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Cape appointment expands IFS`s South African footprint

Enterprise software solutions supplier, IFS South Africa, has expanded its southern African footprint with the appointment of PMI as its Cape representative.

PMI, a Cape Town-based ERP solutions consultancy and implementation, software integration and project management specialist, is now responsible for driving Cape-based sales of IFS Applications into the mid to large manufacturing and commercial sectors.

"We see tremendous potential for IFS in this region especially for its vertical solutions such as the retail, manufacturing, shipbuilding, process and oil sectors. Globally IFS is enjoying considerable success in these fields," says Kelvin Shuttleworth, managing director and co-founder of PMI.

IFS South Africa, headquartered in Centurion, is part of the R60 million IFS Group in Africa. IFS`s client base includes telecommunication companies across Africa such as MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria, Starcomms and MTC Namibia. Other clients include PBMR, Roshcon, part of Eskom Enterprises, Munters and Kongskilde, while global defence markets supported out of SA include SAAF, Denel, Fiat Avio, European Air Forces and British Defence Logistics. The SA company is also the global research and development resource for IFS`s Retail Solution for Telecomms.

"PMI is an invaluable addition to our sales efforts in the region and I believe they have the skills and resources to help Cape companies move incrementally into ERP with a strong focus on rapid investment returns," says Paul Whalley, managing director of IFS South Africa.

Shuttleworth has been involved in the IT industry for more than 25 years, initially involved in software and architecture development before moving into the ERP sector, where he has had extensive experience in the implementation of SAP, Baan and Oracle systems.

"While essentially PMI is a project services company, we took the decision to get more involved in sales and believe the IFS is superbly positioned and the right solutions package for the Cape market," he adds.

"IFS has the right product at the right price to deliver the value that the market is looking for currently. I see it very much as delivering a real value proposition in terms of implementation, integration and functionality."

All of PMI`s project managers have at least 25 years experience in the field and in addition to a wide pool of local expertise on which to call, the company can also use the skills of its UK-based sister company, PMI UK. In addition to ERP skills, its strengths include CRM, supply chain and HR and payroll.

"While IFS Applications is a component-based, integrated enterprise suite, one of the system`s strengths, which we will be hoping to bring to the Cape market, is the ability to easily integrate its `best-of-breed` components with other enterprise suites.

"For example, it is very strong in asset management, maintenance, discrete or process manufacturing, plant design and project commercials management - point solutions that can be used with other ERP systems whose solutions in these fields might not be as highly developed and proven," he says.

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IFS and IFS Applications

IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises and organisations. IFS Applications, which can be implemented step by step, is based on Web and portal technology. The solution offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, service provision, financials, product development, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS offers customers an easier, more open alternative.

IFS interests in sub-Saharan Africa are represented by the IFS Group in SA. With revenues in excess of R60 million and a staff complement of 90, the group is one of the largest application vendors operating in the region.

A leading global business applications supplier, IFS has 3 000 employees, with sales in 45 countries, and more than 350 000 users worldwide. The company is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange (XSSE: IFS).

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