AMSOIL Case Study

Background & Saturn Relationship


AMSOIL is the worldwide leader in the production and distribution of synthetic lubricants and automotive products. Over the past several years, Saturn Systems has become an integral part of AMSOIL's Internet strategy. During this time, we have helped AMSOIL formulate a high level vision for their global e-Commerce presence. We have been instrumental in helping AMSOIL combine many disparate Internet and Intranet components into a coherent, efficient web based presence.

Situation


AMSOIL operates several online stores, a multi-level dealership model, a JD Edwards accounting backend, along with internal tracking processes. Previously, the online stores were operated through a third party Internet Service provider, which also provided web hosting, and some internal operations. This arrangement was not compatible with AMSOIL's internal operations, due to incompatible operating systems, licensing issues, and redundant and insecure data transfer requirements. In addition, the integration between the online stores, the corporate web site, and the independent dealer sites was haphazard, due to the evolution of this system over a period of many years.

Saturn Approach


Saturn assumed a leadership role and coordinated the multi-team effort to completely develop AMSOIL's Internet systems. We designed a modular; systems based approach to logically handle all Internet operations, unified with common Internet & database technologies, and fully integrated systems. We developed and refined a comprehensive Functional Specifications document describing in detail the current and future Requirements of the systems.

The system we designed was comprised of a stand-alone hardware cluster containing redundant web servers, database servers, and backup systems. AMSOIL's existing web site was redeveloped with modern technologies. In addition, three new major components were developed and integrated:

• A web 'portal' system for authorized AMSOIL customers,
• A heavily customized and integrated e-commerce package, and
• A system which allows AMSOIL customers to build and create their own templated websites.

All these Internet systems were integrated, allowing authorized users complete access with single login credentials. Finally, an administrative back-end was developed which allows AMSOIL administrative staff to operate the system and extract reporting information.

Results


We managed technical staff from AMSOIL and Saturn Systems to design and develop the Internet systems according to the requirements set forth. We met regularly with AMSOIL stakeholders and decision makers to ensure the resulting systems met expectations. Finally, we coordinated the successful deployment of the new systems in early 2005.

Technologies Used:

• Microsoft Visual Basic .NET
• Microsoft Visual C++
• Borland Delphi
• LaGarde StoreFront
• Microsoft SQL Server