Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund utilises Sage ERP Accpac 500

Issued by Watt Communications: for Sage Enterprise
Johannesburg, 14 Apr 2011

The Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) made the decision to upgrade its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to Sage ERP Accpac 500, effective as from April 2011.

It is a comprehensive, multi-tiered, Web-based business management system that provides optimal access to accounting systems, with the purpose of enabling powerful analysis and reporting that is customised to fulfil specific needs.

BPOPF is regarded as Botswana's largest financial fund and was established in 2001. The fund effectively pools the collective savings by citizens of Botswana together for investment in appropriate asset classes, which is then managed on behalf of both active and pensioner members of the fund.

Jacob Tuelo Motlhale, from BPOPF, says its existing system did not offer the transparency the fund required. “We needed a system that would allow us to perform segmental reporting by drilling down into each of our business segments that provide a current and comprehensive snapshot of each business unit. BPOPF needed a system that would nurture accountability, would optimise account management and eradicate operational bottlenecks,” explains Motlhale.

In some instances, the company simply outgrows its current ERP system when it reaches its functional limitations. “Any enterprise resource planning system is designed and implemented with a specific scope and functionality in mind. But if the scope and company reference has changed, the existing solution may not be able to cater for emerging requirements such as multi-site financial requirements, planning and multi-divisional consolidations or even foreign currency accounting,” says Keith Fenner, Vice-President of Sales at Softline Accpac, part of the Sage Group.

The Sage ERP Accpac 500 Edition proved to be the perfect answer and is designed for medium to large-sized businesses that operate from multiple locations in the global marketplace. It is a highly scalable system that supports global business infrastructures and unlimited users. Sage ERP Accpac 500 also features a broad selection of accounting functions that include general ledger, accounts payable and receivable as well as project and job costing, to mention a few.

Motshubi Sebina, a consultant from Acc Consult in Botswana, says the decision to change systems was not taken lightly. “We did a thorough analysis of BPOPF's existing system and suggested the Sage ERP Accpac 500 Edition that is capable of providing all the deliverables that the fund needs from its ERP system. The projected system solution was formulated and presented to the client for their sign-off and approval. The customised solution was then completed and implemented to run alongside the existing system to ensure that there are no complications. The system has gone live at the start of April 2011 and so far it is all systems go,” says Sebina.

“We are looking forward to the enhanced functionality that Sage ERP Accpac 500 will provide to BPOPF. The superior reporting functions will allow the entire company to drill down into each of the business segments that will aid accountability and informed decision-making,” concludes Motlhale.

Softline Accpac

Softline Accpac is a provider of business management solutions, including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Accpac solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through a global network of solution providers, including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac's product line includes: Accpac ERP, Accpac CRM, Accpac RMS, Service Manager and Accpac Insight. Softline Accpac also distributes Sage SalesLogix, Sage Geode and Sage ERP X3, a full-service enterprise management software system for mid-to-large businesses. With a choice of languages, currencies, enterprises, locations and legislations, Sage ERP X3 offers an efficient, multi-company solution.

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 Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provides 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.

The Sage Group

The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software 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. Sage has 6.3 million customers and 13 400 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.

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