Macola Microsoft based software addresses ATNS` every accounting need

The implementation of Macola SA`s business management software has benefited the Air Traffic Navigation System Company (ATNS) since its inception in 1994, and is still a loyal contributor to ATNS`s business success.

ATNS provides "safe, orderly, expeditious and efficient air traffic navigation and associated services, meeting world class standards" (www.atns.co.za). They are responsible for the efficient running and maintenance of South Africa`s Air Traffic Control Systems, which includes the deployment of Air Traffic Controllers and Avionician technical staff and the provision of extensive air traffic information and related aeronautical support services. Apart from its training of Air Traffic Controllers, ATNS is also known for complementary services such as aeronautical consultancy, search and rescue, and on-the-job training. The company currently provides these services at 21 airports throughout Southern Africa.

After the privatisation of ATNS from the Department of Transport in 1994, no system was in use. Subsequently PriceWaterhouseCooper was asked to analyse available products that would suit their needs. Macola was recommended and implemented within six weeks.

Basie Viviers, Financial Accountant at ATNS, says they mainly use modules from Macola`s financial suite, i.e. the General Ledger, Accounts Receivable (A/R), Accounts Payable (A/P), Assets and Depreciation, and Project Management. The latter was written especially for ATNS. "Because Macola SA has the source code, they are able to add even more value by creating client-specific programs that slots in with the rest of the software and keeps up with a company`s growth. Macola adapts its products to suit the company`s needs"

Equally advantageous is the cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness of implementing Macola software. "The amount of service a company can benefit from, far outshines the initial costs, and these are far less than other systems", says Viviers, "one also need not appoint a specialist - all 18 users can use it without difficulty".

Viviers has worked with many accounting systems and says, "for service, future development and versatility, one can not go wrong with Macola. Their software enhances productivity as well as client service".

The Macola Financial Report Writer provides real-time access to Macola`s GL financial and budget data through industry standard spreadsheet applications. This is used for budgeting and full statistical and financial month-end reporting. Viviers says, "it offers everything in one, no duplication or additional processing is necessary. Reporting levels are, however efficient, elementary and not time-consuming".

The Asset module that comes standard with bar-coding facilities makes asset tracking nearly automatic. It provides a central location for comprehensive asset tracking and can even forecast the following year`s depreciation expenses.

ATNS`s future plans include providing all remote users with a fast and easy interface to their Macola application functionality. "Management decision making will be enhanced with the implementation of the Macola Enterprise Reporting System (ERS)", says Nick Leonard, Macola Sales Director. "ERS will satisfy the needs of the remote users and provide a powerful Client/Server, SQL-based real-time tool that combines reporting, query and advanced data mining technology with VBA extensibility. ERS has the ability to access multiple database engines simultaneously, leveraging legacy systems".

The speed of ERS over a WAN is over a 1000 times faster than conventional report writers. Ease of use also comes into play with ERS`s graphical report builder. A user can build and modify powerful VBA reporting code without specialised programming knowledge. A manager could, for instance, view multiple graphical representations of the business on one screen and see changes take place real-time. Leonard continues that "end-users are less dependent on developers for specific solutions. ERS also updates and the backlog of user demands is reduced. Macola is also Y2K compliant and we ensure that our clients are too".