The dPipeline application allows our client to construct document processing "pipelines", so that when documents and metadata are sent from remote systems they are loaded into the content management system according to highly-configurable business rules.

The application consists of a library of reuseable operations that might be performed during the import of a document - for example, applying a business policy - together with a user-configurable architecture for defining which of these operations should apply to a given class of incoming document, and in what order they should be applied.

dPipeline is a 24/7 background application, ensuring that incoming documents are processed as soon as they are generated by their source systems, and with zero manual intervention.

We implemented the application using Java and XML/XSL, to ensure maximum portability across our client's UNIX and Windows operating environments.

The application facilitates the authoring and lifecycle management of pharmaceutical regulatory content and has 10000 global users. Our main responsibilities were: defining and implementing the technical architecture and detailed design for the application; consulting on technical architecture matters to the development team; provision of the programming resource for many of the major components of the application.

The application server architecture is based on a distributed configuration of EMC Documentum. The client architecture is based on an XML and DFC data access layer, middle-tier COM and Java-based components, and a Visual Basic presentation layer making extensive use of XSL transformations and ActiveX controls. The application is deployed to a global user base using a thin-client architecture based on Citrix XenApp.

The application is highly configurable as the majority of its control mechanisms are XML-based. This allows major alterations to application functionality - for example, the availability of entire features - to be made without the need to rebuild and validate the application. It is also extensible, as newly-developed components may be added to the application purely by a modification to the XML-based configuration.

The primary objective of the department was to provide faster access to GxP documentation held within the Records Centre to research scientists within the R&D function. The first phase of the project was to implement and validate a scalable document imaging system based on Kofax Ascent Capture and Documentum. The second phase was to enable access to the information via the corporate intranet using EMC Documentum's web client applications.

We later returned to upgrade the EMC Documentum content server and client applications to newer versions.

The primary objective of the department was to centralise the storage and control of the Chemistry & Pharmacy Dossier, a major component of each new drug application submitted to the regulatory authorities. Following regulatory approval, this document continues to evolve during the life cycle of a drug and each element of the document develops multiple variants based on the markets into which a drug will be sold and the sites where it will be manufactured. Total accuracy in managing the configuration of the document is essential to ensure regulatory compliance in each market where a drug is approved.

A solution was implemented based on Microsoft development tools and Documentum EDMS. In addition to the main application, a tool was developed for browsing and viewing off-line documentation packages that were published by the system onto optical disk for distribution to remote manufacturing sites.

Working with the application vendors, we designed and scaled a server-based deployment appropriate to the client's needs. The server architectures were based on Windows Terminal Services and Citrix Metaframe. In addition to the application design role, we were responsible for the specification, installation and configuration of the server hardware required to support the applications. To meet the client's regulatory requirements, we were also directly involved in planning and executing the necessary qualifications.

Our client had highlighted a number of operational issues and the objective of the project was to identify any specific technical or procedural problems present in the system and to propose a remedial course of action. During the course of the project this remit was extended to incorporate a more strategic assessment of the document management needs of the Legal function.

After a period of analysis and consultation, a number of key issues regarding performance and functionality were presented to the client together with a set of phased options supported by detailed cost/benefit data. A number of high-priority remedies were recommended and subsequently undertaken in order to maintain the short-term viability of the system.

The primary objectives of the department were to reduce the volume of paper documents required to be on hand at any time, and to improve the ability to quickly retrieve documents relevant to a subject area (for example in support of the document discovery process in litigation). There were also benefits to be gained in streamlining and standardising the department's processes for creating electronic documents.

A particular requirement of the project was for the system to be developed and implemented within the framework of PD0008: the Code of Practice for the Legal Admissibility and Evidential Weight of Information Stored Electronically.

Workshops were held to assist the clients in identifying their requirements and to gain commitment to the process. From these a user requirements specification, technical architecture and functional specification were produced. A detailed design based on Documentum and Kofax Ascent imaging tools was implemented. Visual Basic scripts were written to migrate an existing PC-based document index into Documentum. The project was concluded by phases of system testing, acceptance testing, implementation, data migration and user training.

The purpose of the system was to manage key investment research information gathered by the firm's research analysts. A primary benefit was the ability to sort and filter the information easily and efficiently to provide effective support to the investment decision-making process.

A Documentum-based solution was developed that was accessible from both the company intranet and from ODMA-enabled desktop applications. Information arriving from a variety of sources is handled, including paper, internally and externally created electronic documents, electronic trading systems and the internet. The solution incorporates extensive search facilities covering both document metadata and content - for example, searches may be executed simultaneously across the docbase and a range of internet search engines. An integrated document imaging system was provided based on Documentum DocInput. The system incorporates a gateway between Documentum and leading hedge fund management package Tradar Portfolio.