The Zimbabwe Newspaper Group, the largest print media company in Zimbabwe has recently upgraded their software using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and has chosen software giant Baan as the preferred vendor.
Charles Charowedza information technology manager at The Zimbabwe Newspaper Group states, "We chose Baan based on a number factors. We discovered that it had the ability to meet the group`s processing and information requirements. Baan could also provide us with a quick return on investment by way of a relatively shorter implementation period through the use of proven and renowned implementation tools an methodologies. The fact that Baan is flexible and easily adaptable to changing organisational structures, operational procedures and new business practices meant it had a distinct advantage."
Yolanda Delport Marketing and Alliance manager of Baan SA says "Baan invested time and effort in order to understand the groups business needs, and as result we are confident that our software would fulfill the requirements as set by the group."
Charowedza added, "There were two main key factors that influenced our decision. Firstly the group needed a quick changeover to a new platform from our obsolete systems combined with the flexibility to effectively re-engineer our business processes at a later stage. The group needed a system that has a reputation of keeping pace with technological developments and could be easily upgraded to cater for the changing environments.
Charowedza gave some advise to those looking for an ERP vendor, "Potential users must ascertain the commitment of vendors in terms of research and development of its products. This will ensure that its products will be upgraded to keep abreast of the latest advances in technology and ensure that it will never `outlive` its usefulness.
The level of support that vendors can provide is vital and this was particularly important in our case, vendors, like Baan who have relationships with other players in the industry and have well established competency centres are in a better position to offer quality support services over a wider geographical area.
We expect the Baan ERP system to provide complete integrated solutions and a platform for continuous business process re-engineering. Moreover we anticipate that the new system eliminate non-value adding processes, reduction in paperwork and the development of streamlined and effective operational procedures. The results are improved customer service and accelerated information delivery to management."
Charowedza concludes, " The group`s expectations, to date have been met. Together with Baan`s service and support we look forward to the implementation of a quality system"
About the Zimbabwe Newspaper Group.
The Zimbabwe Newspapers Group consists of the following divisions within
the group:
- Harare Branch-Newspaper publication of The Herald, The Sunday Mail, Kwayedza.
- Bulawayo Branch-Newspaper publication of The Chronicle, The
- Sunday News.
- Mature Branch-Newspaper publication of The Monica Post.
- Natprint-Commercial printing
- Typocrafters-Commercial printing and security printing
- BoldAds-Commercial printing and Directories publication.
About Baan SA
The Baan Company is a leading vendor of enterprise-wide and cross-enterprise standard business administration software. The architecture of the Baan software permits rapid introduction and continuous adjustment, thus supporting the management of corporate processes, particularly in the auto, aviation, electrical and electronics industries, process-based and project-oriented companies. The Baan Company has an installed base of 4000, involving some 2 400 customers in more than 59 countries, and employs more than 3 500 workers. The company was founded in 1978, and is headquartered in Putten, Netherlands and Menlo Park, California. The company`s shares are quoted at NASDAQ (BAANF) and the stock markets of Amsterdam and Frankfurt (WPKN 895467).
Baan has been represented in South Africa since 1989 by the Q Data group company QMCS. In 1995 Baan took over the company from Q Data and a wholly owned subsidiary Baan South Africa was formed. Its client base consists of more than 60 leading organisations countrywide.
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