TAdviser Interview: Sukhoi Civil Aircraft - about IT priorities and the project of migration for the Russian EDMS

Igor Zykov: The major part in IT infrastructure of GSS is assigned to information systems of after-sale support (PPO), production and logistics systems. Ensuring their smooth operation and timely development of these solutions – our priorities because at the level of the company it is important to provide a qualitative customer support and maintenance of their fleet.

We begin to master the open source software in the different directions. By forces of own IT specialists executed the small pilot projects connected with the organization of storages (Data Warehouse) with BI ESB.

As for cloud solutions: in GSS cloud services are used where it is acceptable according to requirements of information security. Public clouds are not considered for use since the stored and processed information most often is confidential.

We address IT outsourcing when implementing solutions at the level of basic services. In general in this direction works are conducted.

Igor Zykov: If to consider all range of IT solutions, then not so long ago there was an experience of replacement of the software product of Autodesk company by a product of the domestic developer, similar on functionality.

A system Directum which came to replacement EMC Documentum was not tested. The working group of JSC GSS relied on experience of use of a system in United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Integrated Engine-building Corporations (IEBC).

The department of IT needed to receive confirmation that Directum will work with due performance level at the infrastructure existing in GSS. At the initial stage of the project tested both the thin, and thick client of a system. Afterwards PCs based on earlier versions of Windows were virtualized, and switched only to the thick client.

Igor Zykov: We gradually increase a share domestic and open source-solutions, but it is not purposeful replacement, and it is rather a progress – in process of automation of new spheres of activity or upgrade of outdated solutions.

Igor Zykov: Replacement of EMC Documentum by Directum – just an example of when the outdated solution constructed based on software of foreign vendor was replaced with domestic. At the scales of GSS from a new system the high performance and similar functionality was required during the work with tasks.

The choice of the platform in this case was caused by use of the same system in parent organization – OAK.

Igor Zykov: The principles of work with a system changed. Automation covered 100% of office employees, including in Komsomolsk-on-Amur where the copy was implemented by Directum. Earlier in EDMS only separate employee categories worked, now each participant of process works on the PC or using the mobile client.

Difficulties upon transition to a new system were connected with personnel training – after all more than 2,500 jobs are organized. But everything is solvable – the whole complex of actions was developed: the training seminars, occupations in educational classes, detailed instructions, consultations on addresses and additional training.

Igor Zykov: Opportunities which are offered by the Directum system from discharge "so should be". All employees should work in a system is regulation of business interaction in the company today. Tomorrow it will be already insufficiently.

If in your company still print documents to sign them and to register, and then to scan and send by e-mail, – yes you are dinosaurs, dear companions, you strongly lagged behind!

In the short term GSS plans implementation of service of exchange of electronic documents both with Russian, and with foreign partners. Also interests Directum Ario – a set of intellectual services for an ECM system.

Igor Zykov: Yes, heads of GSS work with Directum Solo. Use of mobile clients, in my opinion, – one success factors of our implementation project. If top managers work in a system, their subordinates are based on the same independent actions.

Mobile applications give to heads an information access for operational decision making at any time. Despite frequent business trips and exit meetings, management of divisions it is built effectively.

Igor Zykov: At system implementation we and the contractor, Tanais company, aimed at the maximum use of standard functionality. Changes were, but significant completions were not executed.

Now the main objective to stabilize a system – to allow it "be earned extra". In need of change we will enter, but nothing large-scale.