Ducab launches service-oriented electronic initiatives

e-Next and Ducab Select to provide round-the-clock access to information

February 5, 2002

In an effort to provide its customers with a seamless supply chain management system online, Dubai Cable Company (Ducab) launched yesterday (February 5, 2002) its electronic platform for e-commerce consisting of e-Next and Ducab Select initiatives. These initiatives are part of the wider e-initiative of Ducab and are in accordance with His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister's vision of an e-government, where citizens can save on crucial time, and yet receive the personalized services of the various government organisations. The announcement was made during the Middle East Electricity Exhibition 2002 (MEEE 2002)

"Ducab's e-initiative is an important step in the transformation of the emirate to an e-government environment, because it emphasizes the role played by the commercial and manufacturing sector in the move to e-services," said Mr Salem Khamis Al-Shair, Director e-Services, Dubai e-Government, who was present at the launch. "Ducab has always been at the forefront of creative schemes and implementation of leading edge technologies, and this launch only strengthens its image as an innovator and market leader. Dubai e-Government fully supports this venture by Ducab and hopes that other organizations in the private sector will also incorporate e-services into their systems, in keeping with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed," he added

With the launch of Ducab Select and e-Next, Ducab became the first cable manufacturing company in the Middle East to provide its customers and clients with a new dimension of world-class customer service and real-time updated information about their account at Ducab. The successful launch of e-Next paves the way for a more comprehensive e-commerce system, which will allow for greater interaction between customers and the company and also provide for sales transactions online. The e-initiatives are also being highlighted at the Ducab stand at MEEE 2002 where the company is showcasing its theme of service-driven initiatives and the people of Ducab.

"Instant connectivity and access to information can make a significant difference to the efficiency levels in an organisation, resulting automatically in better customer service and cost effectiveness. Ducab's e-initiative provides the gateway to 24-hour round-the-clock information for our clients, thus enabling them to streamline their operations and achieve enhanced productivity," said Colin Paskins, MD, Ducab. "The e-initiative is in line with our philosophy of building trusted partnerships and our determination to provide customer satisfaction of the highest degree."

"Ducab has always believed in exploiting the latest in information technology to provide quality and excellence in our service to our customers. The newly launched e-initiatives are a natural progression from the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems that were implemented a few years ago at the company," said Farid Mohammed Ahmed, General Manager Sales and Marketing, Ducab. "Ducab Select and e-Next together offer an integrated information-backed system that will provide our customers with an impeccable supply chain management routine."

e-Next is a web-based tool aimed at providing customers with accurate and online information on their order status, the status of their Ducab account, lead time of standard products, forward delivery schedule for 12 months as well as a two-year purchase history. The information, available at the click of a button, is updated hourly and can be accessed from anywhere at anytime by the customers at no extra cost. It also gives access to Ducab's Jointer Academy records and allows clients to participate in Ducab's special offers. In addition, customers can forecast possible requirements three months ahead in order to ensure a 'just-in-time' delivery.

The security and confidentiality of the information available through e-Next, has been ensured by two sets of security access codes. The applications that are run from powerful servers located within Ducab. The facility is available to all of Ducab's distributors, utility clients and customers with long-term direct supply contracts. Access codes are issued only after the customer has contacted Ducab with a specific application. In addition, members of Ducab's e-initiative committee also known as e-Champions, train and brief the clients on the optimum utilization of the system, track usage and offer immediate assistance in case of problems. E-Champions are the team responsible for the development of e-Next.

"e-Next is a fantastic facility that allows customers to minimise time spent on standard enquiries and clarifications thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs. It is with this objective in mind that we consulted with customers and incorporated their inputs into the system at every step from conception through development. At Ducab, the system will bring about a tremendous reduction in administrative costs as our commercial staff can divert precious time towards more significant tasks," added Mr Ahmed.

Ducab Select, another e-service re-launched at the MEEE 2002, has already seen considerable success amongst customers. Available both online and on CD ROM, Ducab Select is an interactive software that allows engineers to instantly choose appropriate cable solutions for a project. Ducab Select has been developed in-house by Ducab's engineers and helps customers select the correct cable size for low voltage circuits under a specified set of installation conditions. The program simplifies the cable selection process as it precludes the need for consultants and offers instant suggestions for cable selection based on the client's answers to questions, besides providing clarification to doubts and queries.

