Komatsu

The Client

Komatsu Australia distributes mining, construction and forestry equipment. It operates 25 branches and 35 service centres, employs more than 1,300 people and maintains an inventory of around $A200 million in parts.

The Challenge

Komatsu Australia offers the country’s largest range of construction, mining and forestry equipment. A significant proportion of its business comes from supplying spare parts for its own and competitors’ equipment. However, the same competitors are ready to pounce on any disillusioned customers, meaning each part of Komatsu’s operations needs to be first class – including its online image and service. Komatsu’s Web content management system had scarce support and limited design flexibility. Komatsu wanted a reliable solution that would reduce its risk of outages, boost its online parts ordering business and improve its Web site to increase the effectiveness of its marketing.

The Solution

With the help of Microsoft partner Unique World, Komatsu selected Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS) to manage content for its Internet and intranet sites. Komatsu was already using Microsoft SharePoint Server 2003 as its document repository. By exploiting the new functionality of the 2007 version, it was able to offer a richer experience to its customers.

The Benefit

The smooth migration of Komatsu’s Internet onto the stable MOSS platform greatly improved the availability and reliability of the Web site. In addition to the flexibility of the implemented solution delivered an improved online image for Komatsu and a more responsive marketing platform. SharePoint Server 2007 allows business users to create content using familiar Microsoft Office Professional tools and submit it for approval and publication. As part of the project, Unique World helped Komatsu define its Web content publishing processes to encourage maximum collaboration. There was a reduction in risk exposure and therefore increased peace of mind. The new solution will also allow Komatsu to increase control over its sensitive business information. With Office SharePoint Server 2007, Komatsu can implement content management review procedures and auditing policies to mitigate its risk of privacy breaches.