Energy Systems is no exception to the patterns of change in the volume of information that exists, change in the technologies used to process information, change in the role information plays in the fortunes of all organizations and change in how information is managed.
Energy Systems is confronting this challenge in a number of ways, including the assignment of Gary Coxon as chief information officer for Energy Systems, the creation of a "Smart Buyers Council" to oversee Energy Systems' investments in information resources and by moving to "privatize" the Information Technology Services (ITS) organization.
Coxon was appointed to the CIO role after Mike Cuddy retired. "Because the company is downsizing, we decided not to replace Mike's position, but to divide his responsibilities. Our major focus is the role we can play in making the lives of our customers better, their jobs easier and their businesses more productive through our services," said Coxon.
"Information technology is no longer a back-office cost-reduction activity. It is vital to the functioning of today's organizations that increasingly compete in global markets. Many economists say information has joined land, labor, and capital as a fourth fundamental factor of production. We must, and will, manage this resource wisely," Coxon explained.
Supporting Coxon in his CIO role will be a newly formed "Smart Buyers Council." This small group of representatives from major user organizations within Energy Systems is charged with the responsibility of managing the information interests of their organizations, as well as the overall interests of the company.
Council members include Roberta Chin (Human Resources), Harvey Gray (Advanced Technology), Jim Hensley (Defense Programs) and Darryl Reed (Business Management). ITS will provide technical support for the CIO and the council.
Major initiatives Coxon and the council will focus on include implementing SAP, tackling the Year 2000 challenge, standardizing desktops, restructuring Energy Systems' information infrastructure and leading the privatization of ITS.
SAP is an immediate priority. "SAP is a two-year, multiple million-dollar program that will replace a number of existing finance, project management, acquisition and human resources systems while introducing a number of recognized 'best business practices' in these areas. Our collective challenge is to make sure the implementation runs smoothly—on time and on budget," said Coxon.
Desktop standardization will include software and hardware. "We'll also promote better use of networked resource capabilities, such as the sharing of printers," he explained.
To optimize the company's information infrastructure, Energy Systems is working to integrate or retire many systems. "As we get smaller—with the 1,500 employees who transferred to Bechtel Jacobs Company and steady downsizing—we must make sure that our computer systems work efficiently for a smaller company," Coxon said.
Another major challenge all companies face is the Year 2000 problem. "We've been working hard to ensure that we won't have any major problems," Coxon said. "We seem to be in good shape with major systems and the majority of desktops. Other areas being addressed include a host of embedded processors in everything from heating units to elevators."
"One of the most exciting things I will be involved in is the privatization of ITS," said Coxon. "This will be a major win for the region, and a tremendous opportunity for ITS people."
With immense shortages of IT personnel across the U.S., and with the ITS skills that exist here, the company is confident privatization will be a winner for everyone. "DOE, Energy Systems, other contract partners in Oak Ridge, the Oak Ridge region, and, of course, our ITS people all stand to benefit," said Coxon. "The leverage and the synergism this move will provide will be most impressive."
"I am especially excited about the new opportunities this action will provide for ITS people, and others who may join later," Coxon said. Employees learn so much and grow a tremendous amount professionally by partnering, working with multiple clients and being in the mainstream of industry, he said.
"Currently, we interface frequently with other members of the IT family throughout the corporation. People everywhere are thoroughly impressed by our ITS capabilities. So why keep these assets contained in Oak Ridge with so many opportunities nationwide?" Coxon said.
"This change makes for an exciting time," Coxon commented. "We know change now will only accelerate; we were a five-site company for almost 50 years, and look how quickly we've moved away from that. Our challenge is to ensure that the company has the right systems and the right standards for strategic information management.
"We're committed to weathering the transition smoothly as the company moves rapidly toward a much sharper focus on Defense Programs," Coxon explained. "We will also try to have a fair amount of constructive fun with the challenges as we continue to solve interesting problems with very talented people."—T.M.P.
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| Sheila Riepe of Protective Services and her daughter, Lindsey Raymer, smile for the camera before they begin the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes held May 16 at the Knoxville Zoo. Lindsey has battled diabetes since she was eight. The Lockheed Martin team went over and above its part to help raise funds for JDF, whose original goal was $275,000. Some 325 company employees, family members and friends walked to help raise $365,000. Mark Roberts of JDF says total contributions should reach $380,000. For more information concerning JDF, contact Roberts at 577-7530. Photo by Tommy Maxwell |
| Zoo day: Don't just sit there!
Tickets will be sold at Y-12 each Wednesday in the cafeteria lobby during
lunch hours. Tickets also can be purchased by contacting
Sharon Whitehead at 576-1492, Ron
Walton at 576-8388. or, at ORNL, Elaine
Slaten at 576-8262. A portion of the ticket price will benefit the United
Way. Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult tickets, $10 (includes a $4 meal ticket)
Tickets also may be upgraded to a Zoo membership. A
membership entitles you to advance invitations to special events, a 10 percent discount
on unique merchandise, free parking, free admission to more than 100 other zoos and
a subscription to Knoxville Zoo publications. A ticket will save you $9 on a membership. |
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Come join the safari adventure June 20 during
Lockheed Martin Day at the Knoxville
Zoo.
Children/Senior tickets, $7 (includes a $3 meal ticket)