Microsoft`s unique software solution for Uniqema South Africa

In South Africa, the Regional Sales Office of Uniqema recently applied Access Accounts Dimensions, an accounting and stock distribution solution based on Microsoft technology. Purchased and implemented through ASYST International, the accounting software allows this Uniqema sales office to effectively control and disseminate its internal information.

Uniqema, a member of the ICI group, is a global business designed for a new era in specialty chemicals, manufacturing over 10 000 products, around 750 000 tonnes, per year. The Regional Sales office in South Africa is responsible for sales and marketing throughout the Southern African Territory and Indian Ocean Islands, making its software systems a mission critical business tool. The solution required the redesigning of the Sales office`s accounting, multi-currency order conversion and stock distribution needs, which had to be implemented on a tight timescale with the minimum disruption of business.

"We sought a flexible and cost-effective solution that could be implemented quickly and with minimum fuss. We chose to deploy a Microsoft-based accounting solution as it offered the best return on investment for the needs of our medium-sized company", says Renier Basson, Uniqema financial manager in South Africa. "In addition, the quick deployment ensured that minimal delay time was experienced as any delay or downtime experienced would have resulted in a severe knock-on effect to our customers."

"MicrosoftSQL Server 7.0 was chosen as the database to drive the solution as it allows for quick implementation and flexibility of deployment," says Paul Marketos, managing director of ASYST International. "The data created within the system is directly accessible through other applications, making it possible to customise the solution for Uniqema South Africa`s requirements without having to alter the source code of the company`s chosen accounts system, Access Accounts Dimensions."

"Uniqema South Africa distributes a significant volume of the groups wide range of products to well over 300 customers while running off a comparatively small staff base. By implementing Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, the benefit is a lower total cost of ownership in the future as Access Accounts software is scalable enough to grow with Uniqema`s business needs. By opting to go for a Microsoft-based solution, it was able to achieve a fully operational system within three months that fits its business requirements at an affordable price," says Jacqui Gogele, partner development manager at Microsoft South Africa.

Products used in the solution:

• Microsoft Windows NT 4

• Microsoft SQL Server 7.0

• Microsoft Access 97