Business Challenge

Instant messaging using Skype is becoming an evermore popular tool not only for personal use, but also in small and large companies and government institutions as a means of quick communication and reducing telephone expenses. While Skype chats and calls are an effective tool for sharing information, it presents a unique challenge to both organizations wishing to keep messaging records for their own operational purposes, and those companies who must have clear audit trails for all electronic communications for compliance with Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley.
 
The concept of a workplace has changed from a few people sitting in the same building, to large groups of people spread across several buildings, cities or even continents. Technology has transformed communication from just voice or ink on paper to a wide range of formats containing words, pictures and sounds – all of which must be stored, cat¬alogued, registered and made easy to find and use both for operational reasons, and, for compliance with legal requirements for publicly traded companies under Sarbanes-Oxley and comparable EU Member State legislation.

Skype-eRoom Integration Plug-In is a software solution which integrates Skype into the eRoom environment. This allows using eRoom as a unified collaboration platform, containing not only content, but also recording and indexing Skype text, video and voice conversations for future reference and auditability.

ERP's Skype-eRoom integration plug-in helps solve these concerns by allowing Skype and Documentum eRoom users to:

• Start Skype text chat, audio and video conversations directly from the eRoom environment; 
• Record all text, audio and video conversations and archive them in eRoom for future reference and audit trails; 
• Integrate Skype and eRoom contact lists, adding other eRoom users who have Skype accounts to Skype contact lists.

Solution

Skype-eRoom Integration Plug-In is a software solution which integrates Skype into the eRoom environment. This allows using eRoom as a unified collaboration platform, containing not only content, but also recording and indexing Skype text, video and voice conversations for future reference and auditability.

Out of the box functionality includes the following:

• Starting Skype from eRoom environment - the Skype logo appears directly in upper eRoom toolbar. Pressing it starts Skype-eRoom plug-in, which also launches Skype if it is not already running;
• Using Skype functions directly from eRoom environment - it is as easy to start your conversations from eRoom as launching Skype from the Windows QuickLaunch bar;
• Storing Skype text, audio and video conversations in eRoom environment - all conversations started via the plug-in are stored in the eRoom from which the plug-in was started;
• Adding eRoom users to Skype contact list via plug-in - there is no need to search for an eRoom user's Skype username as all people using same eRoom are shown in the plug-in window and are two mouse clicks away from your Skype contact list.

Skype-eRoom Integration Plug-In features at a glance

• Starting Skype from eRoom environment;
• Starting Skype-eRoom plug-in starts Skype;
• Communication between eRoom environment and Skype.

• Using Skype functions directly from eRoom environment
• Starting text conversations;
• Starting audio conversations;
• Starting video conversations;
• Gathering Skype user information.

• Storing Skype text, audio and video conversations in eRoom environment;
• Creation of "Skype History" database where all conversation data will be stored;
• Automatic text, audio and video conversation data storing in "Skype History" database.

• Adding eRoom users to Skype contact list via plug-in
• Displaying eRoom users who use Skype;
• Adding eRoom users to your Skype contact list.

Additional Details for this Solution

E-mail us: info@erp.eu

Ukrainian and Kazakh localised versions of these systems are also due to be released in the coming weeks to meet market demand from ERP’s Ukraine and Kazakhstan offices’ customers.

This system will be a key tool in the fight against contraband and falsified excised products, including cigarettes and other tobacco products by allowing Georgian officials to immediately determine if a particular package of tobacco products was produced or imported legally and whether all applicable excise taxes and duties have been paid.  The hundreds of system users include all tobacco manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and distributors in Georgia and abroad, who are tasked with providing information on their products and affixed excise stamps.

The use of state of the art communications technologies including GPRS/EDGE/3G, light-weight client software and mobile computing devices allows excise inspectors to access the system for information on particular shipments from anywhere in Georgia, enter information on suspected or proven violations, and, receive notifications of shipments, entities or geographic areas at highest risk for contraband or falsified products.

This system will not only help protect the interests of Georgia, but also of all of the players in the tobacco market by helping to ensure fair and equal competition and eliminating illegal products.

