Abbeygate IT Solutions

Business Systems Manager, De La Rue Card Technology Ltd (Permanent) - 1993-1996

Selected and rolled-out new core systems

De La Rue Card Technology were moving into a new phase of business when I joined them.  The first challenge was to derive, stabilize and formalize the business model before suiting in-house and bought-in systems to it.

Project managed the development of credit card personalisation systems (including controls, safeguards and security systems) to be used in-house.  Developed systems for handling bank customer data inflows and Management Information and marketing  reporting on data utilization, working with the financial institutions.  Carried out due diligence on a competitor prior to take over, i.e. modelling competitor’s business to match with DLRCT business model.  Member of in-house business intelligence team looking for areas of business development and competitor vulnerability.  Developed strategic internal administration and information systems to improve profits by reducing costs by minimising the labour element of  routine administration and data processing and by creating competitive advantage through better information, reporting and analysis.  Implemented a “Data Warehousing” solution written entirely in house.

Project managed the development of internal systems, both computer and manual, to handle card data and physical cards including:

• Managed the implementation of an artificial-intelligence production scheduling system.

• Identified areas of potential cost savings and profit improvement and managed the implementation of tailored solutions.

• Managed the company LANs, software and hardware selection with evaluation, maintenance and support of current systems.

• Managed the selection and implementation of the company's first integrated ERP system.

• "Platinum" Stock Control, Warehousing, Accountancy, Ledger, Purchase Order Processing, Sales Order Processing and Payroll Suite;

• General development work in Delphi (16-bit), MS-Access and Visual Basic;

• Shop floor data capture requirements in Delphi (16-bit) and MS-Access;

• Sales Automation (developed in house in MS-Access);

• Office Automation, paper reduction and data reduction (Lotus SmartSuite with tailored macros);

• Manufacturing and production systems and shop floor data capture (AT&T Provisa with in-house and bespoke add-ons);

• Telecommunications (analog and digital), e-mail (cc:Mail and Internet), cc:Mail bulletin boards, e-fax (WinFax Pro) and Internet services (Compuserve and Demon);

• Integration of company electronic equipment: PCs, telephones, fax etc.

This was a high profile proactive role that involved raising the awareness of IT and IT benefits across all levels of the business, understanding and disseminating knowledge of the working of credit/debit card operations of major financial institutions, taking the initiative in identifying areas of potential cost savings and profit improvement and recommending solutions, and working on the initial development of DelPhic smartcards. 

It involved providing the tools, training, consultancy, data control, data administration and support to allow individuals at every level within the company to make the best use of the systems and information available, including preparing, monitoring and delivering detailed training plans.  My responsibilities included supervising the company Local Area Networks and software and hardware selection, evaluation, maintenance and support, selecting appointing and controlling third party suppliers, and creating the IT/IS manual for ISO9000 (trained as ISO9000 auditor). 

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This website was last updated on Monday, 08 February 2010