Since its establishment in South Africa in 1984, Softline VIP has firmly established itself as the country's leading payroll administrator. This success has since gained momentum and today the company boasts 560 employees and 24 000 satisfied clients across the African continent.
Softline VIP Managing Director Anton van Heerden says that African businesses are beginning to understand the impact of automated processes on operational efficiency. "Innovative business leaders in Africa set an example for the rest of the continent by demanding real-time access to information regarding their business operations, while business owners and investors are interested in return on investment and best practices."
Due to the often remote locations of these operations, businesses place much value on product stability and reliability, coupled with a user-friendly application for the operator. End-user productivity is enhanced due to the prevention of downtime on the system and user outcome based training. All processing happens in a real-time environment and this increases the availability and integrity of information.
VIP's payroll and human resources solutions offer the perfect product to these countries, van Heerden says. VIP already has independent offices in Namibia and Botswana and currently has successful sites in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Malawi, Mauritius, Ghana, Angola, Lesotho, Swaziland, Democratic Republic of the Conga and Zambia.
"VIP's software is flexible and adaptable to any type of industry and, as a result, has clients in the mining, banking, security, agricultural, hotel and tourism industries in Africa," Van Heerden says.
Although sometimes faced with obstacles such as proficiency in English in the end-user, remote locations of sites, infrequent flights to these locations and time differences in East Africa, VIP is able to adapt its business model to suit the culture and expectations of clients across the continent. Emphasis is placed on good quality support and end-user training to ensure a sustainable solution for every client.
Van Heerden explains VIP's client process in Africa. "A trained VIP professional conducts a thorough needs analysis when a new client signs up. This is followed up with the configuration of the set up, according to the client and the country's specifications. After-sales support is paid for by the annual licence fee and consists of telephone, fax and e-mail support. Clients are also encouraged to send a monthly backup of their system to VIP for safekeeping. This helps to enhance the level of support rendered. A dedicated support line operated by a payroll specialist familiar with African tax ensures good quality end-user support."
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Softline VIP is a leading supplier of payroll and human resource management solutions in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The company now boasts more than 24 000 clients.
With three payroll and human resource management products, Softline VIP is able to meet the needs of any size company. 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 products include:
VIP Premier - Softline VIP also supplies leading technology to service large and corporate clients. VIP Premier is geared towards increasing the functionality of payroll systems and provides an uncomplicated solution for medium to large organisations. One of the key features of this product is that it is quick to implement in comparison to similar solutions. Meeting the needs of any payroll office and supplying the most suitable solution is important for Softline VIP as it strives to ensure practical solutions for all users. Our products are easy to use and reliable and the information produced is accurate and complies with all statutory requirements.
VIP Classic - VIP Classic is the perfect solution for clients with bigger operations than the one-man business. VIP Classic provides the same flexibility as larger systems but is aimed at the small to medium sector. This software offers a total solution to users.
VIP Essentials - VIP Essentials is geared to small businesses and contains the same ease of use and stability of all VIP's products. VIP Essentials is an affordable product making it an ideal solution for the small business paying less than 30 employees.
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.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP 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 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 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, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group plc, a FTSE 100 company. The software 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 sized 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.
Sage
The Sage Group plc is a leading global supplier of business management software solutions 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 and now employs over 14 800 people worldwide.
For more information, go to www.sage.com.
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