Ongoing works include the integration of state of the art RFID technology to allow for better tracking of tobacco shipments by not only state officials, but also tobacco manufacturers and wholesalers.  The following stage of the project will mark the first large-scale implementation of RFID in Georgia and has been well-received by both the Government and manufacturers, who will benefit from more transparent logistics processes.

ERP is pleased that the system implementation process has gone smoothly and will bring direct, measurable benefits to the Government and economy in Georgia, which ERP views as a strategic market.

According to CEO of ERP, Markas Zbarskis, the main product offered by ERP to logistics companies is Roadnet Transportation Suite System – an internet technology-based solution that interactively monitors transport movement, draws schedules of delivery and meetings, offers most efficient routes and performs other functions.

“In fact, the system controls all decisions taken from the moment of accepting an order to delivery, monitors transport movement, offers most efficient route for a driver on a digital map, helps improve efficiency and profitability of client servicing”, said the head of ERP.

He is sure that the product will be successful as carriers are under stiff competition and in order to stay on the market, every step has to be though over very thoroughly.

UPS Logistics Technologies is a company developing innovative solutions for drawing, publishing/releasing and monitoring transport routes and schedules. Since 1983, UPS Logistics Technologies has implemented over 1.2 thousand systems in the USA, Canada and Mexico. For example, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, Philip Morris and others use the company’s systems.

ERP is an official representative in Lithuania of world leaders in developing business and information management systems SAP and EMC Documentum and has a most professional team of such system implementation and maintenance specialists.

The company operates in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Georgia, Ukraine and other foreign countries.

Among the largest projects implemented by the company are consulting and system development services to General Emergency Services Center (112) in Lithuania, business management system implementation for mail, logistics companies, public sector institutions, IT consultations and implementation of e-paying systems in the largest shipyards, dockyards and energy companies in the Baltic States.

This year, ERP put into service electronic document management system to ensure that good industrial practice requirements are met in a Latvian pharmaceutical company Grindeks, implemented a modern document, project and procurement management system in Kaunas Combined Heat and Power Plant; and a centralized finance management and accounting system is being created together with Siemens to be employed in the State Social Security Fund.

Currently, ERP is putting into operation a system of accounting excise duties on tobacco and tobacco product movement control in Georgia.

Microsoft Gold Certified partners take part in direct Microsoft trainings, receive direct support, their expertise and skills are certified and differentiated by specific competencies. Thus grounds for the highest level customer service and technological solutions are created.

As Mr. Darius Musteikis, Head of the Microsoft Lietuva Partners and Solutions for Small and Medium Groups states: “Microsoft Gold Certified Partner name is granted only to the companies that meet the highest requirements in the fields of customer service, solution application and maintenance.”

Having fulfilled all the requirements of Microsoft ERP has become one of the Lithuanian companies having the most competencies. Microsoft competencies is the partner differentiation program that helps segregating partners according to their business specialization. ERP was acknowledged as possessing the following competencies: network infrastructure, licensing – licensing delivery, mobile solutions, data management – business intelligence, business solutions – Navision.

„Choosing Microsoft technologies was our consistent step in the implementation of the long-term company strategy. Customers expect to find such a partner, which would build a bridge between their business needs and technologies, which could be entrusted their long-term technological plans. The Microsoft technologies chosen will be used in the implementation of large-scale projects that set high requirements for safety, reliability and integration with other systems. These technologies will allow adopting the most recent Microsoft business knowledge and creating conditions for introduction of new technologies in the Lithuanian business environment“, - says Markas Zbarskis,  Director General of ERP.

„We have fulfilled all the requirements raised by Microsoft and have become one of the Lithuanian companies that possesses most competencies. We are quite sure that it will not take long for the customers to evaluate and appreciate the benefits of ERP services“, - says the Sales Manager of ERP Rūta Kacucevičiūtė.

