CCL (Computer Consultants) Limited

After many years of investment in bespoke software on their ICL mainframe the systems at Boliden were well tuned-in to the business.  But problems loomed on the horizon: an uncompromising leasing arrangement on the mainframe coupled with Year 2000 compliance issues both needed attention.

Whilst the mainframe itself was compliant, the many thousands of lines of code would have taken years to convert and, even with this level of investment, Boliden's systems would not really have advanced.  The difficult decision was taken to replace the mainframe system with a modern, integrated, packaged software system.

Boliden knew they needed professional help with the specification, selection and implementation of a new computer system and chose CCL to assist with the project because of its independence and solid client references.

As it turned out, this was no easy project.  Boliden's business (a Brass foundry and factory producing semi-finished Brass products such as rod, section and hollow bar) has many unusual characteristics and the specification proved to be a very difficult target to hit for many of the well known software providers who tendered for the business.

After extensive demonstrations and analysis, Boliden chose SSI's TROPOS as the most appropriate software solution for their business.  TROPOS went live in Boliden in June 1999, less than two years after the project was initiated; a major achievement given the complexity of the issues and a shining example of what can be achieved if everyone pulls together.

The Boliden team is confident that TROPOS' functionality and the inherent flexibility of the underlying technology will support its business for many years to come -

Certainly well beyond the Year 2000.

Steve Bellfield

Projects Controller