The Client

ATOFINA North America — formerly known as Elf Atochem — is a customer-focused, innovative chemical manufacturer with a company-wide commitment to excellence. Elf Atochem North America is a subsidiary of the French-based Elf Aquitaine. Elf Atochem, N.A. has three business groups: intermediate and fine chemicals, performance polymers and performance chemicals. They have 27 manufacturing plants and 3500+ employees.

The Business Challenge

The initial objective at Atofina was to create a Web-based system for updating, managing and sharing 50,000 Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Because Atofina operates in a Federally regulated industry, it is critical for Atofina to keep consistent, precise records for audit purposes and for maintaining "Right to Know" compliance. A mission critical component of a Web-based MSDS update and management system was to assure the accuracy of Web content. With 3000 potential desktops, Atofina was spending $60,000 annually creating CD-ROM's and shipping them to plants for desktop updates of MSDS data. Atofina wanted to make the distribution process of MSDS information web-based to reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.

The Return on Investment

With the Web-based system constructed by McFadyen Solutions, Atofina was able to decrease the inbound MSDS update turnaround time from six months to one month. They also minimized desktop installations, while centrally storing, managing and distributing MSDS data. Atofina now enjoys the confidence of knowing that MSDS data published on their Web site and shared throughout the North American plants is accurate. They are saving $60,000 annually, have an improved system for "Right to Know" Compliance and an auditable trail. The future is to take more of the enterprise on-line. With the ability to maintain data accuracy and security, there are many applications and business processes that can be improved with the power of Web technology.

The Project

The initial objective at Elf Atochem was to create a Web-based system for updating, managing and sharing 50,000 Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Because they operate in a Federally regulated industry, it is critical for Elf Atochem to keep consistent, precise records for audit purposes and for maintaining "Right to Know" compliance. A mission critical component of a Web-based MSDS update and management system is to assure the accuracy of Web content.