Customer Case Studies
AXA Insurance.Cal Software has been commissioned to write a broker extranet in Java against an Oracle database, to operate in a Sun environment. The flexibility inherent in the solution enables all brokers to have access subject to security to instant online information when creating policies with an ability to download pdf versions of the policy application forms. As part of the initial phase of development we also provided a facility for the brokers to register for training, request information and to participate in an email forum to exchange ideas and vote on any topics of importance.
Akzo Nobel. The coating and paint division of Akzo Nobel, which includes some well-known household brands, for example Crown Paints and Berger. They also produce more specialised brands and products, which are mainly distributed via trade outlets.
This division of Akzo Nobel operates as a technical support organisation to advise professional users, architects and distributors on the correct products, preparation and application methods for various surfaces and conditions. This is a substantial operation involving skilled staff, a huge range of literature, volume printing, storage, selection and mailing.
Cal Software was tasked with designing a database and system, which would automate this process. The challenge ranged from, logging incoming enquiries, guiding users through alternative responses and automatically assembling and transmitting appropriate instructions, to deliver an "Expert System" configurable and usable by non expert staff.
The solution devised incorporated workflow techniques and a highly interactive knowledge based selection system.
The system improves the speed and focus of services provided and yields significant savings in the areas of printing, storage and assembly of documents.
Not only have Akzo Nobel got a system which automates and streamlines their technical support services, but they have, with very little further effort, the means of providing it directly to their customers via the Internet
Trident Feeds. This business is part of the ABNA group of companies and is the prime supplier of sugar beet pulp to the majority of UK Agriculture. They also market distillery by-products from distillers in Scotland both at home and abroad. Cal Software has implemented Compac Gold in an NT environment with a Corvu Management Reporting suite across the business at Peterborough, with integration to over 30 sites including weighbridges nationwide via a thin client deployment. This implementation has also seen the development of a haulage matrix system, which has been integrated into the core package. Such is the success of this implementation that Trident Feeds has now installed Inteletrade UK Agriculture's first Web based Business to Business (B2B) solution to over 100 merchants.
DLF-Perryfields (PHL). Based in Inkberrow, PHL is the largest and fastest growing grass and wildflower seed specialists in the UK. It is also a market leading producer and supplier of game cover crops to the retail trade. PHL as part of the evolution of their business systems committed resource along with other Seed Industry companies via a unique Seeds Club to assist us in the development of Generation, the only UK Windows Seeds Package designed for the industry by the industry. One of PHL's parent companies is DSV in Germany, the others are SCATS Agriproducts, Countrywide and NEF.
An acquisitive strategy has seen them buy Johnsons Seeds where they add, "box lawn seed" to their wide ranging product set and gain B&Q and Sainsbury Homebase as new customers. Generation is running in an NT environment over Terminal Server, with remote access out over a WAN to Perth. PHL believe that systems are integral to their business and to reducing administration and inefficiency, so are also supporting Seedwise, our sister product to enable the industry to have secure access over the Internet.
