Electricity + Control November 2018

NOT TO BE MISSED

Continue (ERP) innovation in times of crisis Stuart Scanlon, Epic ERP

Southern African Energy Efficiency Convention 13 – 14 November 2018 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park The Southern African Energy Efficiency Convention is an important energy event of national scope for end-users and energy professionals in all areas of the energy field. Enquiries: Visit www.saeec.org.za SAUPEC/RobMech/PRASA Conference 28 – 30 January 2019 Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein Advancing the knowledge and understanding of power. Enquiries: Gerda Geyer. Tel. +27 (0) 11 487 9043 or email gerdag@saiee.org .za Robotic Process Automation Conference 31 January 2019 Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg The Robotic Process Automation Conference focuses on the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology, which is the next frontier for businesses looking to streamline processes, increase productivity and ultimately improve the bottom-line. Enquiries: www.rpaconferences.com

S outh Africa has officially entered into a tech- nical recession. According to reports, it is the country’s first since the 2008/2009 global financial crisis. So, even though corporate budgets have been under pressure for some time, the expecta- tions are that costs would need to be curbed even more. How will this impact investments in digital innovation? Popular wisdom indicates that companies need to bunker down in times of crisis. However, giv- en the competitive environment of the connected

age, this is not possible if they have hopes of remaining relevant. In fact, now would be the oppor- tune time to invest in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other technology-driven solutions to capitalise on the opportunities that exist in the market. These take the form of cost reductions, productivity enhancements, and other internal-focused strat- egies. But perhaps more importantly, they are also available through new products and services develop- ment for additional income streams.The days of sticking your head in the sand until the storm passes are long gone. Decision-makers need to be proactive, especially when it comes to technology investment. Long-term vision ERP provides a platform to achieve this. When effectively plugged into the data analytical capabilities of an organisation, optimising ERP systems mean companies can more quickly adapt to market de- mands. Focusing on completing these enhancements from an internal efficiency perspective, provides organisations with even more of an impetus for growth once the difficult times have been overcome. Yes, short-term realities need to be part of any business strategy. Equally, the long-term vision still needs to hold true, as any economic cycle (whether positive or negative) remains temporary and the business needs to be ready for when the tide turns. Customer-centricity One thing that remains constant (even in these digital times) is to ensure customer retention is a key priority. People are even more selective in their service providers than previously.This means that com- panies need reliable ERP systems that are capable of helping manage the influx of data for real-time insights. Relationships will also be a competitive advantage, particularly when economic difficulties are happening. It is all about analysing customers, reinventing solutions, and catering for their expectations. It also means that businesses need to rethink their mobile strategy, to provide the solutions peo- ple expect on the devices they prefer. Again, the data capabilities of an integrated ERP solution will help create an enabling omni-channel environment that not only serves existing customer segments, but also create new ones (with new revenue opportunities). Some might even go so far as to suggest that ERP is recession-proof. Considering the mission-crit- ical nature of the features and business benefits provided, this might not be far from the truth. If a business today does not have an ERP system that integrates into the organisation, then it might as well close its doors. All told, ERP will be one of the most important investments a business can make during times of economic crisis. And the innovation it unlocks will set it on a strong path for the future.

Mining Indaba 4-7 February 2019

Cape Town International Convention Centre Championing Africa’s sustainable economic growth. Enquiries: Visit www.miningindaba.com

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Allbro........................................OFC Ana-Digi............................................13 Beckhoff Automation.........................IFC Comtest...........................................33 Countapulse Controls....................35

Engen Turbine Oils....................................9 ifm..........................................OBC JB Switchgear...................................7 Marthinusen & Coutts.......................17 Mining Indaba.....................................2

Omron..............................................29 SEW Eurodrive...............................IBC ZESTWEG Group..................................15

44 Electricity + Control

NOVEMBER 2018