The recently launched e-initiatives are the first phase of the wider e-business objectives and provide a platform for wider collaborative planning with key supply chain partners in future.

Established in 1979, Dubai Cable Company Ltd. (Ducab) is the first purpose built cable manufacturing company in the UAE and is owned by the governments of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Its product range covers low voltage power cables, control and auxiliary cables, wiring and lead-sheathed cables in addition to Ducab Powerplus medium voltage cables (up to 33 kV) and Ducab Smokemaster cables in situations where safety is paramount. Ducab is also well-known as the distributor of Ducab Connect cable accessories.

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War against Middle East power industry Counterfeiters stepped up crackdown

(Dubai- 5 February 2002) -The war against power industry counterfeiters is being stepped up with hard hitting action in Yemen by a leading UK trade association that is heading the fight to pull the plug on fake products.

In conjunction with local law enforcement and regulatory bodies and the British Embassy in Sanaa, the Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers Association (EIEMA) has launched Operation Electric Cat to short circuit the wide spread illegal trade in cheap sub standard products.

The crackdown, which involves police raids, prosecutions and the destruction of seized fake products, was revealed at Middle East Electricity 2002, the region's premier energy exhibition and conference, underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

"Following our success in Dubai where, with the co-operation of the police and customs, we have largely stemmed the re-export of bogus products to Africa and elsewhere in the region, we are now focusing on Yemen where counterfeit goods are rife," said Michael Palmer, Chairman of EIEMA's Counterfeit Working Group.

"We are also planning to take action in Oman, later this year, as part of our continuing campaign to force the counterfeiters from the market.

"Five to seven per cent of all world trade is now in counterfeit goods and on average it costs industry over US$ 250 billion a year," said Palmer.

"In the case of my own company, Tenby, our order book was halved as a result of our electrical products and accessories being counterfeited, forcing us to take robust action to remedy the situation.

"In the power industry it is not just a question of fake products hitting orders and exports hard, there is also the issue of safety. We know of many cases in which people have been killed or seriously injured by counterfeit fuses or switch sockets."

Palmer said the EIEMA, which plays a leading role in developing national, international and European standards, employs its own team of investigators, based in Cyprus, to root out suppliers and sellers of forged products in the Middle East.

"There are basically three areas of action. Stopping the fake products at source, shutting down supply routes and putting the sellers out of business," he said.

At an industry seminar on counterfeiting at Middle East Electricity 2002, David Dossett, the EIEMA's Director said fake products were a major threat to power industry brands.

"No one can afford to ignore the problem. That is not an option. The only way to deal with the issue is to tackle it from every angle and for the authorities to take strict action and shut down the counterfeiters," Dossett said.

"My advice to companies is not to wait until disaster strikes but to take action now. And my message to the counterfeiters is simple. Watch out EIEMA is about. We are going to be closely looking into your activities and not allow you to rest."
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During his visit to the United Arab Emirates Dossett said he would be meeting with local power industry companies to discuss further action against the counterfeiters.

"We have had some success in Dubai but more needs to be done. I will have talks on strengthening the present loose alliance of local electrical engineering and accessory companies so that we can effectively take the fight to the counterfeiters," said Dossett.

At the seminar EIEMA's latest weapon in the war against counterfeiters was unveiled with the first showing of a seven and a half-minute video that dramatically illustrates what can happen when counterfeit electrical products are used.

Shot on location in Dubai, Singapore and China, the 'Counterfeits Kill' video will be sent to regional architects, project specifiers and building standards' regulators as part of the EIEMA's campaign to educate industry professionals on the dangers of using bogus products.

The EIEMA seminar was one of 14 industry specific forums being held at Middle East Electricity 2002 that are examining essential sector issues including certification for the international market, utility centre performance and substation testing.
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Over 600 companies are participating in the show, organised by IIR Exhibitions. It features 11 national pavilions, with Malaysia taking part for the first time.

Schneider Electric is the lead sponsor of Middle East Electricity 2002 that is supported by the UAE Ministry of Electricity and Water and the Federal Electricity & Water Authority. The show, which is open from 10am until 6pm ends tomorrow (February 6)

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