Microsoft competencies granted to ERP:
Competency of Microsoft Network Infrastructure Solutions certifies partner’s ability to implement technological solutions based on Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 or "Windows® 2000 Server operational systems, especially stressing Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 and Windows Small Business Server 2003. These applications may include program development solutions that integrate servers established on the Windows basis, personal computer locations and Internet, that establish a serve group or create a separate Windows Small Business Server solution, which includes file operation printing possibility.

Licensing competency is granted to partners that proved their capabilities in meeting customer demands for creating, recommending and acquiring possible licenses of Microsoft technologies.  Solution partners that have acquired the competency of licensing – licensing delivery may access an extensive set of specialized benefits and resources, which will help in successful evaluation, provision of recommendations and allocation of licensing solutions that meet the requirements of small, medium or large customers.

Competency of Mobile Solutions is granted to partners that provide solutions enabling access of information on the road, which significantly increases productivity of customer’s staff and shortens the time of reaction to changing business environment. Technological stem of mobile solutions is the Microsoft Windows Mobile operational system designed for Pocket PC, PocketPhone and Smartphone equipment.

Data Management – Business Intelligence is intended for companies that being the Microsoft Certified or Microsoft Gold Certified partners provide solutions, tools and applications based on Microsoft SQL Server technologies.

Competency of Microsoft Business Solutions - Navision is granted only to the companies that have already successfully implemented several Navision applications. By setting for the partners compulsory requirements for highly qualified staff, and by providing additional access to internal information it is guaranteed that Navision systems will be implemented for customers following the best methodology and the most successful examples from global practice in implementing such projects.

ERP is one of the leading IT companies in Lithuania expanding its business in the Baltic countries, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Georgia. Company customers – the largest Lithuanian business entities, state organizations. 
Main activities of ERP are implementation and maintenance of business and information management systems, consultations and trainings related to implementation of the systems, business consultations. 
Seeking to better service its customers ERP concludes partnership agreements with the world leading manufacturers that provide highest quality solutions and services. ERP also has one of the most professional teams in system implementation and maintenance.

Largest projects the company was involved in: consultations and system development services to the Emergency Response Center, implementation of business management systems in companies providing postal and logistics services, IT consultations and implementation of electronic payment systems in the largest shipbuilding and repairing companies of the Baltic states, energy companies. Currently in Georgia ERP is implementing tobacco excise accounting and tobacco product movement control system.

Butterfly™ has been developed using the best characteristics of Web communication medium of EMC Documentum eRoom platform.  Butterfly™ is a tool for implementation of project management, their control and archiving – functions that are necessary for project management of real estate companies.  This is a tool that enables to solve individual and complex management tasks of a real estate project lifecycle.    Butterfly™ solution has got much attention from real estate agencies since the system can be tailored to activities of each company. 

Aurelijus Vadeika, EMC Documentum Product Manager of ERP, and Dovilė Vojevodina, Principal Consultant of ERP, gave presentations during the workshop.

The project includes not only the provision of needed software, but also technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance in terms of organisational capacity building, advice in the re-organisation of inspections and control processes and legislative changes in line with European Union best practice.

The general objectives of this project are ambitious and include:

• Regulation of the tobacco product market in Georgia, creating an equally competitive climate for tobacco producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers;
• Automation of track and trace of tobacco products in the tax area;
• Increase of tax income by driving illegal and spurious products out the of the market;
• Processing complete, reliable and timely information about the condition of the tobacco market;
• Protecting inspection results, carried out in the wholesale and retail net of tobacco product from subjective factors (complete exclusion of human factors);
• Improving tax administration by means of creating a flexible operating infrastructure and efficient communications system.

Although this system initially will cover only tobacco products, in the future it is planned to expand the application of track and trace technology (and ERP’s role) to cover alcohol and other excisable goods, for example, petrol, in the future.  The project is expected to grow into a multi-million Euro undertaking over the next few years and marks a strong entry into the Caucasus market by ERP.

The system will be implemented at the Ministry of Finance, 12 customs posts, the Tax Department’s Excise Payer’s Tax Inspectorate and it’s three regional offices, 5 Financial Police locations and over 35 mobile inspection groups.  In addition to these State locations, the system will be implemented in all tobacco product manufacturers, importers and wholesalers in Georgia.

