The latest version of its flagship business management system (BMS), business intelligence applications and a revamped CRM offering - these are just some of the focus areas for Sage Enterprise Solutions at this year's Futurex exhibition.
The company is the pan-African enterprise software arm of the UK FTSE-listed Sage Group. It adopts an indirect business model across the continent and, as such, will be joined by its principal systems integration and value-added reseller partners at the exhibition.
Visitors will therefore have access to a host of business and technical consulting knowledge and skill.
"One of the most important items on the agenda is to showcase the release of Sage Line 500 v5.5 - the upgrades, the new modules and the additional functionality. It's also a chance for us to demonstrate the power of our partner network," explains Ashley Ellington, the divisional director for Africa at Sage Enterprise Solutions.
A core component of the new BMS is the business intelligence functionality. A specific application that integrates with the Line 500 framework has been developed. It is of particular importance because, for the first time, Line 500 users will have direct access to integrated OLAP (online analytical processing) functionality.
Accessed via a Microsoft Excel client or a browser, the BI application allows users to extract, transform and manipulate data from the Sage database - other databases are also supported. It's also possible to drill down to transactional data.
In addition, a customised development tool is provided, allowing users to build their own data cubes - types of multidimensional matrices that let users explore and analyse data from many different perspectives. Pre-built cubes and templates are included.
Another component is what Sage terms the 'paperless' module - an application that allows users to design and print system-originated invoices and statements on plain paper, eliminating the need for costly pre-printed stationery. It also enables users to e-mail and fax Sage documents, or save copies in PDF format.
The Sage CRM solutions have also been brought back into the African portfolio recently. Previously marketed under the 'SalesLogix' brand, the solution set automates and integrates the sales, marketing and customer support functions within a company; it also aligns and integrates with the accounting and business management applications (especially tight when those applications are Sage Line 500 modules).
"We had success at Futurex's predecessor exhibition - a great deal of interest was generated and a number of concrete business opportunities resulted. We're looking forward to this year being as good for Sage and its partners," adds Ellington.
For more information on Sage Enterprise Solutions in Africa, visit www.sageafrica.com.
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