Softline Accpac finds itself in a unique situation in the marketplace. Clients are demanding the product, yet there are not enough consultants to meet this demand.
This has forced the company to come up with an innovative solution - one that addresses the current need and makes provision for future growth.
Jacqui Scorgie, channel manager of Softline Accpac, explains: "We found ourselves faced with an exciting opportunity not only to develop our own training programme, but also create a pool of professional consultants - specifically tailored to meet our clients' exact needs."
No cost
Working closely with its resellers, Softline Accpac has developed a structure whereby Softline Accpac will advertise the training programme and find suitable 'recruits'. The recruits will then go through a similar selection process with the resellers and, upon their approval, embark on the three-week course - fully sponsored by the reseller.
No risk
Softline Accpac sells serious Accpac software - and thus has a similarly serious training programme. So serious, in fact, that it has gone directly to source when it comes to covering some modules. The extensive Excel training will be provided by none other than Alchemex, with Sequel and Cashbook being similarly covered by Dynamix and Peresoft respectively.
As if that wasn't enough, the programme has been developed to be as comprehensive as possible, covering not only all technical, set-up and support requirements, but elements such as report writing too. It thus provides the perfect risk-free channel to skill up these hand-picked future consultants.
No problem
As for finding suitable recruits, Softline Accpac is confident that its two-pronged approach will ensure that it finds the right people for what promises to be the right job.
Advertising will target junior accountants and clerks already in the job market looking for new challenges - offering them a new career opportunity. It will also specifically look at recruiting graduates at the end of the year, inviting them to join the expanding world of Softline Accpac.
The company has gone on to make the application process as hassle-free as possible, with candidates able to apply online - either directly via the Web site or using the pop-up adverts, which appear on various recruitment sites.
Softline Accpac's first training programme starts on 9 July. It promises not only to make the software that much more accessible to its end users, but start a host of professional consultants on new and exciting careers.
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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 eTransact, Accpac Warehouse Management System, Accpac ePOS, Accpac Insight and Simply Accounting.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions to small, medium and large sized 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 SA and Australia.
Focused on the development of accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions, Softline has a 17-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, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the UK, Europe, North America, SA and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized 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, 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, the UK, North America, SA 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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