On January 19, 2009, LCOA and CAC will begin processing using their own computer system running ePredator software.  Insulectro will continue to run on the two computer systems in Lake Forest and Bloomingdale.  This memo outlines the changes and what you can expect when we split computer systems.

New Computer system

We have purchased a new system for LCOA and CAC.  It is installed in the computer room right next to CAC’s line four in Lake Forest.  Other than the sign on displays, the ePredator application look and function the same.  Data related to LCOA and CAC will be performed on their computer system.  Insulectro and Integral Technologies, Inc. (Zeta Lam) will run on the existing computer systems.

We needed a short name for the new system.  We are using “TSL” which stands for TriStar Laminate Systems.   TSL is the legal parent company of LCOA and CAC.  Unlike Insulectro which runs on two computer systems in constant replication (INSULLF and INSULBD), the TSL computer (TSLLF) will run as a stand alone computer.  Should the TSLLF system go down, we will need to wait for service personnel to repair the system before continuing processing.  We are backing up the system daily and are keeping a copy of the data on the Insulectro systems as a backup.

Over the last four months, we have made the necessary application changes to the ePredator software to support multiple computer systems.  The major area affected was in order processing between Insulectro and CAC/LCOA.  Those companies now use a traditional separate purchase order and shipping order to process instead of an intercompany order that worked similar to an inter branch transfer.  Also, there were many small changes made in accounting to support the split of the companies. 

Access to Insulectro ‘s system will remain the same.  There will be new links required to access the TSLLF computer system.   These links will be provided to you a few days prior to the split.

Conversion

We will require approximately 18 hours to perform the necessary system work to implement the conversion.  We will be shutting down access to ePredator software on Friday, January 16, 2009 at 11:00 pm PT.  The system will be down all day Saturday, January 17 and we anticipate the system will be up again by Sunday morning, January 18, at 6:00 am PT.  During this time, no transactions will be performed, and web access will be fully down.  You can still access e-mail, Common drives, etc.

Since we already performed the application upgrades, there should be no major changes felt on the conversion day.  We have already changed our processes to work as if we are running on two systems now.

New Sign on Screens

From the 5250 terminal access, TSLLF will have a different sign on displays.

What Associates Can Expect

Insulectro

Insulectro associates should notice little difference.  They will sign on the same way.  They will not be able to look up CAC and LCOA inventory balances since those balances will be on a different computer system.

LCOA/CAC

You will be on a new system.  IT will be giving you a new password to sign on.  You will no longer have (or need to have) access to the Insulectro system.  Also, IT will be working with you to make sure your links to ePredator (both terminal access and HTML access) point to the new system.

While IT has tested all the hardware connections, with a change this large, there may be some printers, scanners, etc. that do not function properly the first day.   Someone from IT will be around to work with any issues you may have.

Corporate

Materials, Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology will need to access both systems.  IT will be providing you separate access instructions for the new system.   You will need to sign on to both systems.    You will need to make sure that you are performing the correct transactions on the proper system.     You will be able to set your TSLLF system password to be the same password as your INSULLF/INSULBD password.  After the conversion date, you will need to sign on to the HTML access of ePredator.net.  Select AAP10.  From there you may choose a new password and it will be the same on all three computer systems TSLLF/INSULLF/INSULBD.  Also, if you prefer you may have separate passwords for the two computer systems.

Conclusion

While we do not anticipate any major issues, I ask everyone to be aware and report to IT immediately any problems that you see.  We have been working on this task for the last six months and have done extensive testing to reduce potential issues.

Thank you for your support.