After the successful implementation of the first phase of the Iscor Vanderbijlpark SHERQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality) Document Management System (DMS), the second phase was recently launched under the guidance of Engineering Informatics (EI) and AST.

The installation of the SAP-based DMS has already had a dramatic impact on the way in which Iscor SHERQ deals with its business documentation. Over 6500 documents are already loaded onto the new DMS system, and phase two of the project will see further templates, revisions and documents loaded.

"We are now also rolling out the DMS to non-SAP users," says Brenda Simms, Iscor SHERQ systems administrator. "We are also making minor refinements to the system and adding further functionality." The system (which is due for final completion in December 2002) has already taken a significant administrative burden off a range of Iscor Vanderbijlpark employees, and consequently increased productivity within the division.

"Paper was flying all over the place before the document management system was installed," says Simms. "Administrators were having to make hundreds of photostats of documents and then had to take care of distributing them. But now the latest relevant copy of a document is instantly available to all who need it."

Tighter control

The Iscor SHERQ DMS has brought much tighter control over documentation to the division. It has also eliminated instances where administrators were able to manipulate vital information contained within documents. "It is now so much easier for management to track, control and update documentation," says Simms. "We have even built in automatic revision dates, which prompt users to revise documents at the appropriate time."

The new DMS not only enables the Iscor Vanderbijlpark SHERQ division to effectively and efficiently manage its business documents, but also to actively include them in its critical business processes - thereby enhancing business value and delivery.

"We were very happy to use EI and AST for both phases of the DMS project, because they are so focused and knowledgeable about the system," Simms concludes.

For more information contact Engineering Informatics, 011 791 1028.