Business Informatics_Buechle_Assignment 1_2013029_ver A
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Classic Themes of Informatics
An implementation on the multinational Datwyler Group
Executive Summary
This essay deals with the importance of informatics in a business environment and shows how
informatics can contribute to organisations in achieving their goals and mastering their chal-
lenges. The division Datwyler Sealing Solutions, a global oriented producer of sealing solutions
is faced to a multiplicity of challenges by its “standard business” and an acquisition of a former
competitor. Datwyler’s business case will be used in this essay to introduce the theoretical basis
of informatics and how they help Datwyler in achieving their integration and goals.
Datwyler uses a variety of IT-systems from the R&D of new products and tools, to the profit
analysis of the last business year. The R&D department uses an CAD-system, while an IT based
knowledge management has to be established. Datwyler’s production is cu
ently controlled by
two different ERP-systems, which will be integrated into the SAP R/3-system. To improve its
organisation, different IT-based communication tools are used, such as employee newsletters, an
intranet platform, or an information-containing naming system for the departments.
Datwyler shows in an impressive way, how informatics can support a company in its daily busi-
ness to gain more efficiency, customer and employee satisfaction and profit. Also some impor-
tant challenges have to be solved, which shows that the application of informatics in a company
is always on a continuum.
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Table of Content
Executive Summary ........................................................... XXXXXXXXXXII
Table of Content ................................................................. XXXXXXXXXXIII
List of A
eviations .......................................................... XXXXXXXXXXIV
1 Introduction ...................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX1
2 The Datwyler Group ......................................................... XXXXXXXXXX1
3 Problem identification – Goals and challenges ............. XXXXXXXXXX2
4 Application of Classic Themes of Informatics ............... XXXXXXXXXX3
4.1 Naming and knowing .......................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX3
4.2 Language and communication ........................................................... XXXXXXXXXX4
4.3 Discovery and representation ............................................................. XXXXXXXXXX5
4.4 Recording and remembering .............................................................. XXXXXXXXXX6
4.5 Systematisation and construction ....................................................... XXXXXXXXXX6
5 Conclusion ....................................................................... XXXXXXXXXX7
List of References .............................................................. XXXXXXXXXXV
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List of A
eviations
AP+ Asseco Programmierung (German ERP-software for medium-sized business)
CAD Computer Aided Design
DSS Datwyler Sealing Solutions
ERP Enterprise Resource Planning
PDT Phönix Dichtungstechnik
R&D Research & Development
SAP Company name of SAP AG (former: Systemanalyse and Programmentwicklung)
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1 Introduction
This essay deals with the role and importance of informatics in today’s business world, by apply-
ing them to a real business case. Firstly, the Datwyler Group’s business model will be intro-
duced, with a focus on the upcoming challenges and goals. Next, the classic themes of informat-
ics will be discussed from a theoretical perspective and applied in the business case. The focus
will be set to the question, how informatics can provide a solution for Datwyler’s challenges.
Finally, it will conclude with a summary of the most important points and outcomes.
2 The Datwyler Group
The Datwyler Group is a multinational niche supplier focused on industrial components.
Founded in Switzerland, Datwyler evolved into a strong growing global player with 50 subsidi-
aries operating in 100 countries. Datwyler operates in the automotive, pharmaceutical and civil
engineering industries and is organized into two divisions. The division Technical Components
is a service oriented distributor of IT and engineering components. The division Datwyler Seal-
ing Solutions (DSS) produces sealing solutions for the pharmaceutical, automotive and civil-
Illustration 1: Datwyler's Group organisation and products (Source:Own illustration and Datwyler 2013b,
Datwyler 2013c.)
engineering
anch. Datwyler’s business model is based on converting raw materials into valu-
able products of high quality. The global strategy focuses on niche markets with growth poten-
tial, differentiation opportunities and high entry ba
iers. In 2012 Datwyler acquired the sealing
division of its competitor PDT and was faced with the integration of that company into its or-
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ganisation (Datwyler 2012, Datwyler 2013, Datwyler 2013a, Datwyler 2013b, Datwyler 2013c,
Datwyler 2013d).
3 Problem identification – Goals and challenges
DSS aims to provide its customers with high quality products of a long duration for their com-
plex construction problems. Therefore DSS