Transco creates new computer system to simplify its business

Tight margins and short, complex contracting cycles are now the norm in the restructured pipe line business. Re-engineering itself to adapt to structural changes in the natural gas industry, Transco Gas Marketing Co. (TGM) has implemented a client-server computer system that is faster, more intuitive and provides more detailed information on a timely basis than previous systems. Needing to do more profit-center-focused work with fewer people, the company designed a 14-module application that is employed by every department. The application includes modules for: Natural gas physical trading, purchase, sales and transportation contracts; Volume tracking; Volume accounting; Transportation expense processing; Revenue billing; Purchase payments; Security management; and Executive information reporting. These features -- plus standard GUI functions such as drop-down-list-boxes, radio buttons, command buttons, button bar, window menus and drag-and-drop -- give the natural gas marketing system an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface.