When it comes to business software, the acronyms never end - ERP, CRM, RMS, WMS, BPM - and that`s before you get to the actual business ones themselves. With vendors aggressively punting solutions that address everything from spreadsheets to warehouse management, Jeremy Waterman, MD: Softline ACCPAC, explains that "vanilla" packages are no longer the answer to the real challenges facing business - hence all the acronyms.
"When you look at the diversity of business solutions currently available, it would appear that business applications have become unnecessarily complicated and that the mid-market IT industry has gone mad.
"The reality of the situation is the complete opposite however. Vendors like Softline ACCPAC have rather realised that all companies - no matter their size - want business applications that address their specific business needs.
"This means that generic accounting packages that treat all businesses the same and leave companies with the most difficult task of managing their customer interface are not `solutions` and can no longer be considered as such," says Waterman.
Although the back office accounting needs of all companies are quite similar - making it a waste of time and resource to recreate a new general ledger or suite of financial and distribution modules for every occasion - Waterman explains that it is the company`s customer interface or its specific processors that make it unique or at least classify it according to a narrower niche.
"It is here that companies may require a retail management suite (RMS) to meet their point of sale, supply chain management or even warehouse management requirements, or a service management suite (SMS) to meet their equipment and service contract requirements, or a customised front-end developed in CRM to manage their specific customer requirements. This list is endless - and we haven`t even started looking at their manufacturing requirements yet."
Waterman goes on to say this is why companies like theirs have become far more sophisticated in their broad ERP offerings, and now tailor these offerings through their vertical market add-on applications. "Midsize companies now have access to business solutions that previously used to be the domain of only those large companies that could afford these customised solutions. They`re now available `out the box` and they`re affordable."
For the resellers, however, Waterman says this development is a double-edged sword. "The ERP market is booming with companies demanding a line of business application that can help them manage their businesses, cut costs and give them a true competitive advantage. The downside for resellers is thus that they can no longer rely on a set of generic skills to implement `vanilla` accounting solutions. To offer true value now, resellers wishing to compete in the ERP space must personally have an understanding of the specific vertical that they wish to service - be that retail, service, manufacturing, mining, warehousing or healthcare as examples."
With business software evolving at such a rapid pace, companies looking to invest are thus advised to turn to experts such as Softline ACCPAC. In this way they`ll ensure that when it comes to solutions menu, they`re offered more than just vanilla.
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Softline ACCPAC is a global provider of business management applications including accounting, CRM, warehouse management and HR to the mid-range market. Its solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through its network of over 5 500 solution providers worldwide and 130 throughout Africa. Softline ACCPAC`s product line includes: Accpac CRM, ACCPAC ERP, Accpac Business Analysis Suite, ACCPAC Warehouse Management System, Accpac RMS and ACCPAC Insight.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions to small, medium and large companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia.
Focused on the development of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions, Softline has a 16-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline`s leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP.
The combination of the group`s product offerings, provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions.
In November 2003, Softline was acquired by Sage Group plc, an established FTSE 100 company. The group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large business community.
Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
Sage
The Sage Group plc, an established FTSE 100 company, is a leading supplier of accounting and business management software solutions and services to 5.2 million small and medium sized clients worldwide. With over 13 000 employees, the Sage Group comprises market-leading businesses throughout Europe, United Kingdom, North America, South Africa and Australia. Its products and services are sold through a global network of 23 000 reseller partners, 40 000 accountants as well as directly to clients from Sage companies throughout the world. For the financial year ending 30 September 2006, the group`s revenue grew by 22% to lb935.6 million and the operating profit rose by 18% to lb235.8 million.
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