JAVA Generator and Honda, a Successful Alliance

The problem
Up to the date of development, the system used was developed in Dataflex, operated with file exchange, and was based on a text interface. Unfortunately, that system could not meet the demand for information from the partnerships, resulting in limited information accessed ineffectively and in a manner, which was not time efficient.
To support the application, Honda implemented a structure that could attend to 20 partnerships simultaneously. This included phone lines, an attention center and internal processes. But again, the communication to exchange files with the network -of more than 350 partnerships- becomes very difficult during the more demanding hours.
On top of that, if an error is made in certain critical processes such as entering contracts- the correction required too much work, as well as a delay in sending the information to the client.
All of which are not issues for GeneXus. But, Honda's system department wasn t free to make any modification. In addition to this, different versions co-existed, as the updates were sent via CD to the partnerships, which were responsible for the execution.

The solution: GeneXus Java
The specifications of the system involved the use of Internet as development platform, and GeneXus was the tool selected as the pattern to develop Honda's internal systems, making the decision easy. Honda computers can be accessed on line, enabling the partnerships to provide better customer service.
Plus, the maintenance and incorporation of new features to the system is much easier. There's no need to worry about the maintenance of different versions thanks to the version control offered by the Java generator.
The greater flexibility allows a larger number of processes to be revised. Many processes that were carried out by Honda are now executed by the partnerships; after all, they are the people to best validate the information in the first place - ensuring better data integrity. The 3-layer architecture of the Java generator provides for expanding the system in a simpler way (adding more computers / application servers).
In the first stage, the system built with GeneXus in Java will complement the previous system. In subsequent stages, the new system will become a substitute for old one.
The Honda National Consortium is part of the Honda group of Brazil, is responsible for more than 30% of its production of motorcycles, and is the largest manager of consortiums, regarding volume of share, for Brazil.

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