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ERP solutions remain integral to business success

By Jane Thomson, MD of Softworx.


Johannesburg, 27 Mar 2012

ERP is a term that management and IT professionals discuss at length. But what exactly does it mean; what does it encompass; why should a company see it as a key business solution; and is it here to stay?

Jane Thomson, MD of Softworx, a leading provider of business applications, says: “An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is exactly that; it is a means for an organisation to use its resources more effectively.” ERP on its own is not a software programme; instead, ERP solutions are developed to meet the demands of a company's customers, suppliers, employees and other business units.

Thomson says it is inevitable that an ERP solution will be required by a company at some point during its lifecycle. “An integrated ERP solution that matches the way a company does business can make a difference to the success of an organisation, setting the fast growing company apart from an average performer.”

Without an ERP system, a company will most likely have a vast number of different software solutions that do not talk to one another effectively. Business functionality is optimised by customised and interactive solutions. Thomson says that as an organisation develops and grows, it becomes integral to the success of the company that the right business applications and solutions are in place.

For a considerable number of years, there has been talk of the demise of ERP as successive new technologies have surfaced. Service Oriented Architecture was one such technology that set the rumour mills turning. Thomson says she does see ERP disappearing. “It is the primary system of record and will continue to be the foundation. The market has seen growth in ERP requirements but I don't subscribe to some organisations claiming to have experienced double-digit growth.”

Continued investment in research and development by leading ERP providers like Infor will continue to see revitalised ERP solutions - including templates, industry-specific functionality and tools to improve speed of implementation, and ease of upgrades - leading the way for small, medium-sized and large enterprises. Infor, a leading provider of business application software servicing over 70 000 customers around the globe, is represented by Softworx in South Africa. Infor is able to respond to changing business challenges quickly and effectively. “This is what sets their solutions apart in the industry,” says Thomson.

The ERP system automates business processes by placing them into a simple and concise visual format. Information can flow constantly, allowing an integrated view of a client's information process at any point. Purchases and expenditures can be registered at a central database and interactions between marketing, sales, quality control product processes, supply lines, stocks and other areas can all be found at a single point.

The right ERP software can provide an organisation with the tools to cut costs, improve operational efficiency, and make smarter decisions - faster. Thomson says an ERP system need not be an astronomical expense. “We give our clients a tailored and flexible solution that is cost-effective and allows them to add functionality as their organisation grows.”

Infor will be hosting its Infor10 road show in South Africa this month. Thomson says the road show provides Softworx and Infor with an opportunity to provide clients and prospects with the latest industry insights while showcasing leading business application solutions.

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Softworx

Softworx is a successful South African business applications company that prides itself on being able to deliver world-class products to its extensive customer base, which includes a number of Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Softworx supports clients in industries ranging from manufacturing, retail, distribution and financial, to supporting various government entities. The company is dedicated to marketing, implementing and providing support for its range of complementary software products to medium-sized and large enterprises that require effective solutions to optimise their business processes.

Softworx has positioned itself as a leading provider of business applications in South Africa, specialising in end-to-end business solutions. The company prides itself on being able to deliver true value to its customers through the implementation of business solutions based on a powerful combination of leading-edge products and consultancy. As a wholly owned subsidiary of EOH, Softworx has increased the number of services and products that can be offered to its customers from within the group.

EOH

Listed company EOH is the largest enterprise applications provider in SA and one of the top five IT service providers. EOH follows the consulting, technology and outsourcing model to provide high value, end-to-end solutions to its clients in all industry verticals. For more information, visit: www.eoh.co.za.

Editorial contacts

Tandi Robertson
Watt Communications
(011) 425 6290
tandi@wattcommunications.co.za