AST Business Services has launched a new business unit, Astute HR, which will provide integrated service offerings designed to manage clients` entire human resource departments through leading technology, consulting and industry focuses.
Astute HR has already positioned itself as prime mover in the HR technology and business process outsourcing market, having concluded the first ever total HR outsourcing contract in SA with Columbus Stainless.
Astute takes end-to-end responsibility for all HR functions, including the HR information systems, payroll, employee benefits, staffing and training, as well as the management of all related site services.
"Our strategy is to help chief executives enhance human capital productivity, reduce costs, streamline, processes, and provide superior HR services to their employees," explains Jacques de Klerk, MD of AST Business Services. To achieve this, we use our expertise in outsourcing and third-party provider management with the deployment of Web-enabled applications."
Astute HR makes its clients more competitive by redesigning the HR Management function to be results-driven, rather than administration-driven. Their diagnostic tools and methodologies allow them to understand all aspects of the client`s total HR environment, from HR business strategy and technology to processes, people and service providers.
"Our offering is flexible and the scope of service is designed with the client`s business drivers and strategies in mind, and ranges from complete HR business process outsourcing to selected HR services," adds De Klerk.
Astute HR also makes use of shared client service centres (payrolls, call-and-command centres, training facilities) to create economy-of-scale benefits. This is backed-up with HR process expertise and HR consulting expertise.
Astute HR has already developed a reputation for service excellence and practical solutions. "We are the preferred occupational hygiene service providers for Columbus Stainless, Highveld Steel and Samancor Chrome, and we are expanding our services to the coal and platinum sectors," states De Klerk. "Our training centre has established an alliance with Siemens to do PLC training, and we provide engineering training and assessments for companies in the steel, chrome, paper, food and aluminium sectors."
The most notable success is in Mozambique, where it is busy training 80 apprentices for BHP Billiton`s Mozal II expansion in Maputo. The Maputo engineering training centres is rapidly expanding, with 200 more candidate apprentices ready to be signed up for the next three years in Mozambique.
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AST`s intellectual capacity, as well as the business model and strong customer base, forms the basis for the integrated services solutions business.
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