Collaboration Systems at Isuzu Australia Limited
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL), according to Bidgoli, markets and distributes Isuzu trucks in Australia (2014). Initially they generated and passed information manually; which took a lot of time, human resource and material resources. To deal with this, IAL contracted IBM which provided Workplace Web content Management and WebSphere Portal. This software has “enterprise web portals that help companies deliver a highly-personalized, social experience for their customers” (IBM Australia, 2008).
The dual management system offered several features that improved the interaction between IAL and their business partners. The feature include instant messaging platform for quick relay of information, the portals also allow for information publishing. In addition to this, IAL has also added wiki systems as a platform for knowledge management. Though wiki systems, people can share information, improve collaboration and publish shared documents for easy access. Wikis uses 2.0 technology, and is web-based. It offers an internal and external system through which employees can post information and edit as necessary; other stakeholders can also participate (Clark, & Stewart, 2010). According to Clark and Stewart, Wikis offer excellent tools for collaboration; offering mapped networks of business knowledge, making the process of doing business more effective for the company and stakeholders (2010).
IAL in a forward thinking manner has holistically adopted the 2.0 technology to manage their information sharing and manage projects. Wikis has made it easier for IAL to engage with partners in dealership related decision making. Through these systems, IAL manages its distribution channels, updates its catalogues and markets itself. Being technologically advanced also helps a company to build its brand and retain their customers through efficient services. It also improves the efficiency of the employees by reducing the time spent on manual reports, reduces errors and improves storage of information.
The implementation of new information system does not happen without challenges. Such an introduction of groupware that is to be used in such a huge scale requires support from all stakeholders. There is often need to train users on how to use the system. It is also important to inform stakeholders of the intended changes well in advance so that they have enough time to adjust. It is also valuable to have some IT support during the transition process to ensure that the transition is smooth and any glitches are corrected with immediacy.
The other challenge is the cost involved in its implementation. There is need to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to see if it is beneficial for the company to install a group IT system. This assessment needs to look at what the company will gain and whether the company will lose anything the process. The magnitude of the proposed system should also be assessed to ensure that it suits the company; a small company would not need an elaborate system. It should be determined that the budgetary allocation would be adequate for the project.
References
Bidgoli, H. (2014). MIS 4. Stamford, CT: Cenage Learning.
Clark, T., & Stewart, J. (2010). Using Document Design to Create and Maintain Wikis. Business Communication Quarterly, 73(4), 453-456. doi: 10.1177/1080569910385384
IBM Australia,. (2008). Isuzu Australia takes the road to collaboration success with IBM® WebSphere and Lotus technologies. Retrieved 13 February 2016, from http://ftp://public.dhe.ibm.com
