Hitachi Consulting UK Delivers BenPal Benefits Data Management System; JLT broadens its service offering with a new online platform for managing DC pensions and employee benefits

London, UK, -- Hitachi Consulting UKtoday announced the delivery of BenPal, an enterprise class integrated pension and benefits management system for JLT Benefit Solutions Limited, the UKbenefits consultancy in JLT Group, the international Risk Specialists and Employee Benefits Consultants.

The BenPal system enables companies to develop an integrated online strategy for their employee benefits using a single database which is in use by JLT in the UK, and will be deployed across its network of international offices. Employers can use the platform to manage benefits data, draw down management information and control monthly payments to payroll and benefit providers. Employees can enroll online for pension and protection schemes, with access via mobile devices as well as by PC and laptop, and receive automated messages and alerts to stay in touch with their benefits.

The new enterprise class application supports four user communities with four unique dashboards and streamlined back-end processes:

1. End user employees - enrollment and management of company benefits, including pension fund valuations and projections

2. Employer administrators - maintenance of employee and benefit scheme data, reporting on employee take-up of benefits and costs, payroll report to calculate contributions

3. Benefit provider administrators - access to accurate data on risk and health schemes

4. JLT administrators - delivery of procurement and administration services

Hitachi Consulting conducted a requirements-gathering exercise, capturing a comprehensive understanding of JLT's immediate and long-term requirements. Hitachi Consulting scoped out a framework solution combining best-of-breed technologies, based on JLT's preference for a Microsoft technology stack.

Drawing on extensive web solution experience, Hitachi Consulting identified the potential risks within the project and prioritised them against the budget. Using predictable and preferred technologies, including a.NET application on a BizTalk platform and its proven delivery methodology, Hitachi Consulting was able to design, develop and successfully deploy a scalable platform.

Jennifer Yates, JLT's Head of EB Development, commented: "Hitachi Consulting's combined model of onshore and offshore consultants significantly broadens the scope of what they can achieve for their clients. They have robust processes and communication structures in place to ensure effective delivery and, as a result, were able to control the budget and ramp up resources to ensure our aggressive deadlines were met."

On completion of the first phase of the project, Hitachi Consulting was awarded a three-year contract to host, support and maintain the environment and applications.

Jennifer Yates adds: "We conducted robust due diligence on Hitachi Consulting's Managed Services Practice and took up several references. We were very impressed with the results and, when combined with the exceptional service we'd received throughout the development project, appointing them as our Managed Service supplier was an obvious choice."

About JLT Group plc

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc (JLT) is an international group of Risk Specialists and Employee Benefits Consultants and one of the largest companies of its type in the world. JLT offers a distinctive choice to clients and partners through our combination of independence, scale and specialism. Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and employs 6000 people worldwide and through JLT NetworkTM provides services in more than 120 countries.

About HitachiConsulting Corporation

As Hitachi, Ltd.'s (NYSE: HIT) global consulting company, with operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, Hitachi Consulting is a recognized leader in delivering proven business and IT strategies and solutions to Global 2000 companies across many industries. With a balanced view of strategy, people, process and technology, we work with companies to understand their unique business needs, and to develop and implement practical business strategies and technology solutions. From business strategy development through application deployment, our consultants are committed to helping clients quickly realize measurable business value and achieve sustainable ROI. Hitachi Consulting's client base includes 25 percent of the Global 100 as well as many leading mid-market companies. We offer a client-focused, collaborative approach and transfer knowledge throughout each engagement.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501) is a leading global technological and industrial company with total revenues of JPY10,000 billion ($102.0 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2009. Hitachi's business is highly diversified, encompassing operations in the following seven segments: Information & Telecommunication Systems; Electronic Devices; Power & Industrial Systems; Digital Media & Consumer Products; High Functional Materials & Components; Logistics, Services & Others; and Financial Services.

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