Original Date: 02/26/2001
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

General Dynamics Armament Systems uses an On-Line Benefits Administration system that provides custom flexibility for its changing needs. The table-driven system greatly enhances the company’s ability to process benefits and integrate human resources with payroll.

As a result of mergers and acquisitions, General Dynamics Corporation inherited various administrative systems which were neither friendly nor efficient in processing benefit deductions, eligibilities, and payroll deductions consistent with corporate practices. Many of these systems had limited usage, hard-to-understand codes, and varying parameters for benefits processing. As a result, inconsistencies existed throughout the corporate divisions. General Dynamics Armament Systems (GDAS), likewise, was impaired by the lack of accuracy, speed, and flexibility inherent with these systems. To resolve the inconsistency, General Dynamics Corporation enlisted PeopleSoft, Inc. to design a streamlined system that simplified Benefits Administration corporate-wide. GDAS was selected as one of two beta sites for testing the On-Line Benefits Administration.

PeopleSoft provided the opportunity for the company to design a system with flexibility to process benefits in accordance with its policies; streamline and simplify benefits administration; define processing rules for automatic enrollment of employees; link eligibility and event rules to benefits programs; integrate human resources and benefits with payroll; and ensure security by restricting personnel access to specific panels. Implemented in 1997, the On- Line Benefits Administration is a table-driven system which ensures that information is current. Through the use of tables to validate data, the system helps eliminate data entry errors. The main server is located in Connecticut and is accessible via modem from a desktop PC. GDAS uses a series of company-specific tables to maintain, edit, and review its business needs. The On-Line Benefits Administration system is not dependent on GDAS’ programmers to modify the system. Once the tables are defined, the system is ready to process benefits in a simple, efficient, and accurate manner. Additional features for employees include a toll-free telephone number to field inquiries, a link to PeopleSoft’s web site, and access to on-line benefit forms via GDAS’ Intranet web site.

The On-Line Benefits Administration system offers convenient one-stop shopping, easy controllability, and a uniform system for human resources, benefits administration, and payroll. The automated system provides flexibility and real-time change capability to meet GDAS’ business needs.

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