Softline Accpac, Micros Specialised Solutions to enrich processes at Discovery

Issued by Watt Communications & G Watt Design for Sage Enterprise
Johannesburg, 08 May 2009

Discovery, one of South Africa's leading financial services organisations, is set to implement Sage ERP X3, by Softline Accpac, with the expertise of Accpac business partner Micros Specialised Solutions.

John Robertson, Chief Information Officer, Discovery, says that based on clear, pre-defined business objectives, it was determined that the functionalities of Sage ERP X3 would serve the company well in meeting these objectives.

“Integrated, multi-company, multi-currency processing and strong procurement functionality were prerequisites in our search for the right solution. It is our view that Sage ERP X3 will enhance integration with our current systems, improve efficiency, improve financial auditing and security reporting, and reduce costs. In addition, it is a Web-enabled solution, which means we can access it remotely. What is also important is that the solution is fully complemented and supported by continued external consultant support and extensive training.”

Discovery's continued and rapid growth, and integrated approach, which draws together its different product offerings across Discovery Health, Discovery Life, Discovery Vitality and Discovery Invest, increasingly requires sophisticated functionality and flexible, integrated financial software solutions.

Sage ERP X3 is a reputable and stable tier-two ERP solution that offers multiple company access from within a single repository, explains Keith Fenner, Sales Director, Softline Accpac. “With Discovery's vast range of companies, it is important that financial accountants have a single access point to transact with various companies at the same time. Sage ERP X3 offers this flexibility as well as the auto generation of inter-company transactions.”

The ability to accurately see, trace and audit transactions are important factors for Discovery, says Mich Martins, Manager: ERP Business Development and Strategic Sales, Micros Specialised Solutions. Sage ERP X3 offers complete tracing of transactions from the source to when the transaction is posted on the real-time general ledger. The automated statistics tool will prove useful in keeping track of vendor-related transactions, including BEE status, for tracking supplier reliability, quality and lead times.

“Discovery also requires a fully integrated procurement management and control system. This system needs to be automatically updated with electronic procurement processes and authorisations. In terms of procurement, commitments must be visible and traceable. Committed spend is tracked in X3 and the user will have insight into this as part of the procurement workflow process. Specific views will show committed spend per expense account and Discovery will also be able to track this on BI reporting.”

Further to this, Sage ERP X3 offers a complete cash management solution with proper payment authorisation processes and bank reconciliations, with seamless integration to Internet banking.

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, 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 mid-size 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 that is easy to use, fast to implement and cost-effective.

Discovery

Discovery operates in healthcare cover and life insurance markets in South Africa and the UK and launched Discovery Invest - its investment business - in 2007. Vitality, Discovery's wellness programme, is the largest provider of individual and corporate wellness initiatives in South Africa, also operating in the UK and US. The company's core purpose is to make people healthier, and to enhance and protect their lives through financial products that clients need and want.

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