AST to strengthen its document management solution

In order to strengthen its foothold and consolidate its offerings in the Workflow and Document Management Solutions (DMS) arena, the AST Group has formed a division which is focused on becoming the leading provider of electronic archiving, document management and workflow solutions in Southern Africa.

AST Workflow & EDMS Solutions was formed from AST Process Solutions and Oculus Computer Systems. The new division will provide clients nationally and internationally with a complete document management and workflow solution. The division already has 50% to 60% of the current workflow and document management market in Southern Africa.

Both companies have extensive expertise in integrated imaging, document and workflow solutions. "Traditionally, AST`s strength lies in the workflow and imaging fields, while Oculus is strong in archiving and workflow," says Hedley Hurwitz, MD of AST Workflow & EDMS solutions. "Our combined strengths and installed base makes us the largest provider of Workflow & EDMS Solutions in Southern Africa.

With 27 support centres countrywide, AST has the requisite critical mass, depth of expertise and international best practices to provide rapid support, and to provide its clients with a competitive advantage.

"Oculus` access to the financial, transport and medical markets will broaden AST`s market reach," adds Hurwitz. "Clients are already feeling the benefits of the synergy, which has resulted in improved customer service and SLA agreements."

By means of its project management and systems integration competencies, AST Workflow & EDMS Solutions mobilises the latest technologies to manage workflow and documentation throughout the client organisation.

Oculus, as a leading developer and supplier of DMS products, has achieved international recognition for delivering tailored solutions that can provide benefit to a wide range of industries in which information needs to be managed.