e-Commerce
The Sterling Fluid Systems "Internet" is creating a revolution in the way people and businesses communicate and has enabled the creation of completely new business models and ways of thinking.
Paul O'Kelly says it is incorrect to assume that the Internet is only for home use or for ordering simple products such as books and CDs. Many business processes involve engineered products that can be enhanced by Internet techniques even if traditional approaches and personal contacts remain for other parts of the process. Many businesses are investing heavily in using the Internet for E-Business and this includes creating the infrastructure required to support complex selling and purchasing processes over the Internet. This can result in significant economies, improved service and allows more global access to products and support services.
Where customers find E-Business delivers a better or more convenient service or an improved pricing policy, they will use it as an alternative to traditional methods. Sterling has launched its own e-business development programme to rapidly establish a complete e-business support structure.
Sterling's existing Intranet service enables Sterling employees, wherever they are located in the world to receive a password from their local registrar, enabling them to gain an insight into e-business possibilities.
The Intranet contents are continuously being expanded and updated with sections covering contact address and phone details for employees, a news bulletin providing up-to-date information on orders, up-to-date customer and competitor information, product and application information as well as many other communication items.
This aspect of the Intranet will become one of the main means of communicating accurate and up-to-date general information, ensuring that Sterling offers the very best service ahead of all our competitors. KnowNet is one of it’s main applications. It allows documents, pictures etc. to be stored and then provides a search facility using key words which will enable users to obtain accurate and up-to-date information. Once items submitted have been approved by a specialist in each area this self-service application allows people to issue documents, pictures etc., about subjects that will be of benefit to others.
The KnowNet has become the central reference point for policies, best-practice information, problem-solving techniques, presentations, market or supplier information etc. Sterling intends to give customers similar access to product information and support details This will provide added value for the customer in a quick, easy and inexpensive way. These actions are all part of the more extensive E-Business project being undertaken within Sterling Fluid Systems.
