Collaborative Working Implementation

By combining active process management within a robust document and content management architecture, LSC Group has developed a business process methodology that embodies the two essential characteristics of strong document and content management, overlaid by a sophisticated workflow engine for process automation that can be exploited through an RLI-compliant web portal. This we call a Collaborative Working Environment (CWE).

At the heart of the CWE is Project Office, the function of which is to act as a single repository for all information related to the efficient management processes for the business at hand. Project Office ensures that all documents are properly secured and configured, and are available to all authorised users immediately and simultaneously. Stakeholders can be certain that they are always using the latest information to allow them to make business critical decisions in a timely and qualitative manner, and reduce the margin for error. Within the wider CWE, business processes can be analysed, re-engineered and automated through the application of the workflow engine to create ‘Lean’ processes, and the ability to measure and manage performance across the extended enterprise.

The integration of commercially available tools (Plumtree, TIBCO Staffware Process Suite and Formtek Orion) provides a coherent business process management environment allowing all stakeholders to efficiently participate in a ‘joined up business’. With the infrastructure well established, the on-going implementation methodology is to address discrete business processes in turn, and to conduct business analysis, process modelling and implementation in a nominal 3-month period. Each opportunity for process automation is identified through a stakeholder workshop and subject to management approval based on a clear cost benefit appraisal. This methodology enables the business community to exercise total flexibility in the order in which business processes are addressed, thus ensuring maximum cost benefit to the partners within the CWE.

LSC Group's experience in the development and deployment of CWEs is based on well-proven experience in both the Air and Sea environments where the CWE is now the catalyst for business and process improvement, disseminating data that supports the stakeholder business improvement focussed activities. A typical example of this in practice is where LSC Group has created the infrastructure for a CWE between Devonport Management Limited and the MoD Warship Support Agency Submarine Support Integrated Project Team for the upkeep and refit of nuclear submarines. This is now developing into a highly innovative business critical system, delivering significant value to the submarine support enterprise, and has more than 1100 users across MoD and Industry. In total, LSC Group is now developing and deploying collaborative working in support of upwards of 1500 users.