Softline Accpac, AccTech Systems 'steel' limelight at Staalbeer with Sage ERP X3

Issued by Watt Communications & G Watt Design for 4Sight Holdings
Johannesburg, 20 Apr 2009

Softline Accpac and its business partner of the year 2008, AccTech Systems, will implement Sage ERP X3 Manufacturing at North West steel merchant Staalbeer, to meet the company's need for integration across its process and financial operations.

Keith Fenner, Sales Director at Softline Accpac, says the value of an integrated system is twofold. “Firstly, all functions have the same look and feel to minimise training time and promote cross-functional employee usage. Additionally, information is updated dynamically as business transactions occur, making decision-making more timely and effective.”

Staalbeer is a steel merchant and manufacturer and distributor of roof sheeting, palisade fencing and cut and bend reinforcing. Johan Roos, MD of Staalbeer, explains that the head office and main branch is in Potchefstroom, and with branches in Bothaville and Vereeniging, the time had come for an integrated ERP solution with full system control to ensure accuracy and efficiency at branch level.

“We were experiencing extensive problems with our current system, especially around data integrity, to the point that the system had, in fact, become unworkable. In addition, the solution didn't provide the necessary functionality for manufacturing, distribution and financial control. As a result, manufacturing costs couldn't be accurately determined, there were shortcomings in the distribution system, and we found financial information to be totally inadequate.”

After reviewing various systems and with regard for their competitors, which had already selected and successfully implemented Sage ERP X3, management decided this ERP product was the best solution for the business.

AccTech Systems is the largest Sage ERP X3 implementer in Africa. “This made it clear to Staalbeer that we have the knowledge, experience and infrastructure to deliver the results they need. The company was also impressed with our award-winning achievements and industry reputation,” says Tertius Zitzke, CEO of AccTech Systems.

He explains that Sage ERP X3 is ideal for companies seeking to utilise a modern enterprise system as a competitive weapon. “Sage ERP X3 supports all of the planning, scheduling and production control activities for either process or discrete manufacturing, and adapts to different manufacturing modes, including make-to-order, configure-to-order, assemble-to-order, make-to-stock and mixed-mode environments. The manufacturing module is fully integrated with the sales, CRM, purchasing, inventory and finance components, delivering full integration throughout the business.”

AccTech Systems

AccTech Systems is a technology independent IT solution and services provider. Certified as a Microsoft Gold Partner with competencies in ISV Software Solutions, Data Management Solutions, Information Worker Solutions and Business Process and Integration, AccTech has representation in five South African provinces as well as 11 other African countries. AccTech is also certified as a Premier Accpac Solution provider by Sage International and is currently ranked as the number one Accpac Solution provider in the World.

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 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 Enterprise, 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 solutions 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 5.8 million customers and more than 14 500 employees worldwide. We operate in over 26 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit http://www.sage.com.

Sage ERP X3

Sage ERP X3 is a solution designed specifically for midsize and large businesses. With over 2 300 customers worldwide, Sage ERP X3 is a mature solution specifically targeted at companies with 50 to 2 000 employees working in the fields of manufacturing, services and distribution. Sage ERP X3, which is based on the SAFE X3 (Sage Application Framework for the Enterprise) development and integration platform, common to the other Sage solutions (CRM, FRP, WMS, HR), enables automation of business processes and skills specificities, in compliance with legal and normative aspects. This modular and pre-configured powerful solution allows for advanced customisations and embeds several interactive Sage visual processes. Sage ERP X3 is a solution, which is easy to use, fast to implement and cost-effective.

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