Tower and Alphawest implement ECM system for Jetstar

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 08 February 2006 10:36

IT Industry - Deals

Enterprise Content Management developer, Tower Software, and IT services provider Alphawest, have implemented an electronic crew records solution to comply with CASA regulations for budget airline Jetstar Airways.

The new solution, based on Tower Software's TRIM Context ECM platform, represents the first phase in a project designed to improve Jetstar's operational efficiencies through new business solutions in four key areas. The electronic business solutions -- for crew records, accounts payable, customer services and human resources -- are being designed and implemented by Alphawest.

Through planned efficiencies provided by the new business solutions, Jetstar plans to hold costs down in these four areas as the airline's business expands.

"One of the challenges of a developing low cost carrier is to maintain the cost model. Jetstar now has the lowest operating costs of any Australian domestic carrier," said Stephen Tame, CIO for Jetstar Airways. "If we can hold costs with better systems, this will make a significant contribution towards retaining and indeed expanding Jetstar's cost advantage over its competitors."

Jetstar's initial investment in Tower Software's system, customisation services from Alphawest and new hardware is one of the first projects initiated by the low cost carrier to deliver innovation through IT. That investment will grow with services purchased from Alphawest to create the additional business solutions for accounts payable, customer services and human resources, according to the airline.

"Jetstar is not against making investments up front as long as we achieve operational savings," said Tame. "I don't mind making a good quality IT investment if we are going to make good savings in the next 18 months to two years."

The benefits of the new crew records system, the first of any airline in Australia, compared with the previous system of manually maintained books, are numerous, according to Jetstar.

"The regulator (CASA) agreed that as well as reducing administrative overheards that the security, management and integrity of an electronic documents and records management system is far better than using a book," said Tame.

"I could go to a book and remove a page and there would be no audit trail. Or we could have a fire and we could lose all the books. This is a far better solution."

Apart from improved efficiencies in maintaining crew records, there are also efficiencies in meeting an audit request from the regulatorm said Tame. "If I can get an answer and send it to them in an hour, that is better than having three people go through a 1000 books for a week. This is an area where the technology will add to the business bottom line."

"Alphawest are pleased to be working with Jetstar Airways and Tower Software to deliver business value. Jetstar Airways wanted out of the box business solutions for the four business areas and Alphawest were able to provide the skills to help design and implement an electronic crew records solution," said Garry Henley, chief executive officer for Alphawest. "The combination of TRIM Context as the technology foundation and Alphawest's expertise and services are achieving exactly the sort of outcomes that Jetstar is looking for now and into the future."

"Jetstar Airways is a great example of how you can create low cost customised business solutions -- based on a solid electronic documents and records management foundation -- to improve operational efficiencies and drive the business forward," said Geoff Moore, general manager, Tower Software Asia Pacific.