Å kodaAuto ANNUAL REPORT 2003 - Skoda Auto

Data CommunicationLast year saw a further expansion ofdata communication based onEDI (Electronic Data Interchange)standards with Škoda Auto partnersin the areas of product developmentand production. In production andlogistics, the utilisation andfunctionality of “classic” EDIprocesses were improved and thewebEDI standard was used forall information flows concerningmaterial needs (preliminary calls,notices, JIT calls and soft calls).The implementation of the systemCAxEDI for the product developmentarea facilitated practical datadistribution between engineeringlocations and helped meetever-more-demanding securitystandards for handling engineeringdata. This solution also supportsexpanding the use of standardaccompanying documentation forexchange of CAx and PDM databetween Škoda Auto and partnersand brings substantially highercomfort, reliability and the ability tomonitor ongoing data transmissions.In October 2003 in Paris, Škoda Autoaccepted the “Odette Award” forlong-term contribution to theutilisation and expansion ofEDI-communication in the areaof international data exchange.Systems DevelopmentPrecedes Changes inManufacturingThe past year saw a major increasein system support for productionplanning and productionmanagement with the roll-outof new Group-wide solutionsdeveloped with the activeparticipation of Škoda Auto.The transparency and reliabilityof logistical processes was improvedby the well-thought-outinterconnection of standard systemtools, Group-specific modules andsystems developed in-house. Asa result, we were able to commenceproduction of Octavia cars in Indiawith a minimum need for additionalsystems resources.Rigorous Use of StandardSoftwareWork processes in finance,controlling, human resources,material procurement and theentire process of shipping originalŠkoda Auto parts is supported bya completely integrated ERP system.Here, Škoda Auto has for many yearsbeen favouring the standard softwareSAP, which in 2003 was brought tothe highest possible developmentlevel. These applications, which runon a high-availability hardwareplatform in the data centre, areused by over 2,300 Škoda Autoemployees.With the roll-out of electronicworkflow-based purchasing, yetanother step was taken towardsmore effective and transparententerprise processes.IT SecurityEnsuring a high level of IT security isan ongoing priority, and 2003 wasno exception. In close co-ordinationwith Group committees, moreorganisational and technicalmeasures were taken to effectivelyprotect the Company’s IT systemsagainst external attacks and abuseof data.45