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The constant demands from the business sector pose a significant challenge for information managers. Whether to expand digital initiatives further or deepen existing systems to better serve the business needs remains a critical question. How do we ensure that our digital efforts align with the evolving demands of the organization? These are the questions that weigh heavily on the minds of information professionals today.
To gain insights into this topic, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Peng Yong, the IT Director at JA Solar. JA Solar specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing high-efficiency solar cells and modules, with a strong focus on global expansion. Since its public listing in 2007, JA Solar has faced the dual challenges of international markets and capital markets. Amidst a challenging economic climate, Mr. Peng Yong has consistently championed the principles of leveraging existing systems and nurturing talent within the IT department to drive digital progress at JA Solar.
JA Solar Informatization Reporter: Mr. Peng, could you share with us the journey of digital transformation at JA Solar?
Peng Yong: Initially, our digital efforts focused on implementing basic systems like OA (Office Automation) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). However, as we progressed, our primary focus shifted toward production management systems. These systems are designed to enhance production processes and maintain detailed business records. Currently, our IT department aims to offer deeper insights to management by providing more granular data, including financial reports, production metrics, and other key performance indicators.
Reporter: How would you describe the implementation of your OA system?
Peng Yong: Our OA system is powered by Pan-micro OA and serves multiple departments across the organization. It includes the corporate headquarters, photovoltaic technology divisions, and production bases in cities like Yangzhou, Hebei, Lianyungang, and Fengxian. Overseas sales teams in countries like the U.S. and Germany also utilize the platform. With over 1,900 active users and complete coverage of more than 130 departments, this system significantly accelerates communication and collaboration within the company.
Reporter: We understand that your OA system is integrated with Oracle ERP. Could you elaborate on that?
Peng Yong: The integration primarily focuses on financial cost management. Expenses related to general administrative costs—such as insurance premiums, utilities, rent, property management fees, and security fees—are all processed through the collaborative office platform. These workflows are then seamlessly integrated with the ERP system, ensuring real-time data flow and interaction.
When it comes to measuring whether our digital initiatives meet the business needs, we rely on several criteria. Firstly, we conduct regular interviews with business units to gather feedback on how effectively our systems support their operations. Secondly, we prioritize timely optimization by assessing whether new or existing processes can be streamlined through existing systems. Lastly, we analyze any issues that arise during usage to determine if adjustments are needed to better align with business requirements.
Reporter: What do you mean by "maximizing the potential of existing systems"?
Peng Yong: Maximizing the potential of our systems involves two key strategies. One is fostering the growth of internal IT personnel. We aim to empower each team member to independently manage various systems while also taking ownership of significant projects and communicating effectively with different business stakeholders. Another approach is leveraging available resources. Whenever a new system requirement arises, we first evaluate our current systems to identify overlaps or capabilities that can be repurposed. If feasible, we encourage user adoption of these existing tools and continuously refine them to better meet evolving needs. For instance, we often implement deeper integrations within existing OA platforms.
Reporter: What qualities do you emphasize in your IT staff?
Peng Yong: I believe there are three essential traits that define a successful IT professional. First is rapid learning ability. As technology evolves rapidly, IT personnel must stay abreast of new trends and adapt accordingly. Second is problem-solving capability. Many challenges require both immediate and long-term solutions. IT professionals need to balance quick fixes with sustainable approaches. Third is accountability. A lot of our work involves complex tasks that require individuals to take ownership and collaborate across departments to achieve goals.
JA Solar continues to evolve its digital strategy, ensuring that technology supports the broader mission of sustainability and innovation. By focusing on these principles, we aim to create a robust digital foundation that propels the company forward.