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Introduction
A world leader in integrated, high technology land defence systems, Vickers Defence Systems (VDS) enjoys an industrial heritage ranging from submarines and aircraft, through ships and tanks, to prestige cars such as Rolls Royce. Today, VDS is responsible for a diverse group of products and services, including: armoured vehicles and sub-systems; training and simulation; bridging; logistic support; proof and experimental ranges; and systems integration.
The Problem
VDS recognises that an efficient internal communication infrastructure is key to maintaining strategic advantage within a highly competitive market place. An effective intranet is essential to knowledge sharing amongst employees that provides this strategic advantage.
As a time sensitive commodity, it is essential that the right information is available to the right people, at the right time.
The Solution
The Orchidnet-based intranet installed by Orchid Software facilitates the needs of VDS by bringing together the many disparate information systems used.
Taking a prime role in both business and IT strategies, the intranet has enabled a subtle culture change within the business, shifting the focus onto information sharing as a means of achieving company goals. This move from a "knowledge owned" to a "knowledge shared" way of working will manifest throughout the business. Decision makers will be better armed when considering difficult choices and overall productivity will benefit from a general cohesion within the company.
| Benefits |
| Facilitate and promote knowledge sharing by providing a dynamic environment from within which to publish and share information |
| Provide access to time critical information held in corporate databases |
| Aim towards a paperless office through the publication of all business documents through the intranet |
| Ease access to information through an intuitive interface |
| Reduce total cost of ownership for PCs within the business |
| Features |
| Central user database: Comprehensive database of all employees, holding standard employee data and photographs. Also used to validate logons |
| Security framework: Users are authenticated and granted permissions which control what they can and cannot view |
| Dynamic noticeboard: Enables users of the intranet to easily post notices such as memos, for viewing by other users |
| Search facility: Comprehensive search of employee and corporate information |
| Discussion forum: Providing a powerful means for user to share knowledge across the business |
| Organisational tree: Automatically creates business family trees based on information in the intranets user database |
| Visitor control: Enables employees to inform the reception desk of any visitors they are expecting and at what time and date |
| Feedback form: Allows users of the intranet to offer feedback on both the intranet and wider business issues |
| Classifieds: Functions like most classified advertising and helps to build community within the business by enabling employees to post items wanted or for sale |
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“Orchid have worked with Vickers Defence Systems over the last two years on leading edge Intranet technologies, this close partnership has allowed the organisation to take full advantage of the intranet as a communication medium and a core systems integration tool”
Mike Wardle, IT Manager, BAE Systems |
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“Orchid have worked with Vickers Defence Systems over the last two years on leading edge Intranet technologies”
Mike Wardle, IT Manager, BAE Systems |
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