Case Studies: Manufacturing

The Modis Solution: On-call support allows client to focus on database development

This long-time Modis client was looking to outsource onsite support for all Oracle Databases. Oracle is not a primary database supported by the client, but the client has many third-party software packages that only run on Oracle. Due to the client’s limited needs, they did not want to staff two full-time consultants, especially considering that Oracle support tends wax and wane.

Modis has been managing and supporting multiple instances of Oracle databases for this client since 2002. Modis consultants allowed the client’s database department to focus on development and support of their own strategic databases. The consultants were used on an on-call basis, allowing the client to ramp up or down the staff levels as needed.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing a team of consultants to assist with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5.
• Developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with this client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items.
• Providing SAS developers to assist in the development of the client’s Standard Clinical Reporting System, designed to speed up the process of getting medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

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The Modis Solution: Project team facilitates seamless conversion

Modis provided a team of consultants for this client who assisted with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5. Assignments within the team included:

• Business Analysts to assist in data conversion, facilitating requirements gathering workshops, aligning business processes to current Siebel implementation, addressing usability questions.
• Siebel Administrators providing experience for data conversion, assisting with analysis, design, build, testing and development of data conversion and loading routines based on Siebel EAI and EIM, contributing to technical documentation of knowledge transfer for EAI, as well as assisting with data mapping.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing a team of on-call Oracle Database consultants to meet the client’s limited needs.
• Developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with the client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items.
• Providing SAS developers to assist in the development of the client’s Standard Clinical Reporting System, designed to speed up the process of getting medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

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The Modis Solution: Digital media recovery system generates $2 million savings

In 1998, Modis began developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with this client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items. This web-based system allowed photographers to upload their photos to the client’s repository. Photos could then be searched and downloaded as needed. As the system grew, so did the request for additional features. After debating whether or not to incur additional development costs to consider replace their system, the client decided to go with one of the commercial third-party media repository systems. The Modis consultants then migrated the data to the commercial software package, and integrated the software with the client’s internal systems.

The Digital Media Repository was developed using Visual Café Java and Informix database. The commercial software package implemented is called MediaBank, and was created by the Wave Corporation. The client realized $2 million savings in labor costs.

In the development of the DMR, Modis placed a Project Manager, a Technical Lead, a Business Analyst / Designer, a Data Modeler / DBA, and an Internet Developer. In the migration of data to Mediabank and subsequent custom system integration, Modis placed a Java Developer and a Technical Support Administrator.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing a team of on-call Oracle Database consultants to meet the client’s limited needs.
• Providing a team of consultants to assist with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5.
• System, designed to speed up the process of getting medicines.

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The Modis Solution: Custom application leads to quicker approvals, reduced labor costs

In 2000, Modis provided SAS developers to assist in the development of the client’s Standard Clinical Reporting System. This system was designed to speed up the process of getting medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Modis helped the client realize this initiative by defining and following standard procedures for report generation, facilitated by a study-specific report generation environment that promotes software standardization and re-use.

Mainframe SAS/AF and SAS PC were utilized in this endeavor. Reusable SAS macros were developed which could be used across various projects, which would speed up the FDA submission process and simultaneously improve quality assurance. The client realized $2 million in savings as a result of this project. This includes the reduction in labor costs by compiling necessary data automatically and speeding up the process of getting a drug to market.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing on-call Oracle Database consultants to meet the client’s limited needs.
• Providing a team of consultants to assist with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5.
• Developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with the client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items.

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The Modis Solution: Custom application keeps staff current on operating procedures

A subsidiary of this major brewer requires various standard operating procedure documents be read at various times to ensure their personnel stay current on procedures.

Developed by Modis consultants, the SOP Express application allows plant personnel to log into the system and track when various standard operating procedure documents are read. This application uses an Outlook-style interface that allows documents to be viewed in such grouping methods as title, department, equipment, and subassembly. The application allows several reports to be printed by administrators to show read history information. The reports were written using a tool called Data Dynamics Active Reports.

Enhancements to the application allow administrator- and maintainer-level personnel to log into the system and maintain or add new SOP documents. Once created, a document can be attached to a group of users that must approve the document. The SOP Express system allows email to be sent out as a reminder to approvers to check the document out, edit it, and check it back into the system. The act of checking in the document is equivalent to approving it. Notices are subsequently emailed to the remaining approvers. Phase 2 uses an enhanced rich text editor built right into the SOP Express application.

The application is housed on the brewer’s Packaging Group’s wide area network (WAN). The application originally was created in Visual Basic 5.0 using Microsoft Access 97 as its database. During Phase Two the application was converted to Visual Basic 6.0.

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The Modis Solution: Assist with network management system installation

This client information technology department organized a project to re-engineer its network management system. This project was critical to the client’s IT mission of maximizing the benefits of information technology while also minimizing the total cost of ownership.

Modis assisted in implementing the solution using HP Openview as the simple network management protocol engine. This system will alert the client’s IT staff of network problems so they can respond to them quickly, minimizing the impact to customers. It is also designed to perform this function without adding any repetitive tasks to staff.

