2006 in review
with CEO, Petter AalvikPublished: 04.05.07
> På norsk
Omega's annual accounts are in, and I would like to take this opportunity to sum up the events and developments that shaped Omega in 2006. I am pleased to see that the work we have all done has achieved such great results, as evidenced by our satisfied clients and impressive growth.
In 2006, our team welcomed 126 new colleagues, with the team total rising from 274 to 400. As of today, Omega comprises of a team of 421.
Working environment
During 2006, there were no workplace accidents in Omega and the trend towards reduced sick leave continued. The total sick leave for 2006 was 1.7 percent.
Appropriate organisational arrangements and our successful collaboration with NAV (the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organisation) provided results such as;
- Individuals on long term sick leave returning to full-time work
- Individuals receiving disability benefits returning to employment in meaningful positions in Omega.
We have developed a new e-learning course regarding HSE Fundamentals. Omega's Management Team has already completed this course, and we would like all employees to do the same via our new E-learning Portal.
During 2006, Omega also expanded its range of holiday accommodation in the Norwegian mountains and various Mediterranean countries, in order to allow our team accessible escapes from working life.
The market
As a result of your valued contributions towards our clients, Omega experienced an increase in requests for our products and services during 2006.
Some of our key achievements in 2006 included:
New frame agreement with Statoil regarding project control services
- New frame agreement between Omega's Systems Department and Hydro regarding Pims
- Contract with Aloca regarding systems services in Brazil
- Breakthrough for Omega's systems solutions in projects (in Norway and internationally) for Aker Kværner, Vetco Aibel and BP
- Large system delivery to a new and important client in Houston, Texas: Devon Energy (largest independent oil company in USA)
- Omega Middle East established: Personnel in Iran, Qatar and Dubai (five employees)
- Commenced delivery of system services in Perth, Australia (three employees) to INPEX (the Japanese State's oil company)
- Subsidiary company, Omega PS Singapore, established (two employees)
- Subsidiary company Omega PS Canada established (six employees) in Calgary
- Omega PS (Houston) has grown to 16 employees, and in addition, Omega PS has put in a lot of effort in order to serve ConocoPhillips globally
- Market research in Russia in co-operation with neighbouring companies in Ølen.
Product priorities and pilot projects
Increased growth provides Omega with more capacity to develop new and improved systems solutions for our clients, which in turn strengthens Omega's position as a supplier of system and consulting services.In 2006 developments included:
Team Documents
Omega has developed the product Team Documents, launched in 2006. Several years of internal development has resulted in a unique document-based web solution for teams in need of an effective tool for information, discussion, project management and documentation.
Appframe.NET 2.0; Framework/Templates
In connection with our implementation of our database-based systems for clients, we have identified a need for a more standardised, developer-friendly framework for the development of user-friendly web solutions. In 2006, Omega therefore developed the framework Appframe.NET 2.0.
Pims 2
Omega's main product, Pims (Project Information Management Systems), has over the last few years been utilised by many large clients and tailored to various clients' needs. In 2006, Omega began a new project, Pims2, whereby we aim to develop a new version of Pims that can be run more effectively via a web browser/ internet.Based on the experience we have gained through Pims1, we will create a "generic" Pims2 application containing the best features of previous products, in a form that can be effectively distributed over the Internet.
Advantage+ programme
In keeping with Omega's dedication to personal service, Omega's Advantage+ programme was launched in 2006. The programme was established based on requests for a more even distribution of benefits to all employees.
The Advantage+ programme consists of a web solution for promoting a range of Advantage+ Offers to our employees and a system for booking accommodation.
The offers range from our cabins at Hovden, Geilo and Vågslid, to apartments on Gran Canaria, The French Riviera, and Marbella, as well as Omega's Clipper 31 boat, and teambuildings to Barcelona, Stockholm, and the New York Marathon.
Every employee has his or her own personal My Omega Advantage+ application. On My Omega Advantage+ you can access an online, real-time overview of various Advantage+ Offers, suggest new offers, and view a summary of your personal account.
Furthermore, a system for acquiring Advantage+ points by completing Advantage+ Activities has been implemented.
Pilot projects
|
Product launches 2006 |
Pilot project |
Comment |
|
Team Documents |
Kep 2010 |
Collaborative solution for organisations with personnel working at different work sites. |
|
Appframe.NET 2.0 |
Devon Energy Inc. |
Improves System Developers' efficiency through standarised and systemised programming. |
|
Pims 2 |
Alcoa Brazil |
Generic "Project Information Management System" for web. |
|
Advantage+ programme |
Omega AS |
Complete package for sharing information and managing employee benefits. |
Results Omega's growth in 2006 was somewhat higher than expected with a total turnover of 389M NOK, an increase of 59 percent from 2005. Our profit after tax was 22M NOK, giving a result margin of 5.7 percent.
Special events and milestones
250 participants attended the Iceland teambuilding event.
- Established Omega Technology UAB in Lithuania. The IT Department of Klaipeida University elected Omega as Employer of the Year.
- Svein Gjedrem, Norwegian Central Bank Governor, mentioned Omega in his annual speech as an example of a Norwegian company exporting expertise.
- Omega ranked as no. 11 (and largest non-exchange-listed) company on Kapital's of Norway's largest software companies.
- Omega was one of Deloitte Technology's Fast 50 winners.
- Omega co-operated with Hatteland to offer clients ASP solutions.
- Omega dedicated itself to extending the main office at Ølensvåg, the result of which will be a doubling of office space.
- Introduced Panorama, Omega's online employee magazine.
The road ahead
The merger between Statoil and Hydro has changed the Norwegian market. Omega currently works closely with both companies and will prioritise the delivery of high-quality products and services to the merged company.
Based on an increasing demand, nationally and internationally, we will continue to strengthen Omega's position, both in Norway and in the countries where we are already established.
The board expects a positive market environment into the foreseeable future.