GSK Annual Report 2002

24 GlaxoSmithKline Description of business
Information technology
Information technology (IT) plays three strategic roles in
GlaxoSmithKline:
• supporting key business processes at the local, regional,
functional and global levels
• enabling the transformation and extension of key business
activities
• facilitating collaboration and access to information on a
global basis.
In addition to computer infrastructure, hardware and software, the
IT organisation is responsible for voice and video technologies,
monitoring business and technology trends that could have an IT
impact on GlaxoSmithKline and preparing the Group for the risks
associated with modern information technology.
Integrating business systems from the two legacy companies has
remained a top priority for IT. This has been achieved while
avoiding any significant disruption to critical business systems.
The Group’s IT function has a strong focus on improving business
processes and has adopted new, rapid and cost effective methods
to do this.
Enhancing business performance
Virtually all GlaxoSmithKline’s major business processes rely heavily
on the use of information technology. There are major programmes
to capture at source key information in electronic form and make it
available wherever required.
Improving the quality and potential value of the molecules that
move from discovery to development is a key aim of R&D. IT has
developed web based tools that provide scientists with the
information they need on candidate medicines. In this way, early
phase R&D teams can draw up shortlists of molecules for
consideration as possible treatments for specific diseases faster
than before and with more confidence in the qualities of the
shortlist. Other areas in R&D where IT is playing an important role
are high-throughput biology, laboratory automation, imaging,
electronic data capture, document knowledge and clinical data
management.
Work has continued to extend the Manufacturing Enterprise
Resources Planning Solution to ensure that there are compliant
systems with common processes in place. Standard transactions
and middleware are being used to enable efficient movement
across the supply chain whilst at the same time allowing for
independent optimisation of commercial units at a regional or
functional level as well as manufacturing.
The ability to consolidate critical operations reflects the growing
availability and reliability of global data networks. Employees, such
as US sales representatives, are benefiting from the ability to
connect to systems via a virtual private network when away from
the office.
Transforming and extending business activities
Insights gained from genomics and proteomics are transforming
the way that disease targets are identified and validated.
Information obtained from a variety of external sources needs to
be integrated with internally generated information in a rapid and
flexible manner that relies heavily on information technology
support. The analysis of these databases also requires significant
amounts of processing power, taking full advantage of advances in
computer technology. New technological approaches, such as grid
computing, whereby computers are linked to use their processing
power more fully, are being investigated.
Access to information for regulatory agencies, clinical opinion
leaders, healthcare professionals, patients and the public has been
enhanced in a number of markets. Steps have been taken to
reduce reliance on paper based processes for clinical trials and
registration of new medicines through use of wireless, handheld
technologies as well as the internet.
Collaborating and assessing information
The importance to GlaxoSmithKline of the internet and the internal
intranet continues to grow. Internal websites allow information to
be shared across the Group on a global basis and are supported by
search engines analogous to those used externally on the internet.
The ability to provide shared access to information has enabled the
growing use of virtual teams, which work collaboratively, spanning
multiple geographies and time zones. GlaxoSmithKline has
adopted a strategy, which enables employees to choose and
receive the information they most need.
GlaxoSmithKline project teams and departments are using their
computers to collaborate effectively. A standard collaboration
product suite is being deployed across the Group; included in this
is a new specialist tool that permits information to be shared with
external colleagues, securely and quickly.
As part of an overall internet technologies initiative, significant
savings have been achieved, for example via global learning
management. Information is exchanged electronically with a broad
array of suppliers, customers and partners. Protection against
unauthorised access to information assets and the growing risks
posed by computer viruses is a major issue. This is being addressed
through rigorous security management processes.
The telephone and video conferences that are a familiar aspect of
business life are being complemented by computer-based
collaborative working and screen-sharing tools that help teams
respond to the practical challenges posed by operating in a global
organisation. Enabling GlaxoSmithKline’s knowledge workers to be
more productive is a key goal for IT. A standard desktop has been
adopted globally, which will assist IT in supporting employees’ use
of software more efficiently.
GlaxoSmithKline people
GlaxoSmithKline people are fundamental to the success of the
business. Their skills and intellect are key components in the
successful implementation of sound business strategy. This is the
human capital that maximises the potential of the Group’s
scientific, commercial and financial assets. The outcome of effective
human resources policy is GlaxoSmithKline’s solid reputation as an
international employer of choice.
To achieve this, the Group initiated Candidate Care – the
commitment to seeking and acquiring the best employment
candidates who reflect a diversity of background, experience
and perspective and who can contribute most to the success of
GlaxoSmithKline.
Performance and reward
The importance of people must translate into employment
practices that demonstrate the value of each individual.
Compensation and benefit packages (GlaxoSmithKline’s Total
Reward) aim to be competitive and innovative and are either global
or local in orientation, depending on what best drives business
performance and rewards individual contribution.