The Openview solution is an interrupt driven system, wherever possible using SNMP traps. The solution monitors basic network connectivity. The facility will be expanded to monitor basic system and application service availability as well as quality of service management down to the application layer to ensure it is meeting standards. The service management function (deployed in Phase 2) will include server CPU/memory/disk utilization.

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The Modis Solution: Consultant team tunes up existing catalog line up

Tuning, the process of enhancing a vehicle’s performance or appearance by adding accessories, has developed into one of the hottest trends in the automotive industry. This client and other major auto manufacturers are trying new approaches to the marketing and sales of their accessory lines in order to capitalize on this new trend.

This client hired Modis to oversee and produce the design, writing and publishing of catalogs for customers interested in purchasing manufacturer-authorized parts from their official performance division. Our consultants developed more than 20 catalogs to date.

Modis assembled a team to develop the new catalogs, including documentation specialists, a practice manager, writers and an editor. The project involved on- and off-site information gathering as well as collecting photos of the parts from local and remote sites across the country. Our team’s flexibility as well as their expertise were key reasons the client selected Modis for this project.

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The Modis Solution: Deliver mobile helpdesk consultants to drive department mergers

Acquisitions of other publishing firms play a key role in the growth strategy of the client’s parent company, and the parent acquired this client publishing to further develop its education resources. As part of this acquisition, the company required contingent helpdesk support to assist client companies that were slotted to be sold to another publisher.

Modis provided the client with six consultants to staff their mobile helpdesk to support the areas to be sold to another publisher. We used our Guaranteed Delivery Program to immediately fill four of the six positions.

Modis’ Guaranteed Delivery Program allows us to pre-qualify and select a consultant for our clients. If, within the first 40 hours, the client is not fully satisfied with the consultant we select, we will replace the consultant and the client will not be invoiced for those hours.

Our assistance allowed the client to successful support their employees, expediting support calls and increased internal satisfaction ratings. The client also kept on all of the consultants placed through Guaranteed Delivery Program.

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The Modis Solution: Develop test site for human resources using Lotus Domino, Notes

The client required a new intranet site for its human resources department. The manufacturer called on Modis to develop a test site as a proof of concept prior to a larger roll out.

Modis’ site used Lotus Domino as the web-server platform as well as departmental Lotus Notes databases as content. We utilized a prototype/iterative development approach as well as development tools (NetObjects Fusion) during the engagement life cycle.

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The Modis Solution: ABAP Programmer brings multiple locations to one SAP version

The client needed assistance standardizing their usage of SAP at locations throughout the country. At the beginning of this project, the company had multiple versions of SAP running at different locations and others were not using SAP at all. The client also had a tight budget for this SAP project.

Modis provided a senior-level advanced business applications programmer at a cost that met the client’s budget guideline. This consultant brought the various locations to a single version of SAP and remained on-site managing several SAP-related projects.

Projects included bringing two United States facilities onto SAP, upgrades for all locations, and the implementation of SAP at one facility. Our consultant’s work included ABAP programming, SAPscript, Smart Forms, ALE, EDI, IDOC, and RGFs (primarily in the logistics side of SAP).

Modis was able to provide significant cost savings over our competitors and was able to provide a consultant in a very timely manner. The client rewarded us with extensions on the consultant’s contract to maintain the operations.

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The Modis Solution: Create, staff project support office to monitor project budgets

This client was searching for better, more reliable ways to budget for projects. The client’s goal was to rein in unnecessary expenditures as well as ensure departments were held accountable to their respective budgets. Conversely, they did not want this new emphasis on budgeting to keep their technical project managers from focusing on their specific projects.

Modis assisted the client to create a Project Support Office that worked with project managers to provide assistance with the necessary reporting and oversight. Sourced and screened by Modis, the PMO Manager served as an intermediary between the technical manager and the management team. This kept the technical manager and the management team aware of each project’s technical progress as well as its budget standing.

The PMO Manager produced reports that enabled both the management team and the technical manager to spot problems before they impacted the deliverable dates. The improved reporting structure identified bottlenecks, which were addressed much more quickly than in the past, which also minimized their financial impact.

The Modis consultant used Microsoft Project schedules to provide plan structure, regular and frequent updates, accurate tracking, status reports, staff changes, timely baseline updates and monitoring resource allocation. The consultant used PMM and Development Methodologies to provide project guidance and ensure adherence. The Modis consultant also used Business Engine and TimeWizard tools to provide education and ensure correct usage.

Modis has served the client on a wide variety of engagements during the past several years. Other notable assignments include:

• The client wished to upgrade their Windows operating system at facilities throughout the United States. Modis developed a plan that the client used to maintain the new equipment with minimal support requirements after the equipment’s deployment.

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The Modis Solution: Create, staff project support office to monitor project budgets

This client relies on a centralized helpdesk support staff in their Virginia headquarters for all locations. The company wished to upgrade their Windows operating system, which including deploying 68 Windows file, print and software distribution servers throughout the United States (including Hawaii) without any permanent on-site support. Once deployed, the client planned to support the new equipment with minimal on-site support and the centralized helpdesk.

