Leveraging electronic workflow in Electronics Distribution sector

Summary

DMA Solutions and IBM Software Services partnered to design and develop a comprehensive workflow and enterprise application integration solution for a leading electronics distributor in PRC.

Challenges

As a leading distributor of electronic components, it distributes a big range of electronic devices and semiconductors. Facing the increasing workload in managing inventory, they turned to IBM and DMA for a business solution.

Solution

Technology

After studying the business requirements, the customers decided that Java will be the obvious choice of technology. Thus, they selected IBM Websphere Application Server for its stability and extensibility, and chose the renowned IBM Rational Application Developer for its programming platform.

Proven Workflow engine

The Workflow solution utilizes DMA Workflow engine, a proven Java module that is pluggable into any business application. It handles a wide range of different workflow routing, such as serial and parallel flow.

Application Integration

In order to adhere to their company standards and ease user authentication, we integrated the workflow system with their corporate Lotus Domino LDAP directory. To further simplify the system manageability, the workflow system looks up the user and roles form their HR System. Last but not least, the updated data in the workflow process will be seamlessly updated to their AS/400 system.

Why partner with IBM and DMA Solutions

IBM is the leading technology provider worldwide. Its flagship brand Websphere and Rational are the market leaders in their respective technology domain. DMA, an advanced business partner of IBM, is the technical expert in Java development, Process Engineering and Enterprise Application Integration. More importantly, DMA has vast experience in delivering successful business solutions.

Built on IBM hardware and software, IBM Software Services Team and DMA successfully delivered the project on time and within budget to the Customer.

Benefits

Reduced processing cycle

The inventory management process is simplified and the processig time is reduced.

Instant information update

The updated information is fed immediately into the backend AS/400 system without re-entry, thus elminiating human error.

Flexible design

The workflow engine allows on-the-fly changes of the workflow process without any programming change.

Investment protection

The Workflow system integrates with customer's Lotus LDAP, HR system and AS/400, thus saving money in reinventing the necessary modules.

Minimal training

Being a web-based application, the users are already familiar with the user interface. They started instantly using the System with minimal training.

Future Plan

The solution adopts a modular design and is ready to be transformed into SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) in the future. By adopting the SOA, it further eases manageability of the system and allows higher degree of integration with other applications via web services.