Intranets--Not Dreams, But Reality Erasing the boundaries in business processes By Robert Smallwood and Jon Pyke A bank in Sweden has a stated business objective to deploy systems to internal users of multiple platforms to rationalize their approach to the purchasing process. Other users require multiple remote connections in cataloging applications, order status checking and claims filing. Still others need to provide refund processing for customers scattered throughout the world. Today, virtual office applications are more common than one might think. Most workflow systems deployed today operate exclusively on PC, LAN or Web technology, by definition excluding those critical users that may be operating on other systems. Staffware, with its Staffware Global application, envisions a profound change in the way companies presently approach business. Boundaries are taken away. Staffware Global is workflow software that includes--rather than excludes--users, customers and suppliers in core business processes regardless of system type or location. It also allows internal and external information sources to be securely accessed, even if those sources reside on the Web. Multiple Web and LAN users on a network computer (NC) or a PC can intermix and collaborate--all of this without retraining users. Many industries are implementing this technology to conform to regulatory requirements when those requirements, such as reporting or access to updated data, reside externally on the Web. Electronic commerce is conducted through full remote access with centralized control to facilitate common inter-company processing. Legacy system investment is preserved. This inclusive approach allows access to users who had previously been excluded from key business processes because their systems ran on network computing devices, or OS/2, Unix, Macintosh or even Windows platforms. With Staffware Global, minimal event administration is required--in fact, if no updated versions of client software need to be installed, work arrives transparently. While HTML is now often used for thin client deployment, this is not an effective way to process active work. Intelligent data checks, as well as all validation and data integrity checks, need to be made at the client level, so data arrives completely and cleanly at the server. With this approach, organizations can minimize installation costs and business disruptions as users need not be retrained on new systems. Processing takes place in the background, shielding users from having to learn any new technology. This facilitates rapid application deployment, elegantly and simply. Also with Staffware, complete audit trails will enable secure access to systems external to the organization, so processes may be completed without interruption or breaches of security. One may have a default connection to IP, but also have the ability to go through proxy servers by URL connections. Organizations may now choose to include their customers in customer service applications such as filing complaints, claims or checking on delivery status. Companies may also choose to include suppliers in quality processes, procurement, distribution and inventory control procedures. Robert Smallwood is a partner with Imerge Consulting (New Orleans) and a member of the AIIM International Board of Directors, 504-525-4500, fax 504-525-9040, E-mail 102077.315@compuserve.com. Jon Pyke is chief technology officer for Staffware (U.K.), 44-1628-786800, fax 44-1628-781654, E-mail Jpyke@staffware.com.
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