HowmetNEW YORK--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today announced that it has earned a spot on the 2011 InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology.
Alcoa was recognized for innovative use of IT business analytics that helped the company achieve cost reductions during the economic downturn in 2009, and for designing a new suite of mobile equipment for executive management that resulted in productivity increases with very little incremental cost over standard mobile configurations.
The IT business analytics enabled the company’s procurement organization to quickly identify spend reductions, and consolidation and optimization opportunities supporting Alcoa’s cost reduction objectives. The group also developed an inventory management solution that drove significant reductions in days-on-hand for inventory across several businesses.
In addition, Alcoa’s IT team developed predictive analytics capabilities used by the global credit organization to manage working capital. At the same time, it executed an “Executive Productivity Environment,” which includes a fully mobile tablet PC, with dramatic increases in speed, connectivity, video conferencing, IP phone system linkage and security.
“During one of the most difficult economic times Alcoa has endured, the Global IT organization was able to work to reduce an already benchmark cost structure by 30 percent and at the same time deliver much needed innovation to enable the business to manage cash through the downturn,” said Nancy Wolk, Alcoa Chief Information Officer.
“For 23 years, the InformationWeek 500 has chronicled and honored the most innovative users of business technology,” said InformationWeek Editor In Chief Rob Preston. “In this day and age, however, being innovative isn’t enough. Companies and their IT organizations need to innovate faster than ever before to stay a step or two ahead of their customers, partners, and competitors. This year’s ranking placed special emphasis on those high-octane business technology innovators.”
InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual 500 listing and also tracks the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices of America’s best-known companies. The InformationWeek 500 rankings are unique among corporate rankings as it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders.
Additional details on the InformationWeek 500 can be found online at www.informationweek.com/iw500/.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.