Raldu Nel, Project and CAM director at Softline Enterprise, says project management is a vital element of the implementation methodology and is "key" to the overall success of any project.
As a result, Nel says Softline Enterprise has developed a project management tool kit, complementing the existing implementation methodology, which is aimed at facilitating the success of all its business partner implementations.
Ashley Ellington, managing director of Softline Enterprise, says that through its carefully selected business partner channel, the company has always had a very high success rate when implementing integrated business management solutions.
"The secret behind these successful implementations is the introduction of a qualified business partner that has adopted our proven implementation methodology. This methodology specifies a very strong project management focus and drive throughout any implementation."
This project management tool kit consists of key templates, which if used correctly, Nel says will ensure effective implementations and rapid return on investment.
In addition, he says Softline Enterprise believes project management must be introduced during the pre-sales process. "Once the sale reaches the implementation phase, the pre-sales project management involvement allows Softline Enterprise the opportunity to build further trust through detailed planning and continuity by using the same project manager to manage and deliver the actual implementation with our business partner channel."
Nel says the application of the same implementation methodology in key corporate customer account management, especially CAM Projects, has also proven to be very successful to many of Softline Enterprise's clients over the years.
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines project management as: The "application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities, meeting the required objectives". Softline Enterprise believes project management is a specialised discipline, consisting of a mix of essential components, which, if all applied effectively and consistently, will normally deliver the result of a "successful project".
Nel says successful project management to Softline Enterprise means (within reason and professional responsibility guidelines), doing whatever it takes to ensure the promised and successful delivery of the solution, to the required quality level, on time and within budget. "Thanks to our methodology, this is one of Softline Enterprise's key differentiators in the marketplace today."
He says Softline Enterprise and its business partners situated throughout sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and New Zealand, share a core philosophy of establishing long-term partnerships with clients. This philosophy is reinforced through Softline Enterprise's structured approach to the implementation of projects.
"It ensures total client commitment and involvement throughout the implementation. In addition, the methodology recommends the use of a project manager to work in conjunction with either an internal client project manager or key personnel for the duration of the project," says Nel.
Ellington says another element of its success is the company's investment in professional project management training, specifically obtaining PMI (Project Management Professional) Accreditation.
"Softline Enterprise has also recently investigated several Six Sigma Methodologies, ensuring that its implementation approach leverages the latest industry standards and follows project management best practise as far as possible."
Project management is never an overhead to an organisation; it is guaranteed to pay for itself.
For more information, contact Softline Enterprise on (011) 292 2900 or visit www.softlineenterprise.co.za.
Share
Softline Enterprise is a leading supplier of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, delivering performance and Web capability that is essential for success in today's competitive business environment. Addressing finance, construction, distribution, manufacturing, services and e-business requirements, the product offering also supports and consolidates activity across expanding business needs. Available on a wide range of operating systems and compatible with a host of industry leading databases, it gives mid-range and larger organisations the reliability and scalability required to keep ahead of competitors.
Softline Enterprise products are supported through a network of accredited partners which bring together the individual product and service components to deliver a complete and tailored solution.
Softline Enterprise products include:
Sage Line 500 - offering all the advantages of a traditional ERP solution, Sage Line 500 provides tight financial control with full visibility of costs and powerful reporting tools. In addition, it includes an evaluation of market trends to assist customers to make informed strategic decisions. The product also manages cash flow through close budget control and efficient purchase requisitioning and supports international business with multi-language, multi-currency, multi-company features. It includes vertical solutions such as manufacturing, construction and retail.
SalesLogix - an affordable, fully scaleable and powerful CRM solution that is easily customised for medium-sized and divisions of large corporate businesses. SalesLogix is designed to integrate seamlessly with other business software and back office applications, providing customers with a holistic view of each customer.
For more information, please visit www.softlineenterprise.co.za.
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 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 provides 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 is a leading supplier of accounting and business management software solutions and related services for small, medium and large enterprises. It comprises market-leading businesses throughout Europe, United Kingdom, North America, South Africa and Australia. The Sage group plc has over five million small and mid-sized customers in 17 countries and 10 500 staff.
Editorial contacts