The Beginnings

The concepts and architecture of Haeiwacom Systems came from two places. In the 1990’s, the Advanced Technologies Group at the Protection Mutual Insurance Company, headed by Norman Plummer, developed a system to track policy work as it was processed for customers. This minicomputer-based database system tracked output, work in process and rework for transactions and orders. The successful implementation of this system reduced transaction turnaround by 32% in 18 months, dramatically enhancing cash flow to the corporation and increasing customer satisfaction.

At the same time, Bigston Corporation was developing a system for tracking workflow utilizing barcode technology. This minicomputer-based system tracked consumer returns processing and included tracking of production, error rates, defects and repairs.

Synthesis

In 1999, Bigston Corporation formed a new technology company, Bigston Information Technologies. Norman Plummer joined Bigston IT as president and chief operating officer.

At that time, the Internet technologies were coming to the fore. Under Plummer’s guidance, the concepts developed in the Protection Mutual and Bigston Systems were redesigned and merged into a new set of systems for track and trace processing using the latest web and database technologies.

Unlike the early versions, these systems were designed from the beginning as commercial-grade products. Standards-based technologies assured that the systems would be robust, responsive and flexible in a variety of business applications.

Over the next several years, the systems were implemented in areas as diverse as high-volume consumer returns processing, construction equipment manufacturing, customer service operations and transportation equipment assembly.

Development

The systems continued to be developed and enhanced during this period, often based on suggestions from customers. Warehouse, parts picking and fulfillment processing were added as well as document management (originally to manage working instructions and ISO 9000 documentation).

Tool calibration logging, incoming parts inspection, non-conformance tracking and vendor management significantly enhanced the system capabilities in assembly and manufacturing applications.

New Directions

In 2010, Bigston Information Technologies was reincorporated as a new independent corporation, Haeiwacom, Inc. Haeiwacom (“HAY-wa-com”) is derived from the Japanese word for peace.

Norman Plummer is president of this enterprise and continues to drive forward the development of the systems. Currently on release 5, the systems continue their tradition of flexible, cutting-edge technology that offers practical, cost-effective solutions to business.

The focus of the systems continues to be track and trace processing for all phases of the business enterprise.

An exciting development is the managed service product. The systems are now available from Haeiwacom’s servers. There is no need for a server or in-house IT staff – Haeiwacom manages everything. This represents a significant breakthrough in value and ease of use for the customer.

The latest release incorporates many enhancements including touch-screen technologies, mobile device access from cell-phones, netbooks and tablet devices such as the Apple iPad™ among other initiatives.

With all the new technology, Haeiwacom continues its traditions of flexible, intuitive design to provide practical solutions with a favorable return on investment to our customers.

About Norman Plummer

Plummer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education and a Master’s degree in economics from Eastern Illinois University. He has done graduate work in systems management at Baldwin-Wallace College. In 2011, he was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate Alumnus by Eastern Illinois University,

Plummer’s technology experience includes work in database design using Oracle, MySQL and IBM-DB2. He is also conversant in a number of web technologies including HTML, CGI, Java, C++ and Linux.

With over 25 years experience in technology, some of his projects include online insurance rating systems for large-scale commercial property insurance, a worldwide document management system and an online application to manage a commercial insurance company’s earthquake portfolio. This portfolio represented more than $1.5 billion in exposure and more than $25 million in premiums.

He continues to be actively involved in the design and development of the Haeiwacom Systems.