Companies around the world are discovering that integrating islands of information releases substantial value. Nowhere does this value have more impact than in the hospitality industry, where timeous, accurate information can be make the difference between a delighted guest, or an irate customer.
Addressing this requirement, Scala Business Solutions, represented in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands by Scala Africa, has designed and developed a purpose-built ERP solution specifically for the hospitality industry.
Shamik Sinha, CEO of Scala Africa, explains that Scala Hospitality provides integrated management information solutions (IMIS) developed to meet the unique needs of this industry.
"Typically, hotel chains have operations that are located around the globe. The challenges of this situation demand an e-business solution that can integrate disparate information sources into a centralised location, allowing for accurate and efficient records to be maintained," says Sinha.
Traditionally, various islands of automation, made up of sundry software programs that can't communicate with each other, have typified such environments. "Scala's integrated, collaborative technology improves three critical areas of financial operations for hoteliers: management efficiency, resource allocation and bottom line performance," explains Sinha.
This is achieved through the installation and integration of back-office systems. "IMIS replaces manual data entry, duplicated processes and delayed reporting. It ushers in fluid financial planning, data exchanging and information reporting, resulting in improved efficiency through simplifying and accelerating record entry, reconciliation and account maintenance."
Within the revenue cycle, Scala Hospitality's IMIS provides users with a multi-functional accounting system. The General Ledger offers flexible account structures, drill-down and reporting tools that clarify and enhance results, while Accounts Receivable converts receivables into usable capital quickly and provides controls to assist with reducing the number of debtor days.
The Scala Hospitality Systems Interface automates data transfers from the Property Management System (PMS) and Point of Sales (POS) to the back-office accounting systems, removing the need for manual re-keying of data.
"IMIS is a fully-integrated solution for financial management, inventory management, reporting and budgeting," he says. Scala Hospitality features interfaces with all major property management and point-of-sale systems, while the Raptor-e business intelligence tool, supplied with Scala Hospitality, is specifically designed for the hotel and lodging segment.
"Raptor-e gives Scala Hospitality customers the ability to gain instant access to information from anywhere via the Internet to instantly access key financial data on their homepage and track key operating indicators. The tool allows for the generation of custom reports, and assists in developing and implementing long- and short-term financial planning strategies," he explains.
The value that Scala Hospitality brings to the hotelier industry is unsurpassed, states Sinha. "Installed in over 300 locations in 46 countries around the world, our customers include internationally recognised leading hotel groups such as Starwood, Marriott, Sheraton, Hyatt, Nikko, Four Seasons and Independent Hotel," he concludes.
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Scala Business Solutions creates collaborative ERP software - integrating Internet technology and traditional ERP functionality - to make global business simple. With Scala, global companies can fully integrate all their ERP systems anywhere in the world, whether in a subsidiary, division or headquarters, and extending to their partners and suppliers. Scala's collaborative ERP software makes it possible for global companies to meet the requirements for advanced e-business as well as use a standard ERP product for managing traditional business processes. This enables them to gain measurable benefits from trading electronically, building a private exchange or global portal, or optimising the supply chain.
From offices in Europe, North America and the Far East, and through its network of partners and dealers, Scala delivers software and services that are available in over 30 languages in more than 140 countries.
Scala is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: SCALA). 2001 revenue was $70.6 million.
Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.net for press information including press releases, information for investors, and company and product information.
Scala Africa
Scala Business Solutions is represented in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands by Scala Africa, which provides sales, consulting and implementation skills to a customer base of 70 companies in SA and a further 300 in the rest of Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
Headquartered in Johannesburg and with offices in countries including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Scala Africa (Pty) Ltd is a truly pan-African concern that offers integrated, collaborative ERP solutions to businesses across the continent.
Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.co.za for press information including press releases, information and product information.
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