Design a workflow system on a wide area network to manage the artwork development process for this major international manufacturer of aluminium cans. Business Case Responsiveness is all-important in consumer markets - it is imperative for new pack concepts to reach retail shelves in the shortest possible time. An integrated, networked workflow process can allow the manufacturer to offer reliable output with short lead times, giving competitive edge and potentially increased market share. Implementation The transformation of an initial can design concept into the finished market product is complex - involving iterative feasibility, sourcing, design refinement and authorisation stages. Information is drawn from decentralised sources - Graphics, Studio, Plant and Sales - in different formats, including PDF. We mapped and analysed the client’s information paths and developed  a WAN-based workflow system that would drive the whole process. The system automates actions and requests, so eliminating dead time, and allows all individuals to see at a glance their workload.

The application employs a VB front end with an Oracle 8i back end. The majority of the processing is performed on the database server using stored procedures. Adobe Acrobat Writer was incorporated into the front end using ActiveX controls, to allow users to view the artwork on screen. Benefits concept to market elapsed time is significantly cut manual writing of forms is eliminated ease of use means that management load is minimised data is validated automatically errors are eliminated by employing a single centralised data source peak usage is easily accommodated without staff overload complete flexibility is achieved without any loss of control