Case Study - Packaging Corporation of America

Securely Delivering Access to Corporate Data - From Any Web Browser

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is the sixth largest manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States. PCA operates four paper mills, 65 corrugated manufacturing plants, and 110 various sites consisting of warehouses, design centers and sales offices across the country. PCA's focus on a single line of business differentiates the company from major competitors, and has created a well-recognized level of operational excellence and profitability.

Challenge

Approximately 25 percent of PCA's total user community works on laptops, most of which do not connect to the network through a LAN. PCA wanted an Internet-based solution to give these mobile employees secure and immediate access to company data and resources, at any time and from any location. On-site PCA plant managers had to keep track of different passwords to access each application throughout the day. The company also wanted to extend secure Internet access to its customers to allow them to place orders and to check real-time account information.

Solution

By utilizing webNetwork™, PCA created a company portal that gives employees access to corporate data from any Web browser. The portal is integrated with the network directory, which centralizes the storage, management and security of PCA's user identity information. PCA has a comprehensive view of each user's profile and a single point to manage identity information in data stores and applications across the enterprise.

Users now enter the portal with a single ID and password to access corporate applications. webNetwork provides access for 4,200 users to applications via a personalized portal page, based on user credentials. As a result, PCA no longer needs to provide its dial-up users with multiple PIN numbers or security ID cards. This saves the company thousands of dollars a year.

PCA uses webNetwork to provide secure portal access to approximately 400 of its major customers, and is gradually extending this service to its entire customer base. webNetwork is the single source for remote access, allowing customers to access PCA databases and applications with a single sign-on ID and password to place and track orders, view inventory, and check real-time account status. Customers can even use the portal to design customized boxes and distribute their ideas to others for feedback. The portal also accepts XML orders, making it easier for customers to do business with PCA.