Anglo American Platinum Corporation Limited ("Anglo Platinum"), the largest producer of platinum in the world has again partnered with Business Edge Systems (BES) - this time to replace a legacy mainframe system with an NT-based system integrated with SAP. A number of options were considered for the Group Provident Fund System before redevelopment was chosen, based on financial and strategic grounds.
When Anglo Platinum decided to redevelop its Group Provident Fund administration system to operate on the Microsoft NT platform, it approached Business Edge Systems (BES), the original designers of its system for help. Brink Genis, Manager - Retirement Funds at Anglo Platinum says that the combination of BES` extensive knowledge of provident funds and outstanding technical expertise meant that it was a logical choice for the redevelopment project.
"Although we are very happy with the current system, the migration off the mainframe of all our other systems meant our processing costs would become prohibitive."
BES developed the existing mainframe-based system initially after a business needs analysis for the Group Provident Fund in 1993. The project - to combine a number of disparate systems - was successfully completed and went live in January 1994.
Hennie Pretorius, project manager for the previous development and now director responsible for BES` e-business practice, says his company is developing the new system using a component-based architecture. "The reason for this is that it allows us to satisfy a need expressed by our client; that of increased flexibility and responsiveness."
BES has designed a system that is adaptable enough to cater for any changes that may be required in the foreseeable future.
In redeveloping the Group Provident Fund administration system, BES has taken over all support of the existing system in preparation of the migration later this year. The intention is that BES will continue to provide ongoing system support.
The system is currently undergoing user testing and implementation is planned for December this year.
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