Aldra Manages Workflow to Support Customisation

What problems did Aldra's new information systems address and what was the root of those problems? Question 1 p41:

Aldra was experiencing a number of problems, all leading to the end-result of reduced profits. The main problem started with the fact that they create custom designs, thus having unique requirements for each order. They were missing deadlines and orders were incomplete or incorrect.

It seems that there was a lack of coordination and communication between the different departments. This lead to work in progress arriving at a department too soon, resulting in a back-up, or arriving too late, and resulting in idle time on the production line.

A workflow management system will enable them to improve their own business practices and procedures by upgrading their capability to generate and communicate timely and accurate information. This will lead to enhanced productivity and, in the end: better customer service.

Under a workflow management system a workflow model is first created to specify organisational business processes and then workflow instances are created to carry out the actual steps described in the workflow model.

Using workflow management software Aldra can ensure that processes are taken with the steps in the right order and that the correct people and departments receive the right information. Also, unnecessary or repetitive processes can be eliminated.

With the implementation of their workflow management system, Aldor succeeded in solving most of their production and communication problems. 

How did Aldra's new systems assist employees in being more productive? Question 2 p41:

The main reason Aldra’s new system assist employees in being more productive, is because of the improved communication across the value chain. Employees know exactly where they fit in the various stages of the process and their daily activities are clearly stated. Every part of the value chain is systematically and efficiently scheduled, aiding...