The AST Group has successfully implemented SAP R/3 as a means to support its own business objectives and realise its full potential. The implementation was successfully managed and supported by AST`s own ERP division, AST ERP Solutions. The SAP R/3 implementation at AST is the first services implementation undertaken by AST ERP Solutions.
"The AST Group has continued to grow, both organically and through acquisitions, over the past two years," explains Jan van Zyl, CEO of the AST Group. "This rapid growth is reflected in ongoing structural changes and in the evolution of our management practices.
"Our commitment to world-class standards and practices dictates continuous improvements to our processes and skills, as well as to our systems," continues van Zyl. "The implementation will assist us in unlocking the value of this growth for our stakeholders and in sustaining our rate of growth into the future."
"SAP R/3 will provide an integrated system that co-ordinates business activity and supports the flow of information across processes in the entire organisation," says Pieter Boshoff, MD of AST ERP Solutions. "With SAP R/3, the AST Group has the ability to generate useful, quality, in-time decision-making information."
The business units within the AST Group are able to control their environment in a decentralised manner, but within a centralised Information Technology solution.
SAP will contribute towards increased business productivity, greater transparency in, and the simplification of the flow of, business information. This will allow rapid and effortless sharing of information and will improve the reliability and consistency of business information.
"Well-informed business decisions that can be taken without delay provide the edge in business today," concludes Van Zyl.
AST ERP Solutions is already a SAP implementation partner and a centre of excellence in ERP integration. It has one of the largest and most effective professional ERP teams in Southern Africa, providing the total spectrum of ERP consulting services, including planning, implementation, operation and ongoing physical support of the system.
A unique Service and Support Centre model and infrastructure enable AST ERP Solutions to successfully support any SAP R/3 site in Southern Africa. Its clients include Sasol, Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, Iscor and South Africa Post Office.
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In just three years the AST Group has established itself as one of the leading information and communication technology companies on the JSE Securities Exchange.
Its consistent creation of value for shareholders, clients and employees has resulted in a steady increase in monthly revenue to the R100 million-plus mark.
AST is now the fourth largest South African IT company by market capitalisation, and is one of the top three in terms of physical infrastructure (mainframes, servers, desktops, and networks under management) and geographical footprint with over 62 physical locations.
Counting almost 90% of the top 100 JSE-listed companies among its clients, the AST Group services mostly large corporate and government clients, but is increasingly offering services to rapidly evolving small and medium enterprises.
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