Leading supplier of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, Softline Enterprise, has launched an initiative aimed at driving integration of its flagship products, Sage Line 500 and SalesLogix. Ashley Ellington, managing director, Softline Enterprise, says the increasing demand for integration has spearheaded the company's new strategy.
"In today's tough competitive environment, customer service is more important than ever. If customers - whether consumers or other businesses - aren't satisfied with the levels of service they are receiving, they will vote with their feet. Providing accurate, up to date, timely information to your customers will help you to keep their loyalty. Integrating your back-office functions such as finance and distribution with your customer-facing CRM system will enable you to do just that," comments Ellington.
Ben Houghton, research and development director, Softline Enterprise, says the company has developed generic integration frameworks that will increase the fit of the Sage products with the customer's business processes. This development service is aimed at ensuring ERP products like Sage Line 500 become the central point of the financial back-end.
"It is all about seamless management of a company. From financial reporting to stock control, an integrated system enables a customer to better, and more accurately, manage the business," says Houghton.
Designed to integrate with other systems, Softline Enterprise believes that integration with line-of-business applications dramatically increases productivity of users. "To inquire on the transactions of a customer, a user should not need to switch and log into a second application. With real-time integration, users are able to view the latest information from either application. With this single point of entry, availability of integrated information, and ability to run business electronically, companies can lower their unit cost transactions and increase efficiency," stresses Houghton.
Ellington says he is taking his integration strategy a step further by forming strong alliances with third-party developers who have already generated impressive add-ons to Sage Line 500.
"These local developments extend the reach of Sage Line 500 and provide customers with valuable add-ons that will also impact the bottom line."
Houghton says the need for integration extends across most vertical sectors, but admits the biggest demand remains in the warehousing and manufacturing arena. He says that today there is a wide range of software available that addresses functions across general and industry-specific operations, but as integration technologies allow these 'point' solutions to work together, customers are able to realise the benefits almost immediately.
"From talking to customers, we know that for many businesses this offers the best fit for their organisation."
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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.
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.
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