Modis delivered one consultant to manage this project. Our consultant developed a plan that allowed the client to maintain the new equipment with minimal second- or third-level support after the equipment’s deployment. Our consultant provided a mix of native and third-party management tools as well as created scripts that allowed the servers to be monitored for software and hardware problems, backed up and restored, powered on and off, and have firmware updated from a single console.

The consultant established the processes and documentation for escalating end-user support calls dealing with workstation, printer, server, and network connectivity issues as well as procedures for the repair/replacement of servers with limited down-time using site local outsourced technicians. Our consultant also provided training for key local staff to be able to perform on-site duties such as backup tape changes and to assist in remote troubleshooting.

This approached also required minimal local support, which provided further cost-savings for the client. Tools used include Business Engine and TimeWizard to provide training.

Modis has served the client on a wide variety of engagements over the years. Other notable assignments include:

• Modis assisted the client to create a Project Support Office that worked with project managers to provide assistance with the necessary reporting and oversight.

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The Modis Solution: Fill long-open position, win opportunity to supply future consultants

The client was having a difficult time filling a permanent placement position and was looking for alternative methods.

Modis earned the opportunity to fill this job. After successfully responding to this need with a series of consultants that had the skills the client required, Modis was selected to become their preferred vendor for IT staffing requirements.

Since then, Modis has gone on to supply Web designers/developers, AS/400 programmer analysts, EDI programmers and systems administrators to the client as needed.

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The Modis Solution: Project team facilitates seamless conversion

Modis provided a team of consultants for this client who assisted with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5. Assignments within the team included:

• Business Analysts to assist in data conversion, facilitating requirements gathering workshops, aligning business processes to current Siebel implementation, addressing usability questions.
• Siebel Administrators providing experience for data conversion, assisting with analysis, design, build, testing and development of data conversion and loading routines based on Siebel EAI and EIM, contributing to technical documentation of knowledge transfer for EAI, as well as assisting with data mapping.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing a team of on-call Oracle Database consultants to meet the client’s limited needs.
• Developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with the client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items.
• Providing SAS developers to assist in the development of the client’s Standard Clinical Reporting System, designed to speed up the process of getting medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

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The Modis Solution: Digital media recovery system generates $2 million savings

In 1998, Modis began developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with this client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items. This web-based system allowed photographers to upload their photos to the client’s repository. Photos could then be searched and downloaded as needed. As the system grew, so did the request for additional features. After debating whether or not to incur additional development costs to consider replace their system, the client decided to go with one of the commercial third-party media repository systems. The Modis consultants then migrated the data to the commercial software package, and integrated the software with the client’s internal systems.

The Digital Media Repository was developed using Visual Café Java and Informix database. The commercial software package implemented is called MediaBank, and was created by the Wave Corporation. The client realized $2 million savings in labor costs.

In the development of the DMR, Modis placed a Project Manager, a Technical Lead, a Business Analyst / Designer, a Data Modeler / DBA, and an Internet Developer. In the migration of data to Mediabank and subsequent custom system integration, Modis placed a Java Developer and a Technical Support Administrator.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing a team of on-call Oracle Database consultants to meet the client’s limited needs.
• Providing a team of consultants to assist with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5.
• Providing SAS developers to assist in the development of a Standard Clinical Reporting System, designed to speed up the process of getting medicines.

Hide Details

The Modis Solution: Custom application leads to quicker approvals, reduced labor costs

In 2000, Modis provided SAS developers to assist in the development of the client’s Standard Clinical Reporting System. This system was designed to speed up the process of getting medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Modis helped the client realize this initiative by defining and following standard procedures for report generation, facilitated by a study-specific report generation environment that promotes software standardization and re-use.

Mainframe SAS/AF and SAS PC were utilized in this endeavor. Reusable SAS macros were developed which could be used across various projects, which would speed up the FDA submission process and simultaneously improve quality assurance. The client realized $2 million in savings as a result of this project. This includes the reduction in labor costs by compiling necessary data automatically and speeding up the process of getting a drug to market.

Modis continues to enjoy a successful partnership with this client. Other assignments included:

• Providing on-call Oracle Database consultants to meet the client’s limited needs.
• Providing a team of consultants to assist with a Siebel upgrade from version 6.5 to 7.5.
• Developing a web-based Digital Media Repository (DMR) system with the client to track its ever-changing product inventory of more than 100,000 items.

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The WASSER Studios Solution: Provide on-site team, assist client with multiple projects

The company’s mill site in Longview, Wash., produces paper products as well as enough electricity to keep their facilities up and running during temporary power outages. The mill frequently sells electricity back to the local public utilities district. The company hired WASSER Studios to help them develop training materials to keep their employees up to date on all applicable federal, state and local requirements.

WASSER developed those training materials and has since gone on to enjoy a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the mill during the past 20 years. Other notable projects that included our on-site team include:

• Development of a Microsoft Access database to catalog shower nozzles that ensured the mill had enough inventory of each item to keep it running at maximum efficiency.
• Development of a three-dimensional AutoCAD drawing of the mill’s complex stock preparation system.
• Evaluation and recommendations of existing control system programming sequences.
• Creation of a knowledge-base of engineering information.

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