(September 11, 2003) - Toyota Australia has chosen BEA WebLogic Integration 8.1 as the software platform for its eBusiness Transformation Program, one of the largest IT integration projects ever undertaken by the company in Australia. The program, elements of which have already gone into production, is an initiative to integrate the systems and processes that connect Toyota and its trading partners to achieve real-time information access, enhanced two-way business visibility, and improved supply chain performance.

"More than $10 billion annually flows through Toyota Australia’s extended value chain," said Chris Thomas, senior manager for Toyota Australia’s eBusiness Transformation Program. "We realized that integrating the disparate systems throughout that value chain would allow us to achieve considerable process improvements and cost savings while improving customer satisfaction."

Toyota chose BEA WebLogic Integration after a thorough review of integration platforms, which included proprietary enterprise application integration (EAI) products and open, standards-based offerings such as the BEA WebLogic Enterprise Platform.

Toyota Australia’s eBusiness Transformation Program calls for all integration to be carried out via Web services interfaces built with BEA WebLogic Integration 8.1 to ensure that neither Toyota nor its trading partners are limited by proprietary technologies. Since early 2003, Toyota has successfully delivered six projects using BEA software. These projects include electronic proof of delivery, on-line accounts payable status for suppliers, fleet management integration, the Toyota Vehicle Ordering Procurement System (TVOPS), advanced shipping notice for vehicle deliveries, and a dealer interface designed to allow dealers to receive automatic updates from Toyota’s SAP system regarding the status of vehicle production and delivery. Response to the new applications has been positive across Toyota’s supply chain with considerable benefits already being realized.