The Border States supply chain runs on SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, Version 4.7. This advanced system package enhances information exchange and data capture and allows Border States to seamlessly integrate customer processes with ours.
The hub of our IT system is an IBM iSeries 840 midrange computer system. The iSeries 840 offers sub-second transaction processing from each of the 24 interconnected distribution centers. Our customers or employees can access this same processing power when working from remote locations by accessing our e-commerce offering.
Our SAP system runs on the iSeries 840. Eighteen of the 24 iSeries processors are configured for use, and the remaining six are reserved for processor-on-demand usage. The active processors are divided into two LPARs (logical partitions), with an LPAR of 17 processors used for SAP tasks and the remaining processor set up in a second LPAR exclusively for EDI (Electronic Document Interchange).
The iSeries 840 has over 2 Terabytes of disk space configured in RAID 5 disk arrays. This RAID 5 configuration gives us the ability to be fully operational in the event of one or more hard drive failures. The RAID 5 configuration also allows the quick replacement of a damaged disk with no disruption to application processing, and off-line backups permitting 24/7 operations and system availability.
BSE employs a team of SAP specialists who are constantly refining and developing our SAP software applications. This internal team makes it possible for us to respond to the changing needs of our Strategic Business Relationship customers. This team also supports development and support of the GSX Commerce Suite.
Our IT team is constantly monitoring our Internet Interface to insure that this link is fully operational and very secure. In addition our IT team works with the customer to overcome any issues or problems that may arise. We supplement the skills of our SAP and IT specialists with carefully chosen consultants from companies such as SAPAmerica, IBM Global Services, Midland Systems Integrators (MSI), and Computech Resources. These companies and their staffs are nationally recognized and have won awards in areas such as business innovation, Web development, and Websphere development.
Our SAP and Supply Chain Services teams work with our Strategic Business Relationship customers and branch personnel to exploit the existing capabilities within our SAP system. This includes the development and implementation of the specialized workflow and processes that are necessary for serving our alliance customers. In addition, when necessary, the Supply Chain Services team serves as the cross-functional facilitator for the SAP team and other departments within BSE to develop new applications outside SAP for our alliance customers.
Our complete corporate network is protected by an uninterruptible power supply backed up with a Cat diesel generator system. The system is capable of running the entire corporate IT system for extended periods without outside power.
