When Softline VIP launched its first online payroll system, Liquid, it never dreamed the uptake of the product would be so astonishing.
“One year later, we have 900 clients that have signed up to Liquid, servicing around 8 200 employees. Liquid is experiencing tremendous growth for a young system and serves as a good example of the increasing shift in the industry towards an online mindset,” says Karen Schmikl, Legislation and Liquid Product Manager at Softline VIP, part of the Sage Group.
At the heart of Liquid's design was the development of an online payroll system that is user-friendly. “We wanted to make sure that the user did not need a trainer or a consultant, negating the need for human intervention to a large extent. The fact that a score of clients signed up - online - without even contacting Softline VIP, speaks volumes for the product,” says Schmikl.
Online offerings will be playing an increasingly larger role in all markets across the board, says Schmikl. “The cloud is, however, far from replacing desktop applications and greatly complements any desktop offering at present. The demand is certainly there, with clients increasingly showing interest in the use of desktop solutions in the cloud. A solution that provides more accessibility and something that is not bound to a desk that can be used from anywhere fits the description of what the market wants. New technology, such as the launch of HTML5, will further enhance this thinking by making online offerings platform-friendly, further mobilising the market to use any device, anywhere,” explains Schmikl.
The beauty of using an online solution is that you don't need to be a technical IT guru to use the programme; you simply log on, says Schmikl. “You actually need to be more tech savvy to load a software programme on your desktop machine or laptop. Some of our users find themselves in rural areas, and having access to a consultant or IT support is challenging, whereas an online offering eliminates the need. Connectivity does, however, remain a concern with many outlying areas only having access to 3G, if at all. Despite the fact, many still prefer an online solution, as it makes financial sense.”
If you had to look at an online offering purely from a software perspective, you would, however, be forgiven for thinking that it is the more expensive option. But when you consider the bigger picture, it may not necessarily be the case.
“Users do not have to worry about anti-virus programs, upgrading hardware, loading software, the running of a data centre or making backups. It is part and parcel of an online offering in addition to a telephonic support centre for added peace of mind. It just makes financial sense, making it the ideal vehicle for SMEs that do not have the initial cash flow to afford the software infrastructure needed,” explains Schmikl.
A year ago, very little people knew about online payroll systems. “The enormous growth that we have experienced with our online payroll solution clearly indicates that the market is considering different ways of doing their business. The demand for online solutions will continue to accelerate, slowly but surely closing the education gap and the fear of the unknown,” concludes Schmikl.
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Softline VIP
Softline VIP is a leading supplier of payroll and human resource management solutions in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Coupled with an extensive service offering, Softline VIP is the only payroll and HR solution geared to meet the challenges of the modern payroll office. The VIP products are synonymous with ease-of-use, stability and reliability, with the flexibility to cater to the unique needs of every client. VIP promises long-term sustainability over and above legislative compliance. VIP understands the human resources and payroll environment and offers the client peace of mind by providing a total solution.
Softline VIP achieved an overall fourth place in the top 10 for medium-sized businesses in the Deloitte Best Company to Work for Survey 2009 and second place in the industry category “business and professional services”. Softline VIP also emerged as one of 48 participants out of an overall 98 to score above the standard of excellence threshold of more than 75%.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium-sized 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, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-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 Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium-sized and large business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.
The Sage Group
The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 6.3 million customers and 13 400 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.
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