Solution delivers convenience, savings and increased sustainability
AUCKLAND — The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has seen gains in efficiency and customer satisfaction as a result of moving its workplace drug testing services to a digital environment.
ESR provides workplace drug testing services for the Department of Corrections as well as about 1,000 New Zealand companies. The Crown Research Institute (CRI) works with employers to create drug testing solutions which enhance safety and efficiency in the workplace, and conducts approximately 45,000 workplace drug tests each year. It offers consultation and policy advice, individual testing regimes, staff and management training options, employee assistance programmes and rehabilitation to help employers achieve a drug and alcohol free workplace.
In March 2009 ESR moved these processes online, meaning staff could manage workplace drug testing electronically, replacing the need for photocopying and filing. The prototype was built by SAP New Zealand, which completed the original proof of concept using SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe together with SAP Portal, SAP WebDynpro integrated with SUN JCAPS, SAP Workflow and SAP Document Management.
Their SAP partner, Tango Group Limited, supported the project with technology resources to help build the e-reporting system.
“Our customers now receive their reports by email,” says Dr Paul Fitzmaurice, Bioanalytical Programme Manager, ESR, who manages the Workplace Drug Testing Programme. “Employers receive certified notification of results as soon as they become available, so they can take any action that is required in a timely manner.”
“It’s really a case of ESR responding to customer demand, because our customers were looking for a paperless system and their feedback suggests they are pleased to work with an organisation which is progressive about employing technology. The reaction to e-reporting has been entirely positive.”
The e-reporting system is also more convenient for customers because they no longer need to rely on postal services. Furthermore, the ability to offer a paperless system is important to ESR for sustainability reasons, “Previously we sent out drug test reports on paper in an envelope, which needed administration at our end and the customer’s – a cumbersome process with considerable handling costs in both time and materials,” adds Dr Fitzmaurice.
Graeme Riley, SAP New Zealand managing director, says ESR’s paperless workplace drug testing reporting process is a unique use of SAP technology to solve an unusual business problem.
“This is an innovative solution using SAP tools which has resulted in greater efficiency and convenience for ESR and its customers, as well as substantially reducing the carbon footprint of the service.”
About ESR
The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) is a government owned crown research institute. It provides operational science and research services which underpin New Zealand’s health and justice systems. ESR offers services in the areas of communicable disease, food safety, forensic science, human biosecurity, integrative research for sustainability, pharmaceuticals, public health surveillance, water management and workplace drug testing. ESR supports the policy and operations of many central government agencies, as well as serving local authorities and the private sector.
ESR’s Workplace Drug Testing programmes are legally robust and are recognised as the “Gold Standard” of workplace drug testing services. Testing is carried out in ESR’s internationally accredited laboratory following strict procedures that comply with AS/NZS 4308:2001 “Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs of abuse in urine”.
Further information:
Peter Sertori, SAP Australia and New Zealand, +61 2 9923 5544, peter.sertori@sap.com
Sally Raudon, Botica Butler Raudon Partners, (09) 303 3862, 021 402 502, sallyr@botica.co.nz