System implementation also includes the use of Symbol™ RFID technology to automate collection of excise and proof of origin information on tobacco products, marking the implementation of this system as a state-of-the-art project.  Georgia will be the first country in the world to use leading edge RFID technology for the control of excise payments and elimination of tobacco product contraband and falsification.

General description of Butterfly™ solution

Perfect management of documentation related to medical drugs and drug components is a prerequisite for obtaining the “good industrial practice” certificate mandatory in the EU, USA and CIS countries in order to sell medical drugs.

The system implemented in the Latvian company has been developed especially for the pharmaceutical sector and is one of the state-of-the-art systems in this field. It is distinguished by particularly strict document management rules and will offer opportunities to manage documents and entries in a centralised way as well as to observe them during the whole life cycle. 

The new system will shorten the time necessary for the preparation of product documentation, reduce risk factors related to the non-compliance of documents with the standards, and eliminate the probability of human error.

The implemented electronic document management system “My-Pharma” was developed on the basis of the “EMC Documentum” platform. “Documentum” is one of the largest developers of business management systems in the world. The systems of this concern have been implemented in pharmaceutical companies such as Pliva, Ratiopharm, and KRKA, as well as BMW, Volkswagen, Adidas, Sony and Philips concerns, US airlines and other major companies worldwide.

The implementation works of the “EMC Documentum” solution have been performed for seven months together with Infotehna, which specialises in the development of electronic document management systems for the pharmaceutical sector.

The main activities of ERP comprise the implementation of business and information management systems, consulting and training related to the implementation of these systems, and business consulting.

ERP is an official representative of the world’s leaders in the development of SAP and “Documentum” business and information management systems in Lithuania, and it has a highly professional team of specialists in the implementation and maintenance of these systems.

The major projects carried out in the Baltic countries in 2005: consulting and system development services for help telephone centre 112 in Lithuania, implementation of business management systems in companies providing post and logistics services, IT consultations, and implementation of e-payment systems in the largest shipbuilding and repair and energy companies in the Baltics.

JSC Grindeks is the leading pharmaceutical company in the Baltic States, specializing in the manufacturing of ready-made forms and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Company sales in 2005 was 45,84 million euros, net profit – 3,2 million euros. Representative offices of JSC Grindeks is operating in 9 countries, production is being exported to 37 countries. Main markets – Baltic States, Russia, and CIS countries, Japan, USA. Grindeks shares are listed in the Official list of Riga Stock Exchange.

The Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania and the Support Foundation European Social Fund Agency issued an invitation (No. BPD2004-ESF-2.2.0-02) to submit applications for the granting of financial support in accordance with Measure 2.2 “Development of Labour Force Competences and the Ability to Adapt to Changes” under Priority II “Development of Human Resources” of the Single Programming Document (SPD) of the Republic of Lithuania for 2004-2006.

The application submitted by ERP successfully passed all project evaluation and selection stages and the Project Selection Committee of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania adapted a decision to grant support to implementation of the ERP project.
Today, on 6 March 2006, the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania, the Support Foundation European Social Fund Agency and ERP (the project implementer), represented by General Director Markas Zbarskis, concluded a contract on granting financial support to the project “Comprehensive Development of ERP Employees’ Competencies” which will implement Measure 2.2 “Development of Labour Force Competences and the Ability to Adapt to Changes” of the Single Programming Document of Lithuania for 2004-2006.

The main goal of the SPD strategy is to strengthen capabilities and to create preconditions for the continuous growth of the national economy, for increased economic competitiveness and for rapid knowledge-based development of the economy. 

The goal of Measure 2.2 “Development of Labour Force Competencies and the Ability to Adapt to Changes” under Priority II of the SPD is to increase the competitiveness of businesses and of the entire Lithuanian economy through development of human resources.

In keeping with our values of contributing to the communities in which we work, ERP believes that Lithuanian handball players are very talented and deserve more recognition than they currently receive.  To help ensure proper public awareness of this sport and the Lithuanian national handball team, ERP has decided to promote this team as a General Sponsor.