USKO`s SAP consultancy arm, Spearhead, has been awarded a `Certificate of Appreciation` by Sappi for its successful completion of the implementation of Sappi`s SAP R/3 implementation project. It is the first time in ten years that Sappi has presented this award.
"Spearhead and Sappi have been working together for over three and a half years," says Sappi`s financial director, Mike Turner. "During this time Spearhead has been responsible for successfully rolling out our SAP implementation to eight mills plus our Waste, Forestry and Export divisions. Sappi has deployed all SAP R/3 modules in all companies within the SA Group. This included the implementation of all modules across 20 sites nationally to 3,500 users."
He continues, "we had a patchwork quilt of many legacy systems throughout the Group that needed to be transformed into an integrated business solution, standardised for all our business processes."
Spearhead was chosen because of its broad and in-depth skill set required to address the ambitious transition and Sappi`s core needs. "For the project to be successful we realised the need for one implementation partner which had SAP R/3 as its core focus combined with a wide range of in-depth skill sets. Spearhead committed a dedicated full time team supported by key Sappi users from the various operations. This ensured the smooth transition to an integrated environment to achieve our business process objectives."
Sappi now has one integrated Y2k compliant system with one set of data and one point of input. "The major business benefits with the installation are speed of access to information, accuracy and reliability," adds Turner.
From a global perspective, Sappi`s business has grown substantially with international business now contributing 87% of its revenues. "Spearhead has helped us create a successful nucleus that will enable us to take our `best of breed` locally developed solution and integrate it internationally."
Spearhead is a National Implementation Partner of SAP Southern Africa, and one of its local Logo Partners, SAP`s highest partner accreditation status.
Spearhead MD, Auret Kernick says that his company is proud to be associated with SAPPI and the project, which he says will provide on going benefits to both organisations.
The success of the Sappi project can largely be attributed to the teamwork and accurate complex planning required for a project of this size, he explains. "More and more companies are realising that integrated business systems are the key to improving business efficiency in all areas of operation. Spearhead is a specialist consultancy in the highly complex field of implementing these systems."
Kernick points out that by specialising in SAP R/3, Spearhead is able to concentrate on providing the world`s best business solution for its clients.
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Spearhead
Since its inception in 1992, Spearhead has experienced sustained growth and now employs over 90 consultants nationwide. Spearhead consultants have worked on over 50 local projects to date, and many more internationally in USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Norway and the Gulf States giving the company extensive SAP R/3 experience in many industries. Spearhead proves consulting and implementation and services to both large clients with long term projects as well as to smaller customers with short implementation schedules completed within months. Spearheads heard office is based in Johannesburg with a regional office in Cape Town.
USKO
USKO Ltd, one of SA`s leading listed IT groups, has the services, resources, and products necessary to offer the business sector a complete e-business solution. This offering is supported by the three main divisions of USKO Ltd, namely: Communications, Software & Services and e-Commerce.
USKO Communications focuses on delivering the infrastructures and methodologies for Networking, Internet services and MS Business Solutions.
USKO Software and Services provides solutions in the areas of Business Intelligence, Customer Relationship Management, ERP and large-scale development, all based on world-class products.
USKO e-Commerce offers creative, technical and business strategy services that include management consulting, business strategy planning, Web development and design, as well as application development and integration. This division is also the home of USKO`s transaction switching solutions.
The integration of these core competencies, backed by leading-edge technology, makes USKO the IT partner for the new millenium. For more information, take a look at USKO`s web site on http://www.USKO.com.