The seven mega-trends of professional services

Issued by Anti-Clockwise for Scala
Johannesburg, 25 Oct 2005

Constant change in the technology world is pulling the providers of professional services along into the new economy, and is in turn, enabling customers to take advantage of more efficient systems.

This change in modern business and its far-reaching effects has been researched by Ross Dawson, CEO of Advanced Human Technologies, and forms the cornerstone of his book, "Developing knowledge-based client relationships and living networks".

In his most recent research paper on the morphing world of professional business for Epicor, Dawson reveals how organisations in the business application and professional services arena can successfully transform from being purely a provider of a commodity to a value-added solution provider and professional partner.

Entitled "The Seven MegaTrends of Professional Services", this research begins by identifying the forces driving the evolution of the transition from product supplier to services provider in today's world. They include:

* Client sophistication
* Governance
* Connectivity
* Transparency
* Modularisation
* Globalisation
* Commoditisation

It is through a combination of external and internal factors within a business that these seven trends are reshaping business as we know it. That said it is by effectively responding to these drivers with the appropriate solutions and offerings, that professional services organisations can enjoy even higher levels of success than they are accustomed to. Technology can help turn a firm based on antiquated processes into a sleek and agile modern solution provider able to deliver the value being sought by customers today.

To obtain the full report, please send an e-mail to info@scala.co.za with the subject heading "Whitepaper - criteria for selecting the best ERP system replacement".

Epicor Software Corporation

For 20 years, Epicor has been a recognised leader dedicated to providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) software solutions to midmarket companies around the world.

With the acquisition of Scala, Epicor is a global leader in the midmarket serving over 20 000 customers in over 140 countries. Epicor leverages innovative technologies like Web services in developing end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, enterprise service automation, and hospitality that enable companies to immediately drive efficiency throughout business operations and build competitive advantage.

With the scalability and flexibility to support long-term growth, Epicor's solutions are complemented by a full range of services, providing a single point of accountability to promote rapid return on investment and low total cost of ownership. Epicor's worldwide headquarters are located in Irvine, California with offices and affiliates around the world. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.epicor.com/.

Scala Africa

Scala Epicor is represented in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands by Scala Africa, which provides sales, consulting and implementation skills to a customer base of more than 400 companies in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Headquartered in Johannesburg and with offices in countries including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Scala Africa (Pty) Ltd, is a truly pan-African concern that offers integrated, collaborative ERP solutions to businesses across the continent. Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.net or www.epicor.com for press information including press releases, information and product information.

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