Until a year ago or so, the data integration of Republic Chemical Industries' manufacturing, financial and business processes through computerization meant nothing to the sales representative in the un-wired territory of Kidapawan, in North Cotabato. The promise of being able to place his order for Pioneer Epoxy and Mighty Bond Instant Glue – two of the company's best selling products — then tracking it through the system so he could predict its arrival and program sales was irrelevant without a computer and an Internet connection.

In 2004, life dramatically changed with the intervention of a new solution that allowed him to communicate with the computer system at head office through his mobile phone, anywhere in the field. The program, PocketWise Sales Order and Call Plan Mobile Solution, allowed him to send in his order via GPRS then get notices as it was processed through each department of the corporate maze. That kind of precious information would have taken him several long-distance phone calls to head office prior to the project. Moreover, the ability to anticipate the delivery of orders has boosted sales significantly, according to company officials.

The solution by eScience Corporation is one example of what local IT companies abreast with current trends are capable of achieving. In fact, eScience has even begun marketing the program in Australia where interest in the solution runs high.

"Through PocketWise, we have been able to bring the office closer to the field," explains Richard Dagelet, president of eScience. His firm recently placed the Philippines in the spotlight in the mobile domain worldwide by garnering two international awards for a mobile phone-based business solution for a global insurance firm and a keypad game set to music.

eScience sold the mobile solution to Rep Chem, which is now experiencing a boom in its adhesive and sealant manufacturing business, thanks to the new program. Under the system, Rep Chem sales representatives send their orders for adhesives and sealant products using their Sony Ericsson P900 mobile phones. The solution eliminates a number of things: The need for sales reps to use a landline or fax machine; human error in inputting the data and manpower to handle the orders.

After an order is received, the program informs the sales rep through his mobile phone the status of his order every time it moves from one Rep Chem department to the next. Follow-up calls from salesmen have become a thing of the past. Moreover, delivery time from date of order has drastically been reduced from one week to one day. Using the same program, sales reps log their activities for the day on their mobile phones, making it easier for Rep Chem to track their whereabouts and performance.

According to Rey Constantino, trade sales manager of Rep Chem, the new system boosted the sales of their 34 sales reps nationwide by 19%. Rep Chem fully implemented the system in 2004, after a few months of trial.

eScience has pioneered in creating business solutions for businesses that demand un-wired and more innovative applications by being in tune with new programs offered by handset manufacturers. The company has been able to offer similar programs for over 20 local firms including Petron, PruLife, URC, Philamlife, FedEx, Pfizer , New York Life, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

After 18 months of using the new system, Rep Chem and eScience are now talking about an upgraded version of the program which can track the activities of sales reps and even accommodate their sales reports. Constantino notes that it took Rep Chem sales personnel just a few weeks to master the new program. He is confident they will be able to master new procedures as more features helpful to the organization are installed in the upgrade.

More information about eScience's award-winning business solutions is available at its website at www.electronicscience.net.

Source: Manila Bulletin, Saturday, June 4, 2005

Published also in: The Philippine STAR , Saturday, June 4, 2005