In a digital world, unlocking opportunities for today's enterprise requires businesses to leverage financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting; consistently deliver workforce planning and budgeting; take advantage of sales planning with in-depth analysis; and monitor capital expenses planning – all while delivering financial consolidation and managing financial reporting. 

Phil Lewis, Infor’s VP of Solution Consulting EMEA looks at how food manufacturers can use technology to boost supply chain resilience in the face of ongoing disruption.

The South African mutual fund landscape has drastically changed over the last decade. Ever changing (and increasing) market pressures, evolving digital requirements, and the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic have all driven businesses to digitise simply to survive. 

Koutsikos will lead business and customer growth with focus on industry-specific cloud solutions

For many industrial manufacturers, the road to post-pandemic recovery may seem distant and blurry. Global volatility, lingering gaps in the supply chain, and prolonged disruption of normal buying channels continue to create a chaotic picture, especially for those with dwindling cash reserves. The abolishment of masks in South Africa aside, disruption is still a reality and the longer it continues, the more pressing the need to kick-start positive cash flow becomes. 

In today’s competitive and complex environment, effectively managing and improving relationships with employees, customers, prospects, and partners is essential. Achieving this from one unified platform ensures efficiencies that lead to accelerated growth and success. 

In the past, effective control, communication, and coordination were enough for warehouse management to find great success. While these are still critical, today, warehouse management systems (WMS) must deliver agility and usability to yield real results.

In today’s fast moving, quick changing, increasingly competitive business environment, good enough is no longer good enough. Manufacturers must achieve enterprise-wide visibility, total collaborate, agility and flexibility to respond to a changing market and grow. Taking advantage of new opportunities before the competition requires an innovative approach. Organizations that rely on aging systems and manual processes will quickly fall behind.

Following two years of intense market disruption, automotive manufacturers and suppliers are eager for glimmers of positive news. Indeed, some regions and vertical segments are mitigating risks and addressing shortages with agile shifts and creative strategies. They provide pragmatic best practice models.

When the pressure to digitise due to the pandemic dovetails with the enforcement of particularly stringent regulatory requirements, the pressure on businesses to acclimatise at pace becomes exponential. In the finance sector, covid restrictions, remote work and compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) became a tall order.

Chemicals leader moves to the cloud across three continents, including the Middle East and Africa.

Changing societal norms have many organisations taking note of traditional practices to better understand whether diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B) are applied during the hiring process and long-term strategic plans for their people.

With the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI) technology integrated with modern cloud platforms, embedding AI into business processes is no longer an expensive or lengthy process. is Automotive industry leaders are displaying a rapid approach to innovation, deploying an AI application in the manufacturing production line.

Phil Lewis, Infor’s VP of Solution Consulting EMEA, looks at why digital transformation is no longer fit for purpose as a concept, and highlights the importance of fostering a culture of continuous transformation in order to drive future performance and prosperity

In a world digitising faster than ever before, users are often confronted with a myriad of technology driven solutions, purportedly designed to offer enhanced integration, automation, and business intelligence. With so many emerging technologies screaming for attention, solutions must be differentiated to prove that they offer users true benefit and value. Today, ease of use is a crucial differentiator.

In 2022, robotic process automation (RPA) is poised for a breakthrough into the mainstream consciousness. RPA refers to the automation of business processes via software platforms that script and operate pre-defined tasks across a variety of applications. Many repetitive business application tasks can be automated in this manner. 

As the vaccination rollout brings some relief to restrictions, it is time to start thinking about how the world of work should move forward. While the pandemic forced the adoption of new ways of working, some valuable lessons have been learnt. These lessons should feed into new strategies that continue long after the crisis subsides. In reality, the workforce, the workplace and work itself will never be the same again.

By Phil Lewis, Infor’s VP of Solution Consulting EMEA

Although South Africa faced the peak of its “Fourth Covid Wave” at the end of 2021, news reports show that the country is firmly heading back to business as usual. 

Marketplace designed to make it easier for customers to discover, source and license industry and micro-vertical solutions that integrate with Infor software

Competitive supply chains must enable a new level of coordinated performance that creates a high-fidelity picture of in-process flows across extended networks. Building the continuous supply chain supports contextual deviations, conveys alerts, and drives continuous planning via sense and respond capabilities. This in turn optimises multi-party business processes.

Covid has drastically and irrevocably changed the way that the world works. Even as South Africa moves forward into semi-normalcy, the looming “fourth wave” reminds businesses of the need to remain agile, embrace remote working policies, and lean on technology that drives productivity even as traditional working cultures fall away.  

Move enables Infor customers using Teams to access the digital assistant’s skills,  chat UX and natural language processing capabilities

Acquisition will bolster Infor solutions designed to help customers improve manufacturing operations and performance  

For digital transformation to be successful, engagement and adoption must be achieved. If a positive user experience cannot be developed, it is highly unlikely that this would be accomplished. Especially when new technology or software is being introduced, ease of use will play a critical role, effectively determining whether or not the implementation is a triumph.

Effective Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) is the cornerstone of any organisation; especially when it comes to successful operations and supply chain value. Asset management is an area that has faced significant challenges due to the current socio-economic climate brought, on by the Covid-19 lockdown and related restrictions. High quality operational value is imperative for successful functioning, surviving, and thriving of any organisation.

As the manufacturing world continues to evolve to meet new challenges, there’s a step-change in innovation for the products and services that are delivered and supported. Many industry insiders are expressing the need for a focus on driving sustainable (and profitable) business growth. Deloitte suggests digital investment and supply chain resilience as the key pillars.

When managed correctly, asset investment planning (AIP) should deliver three key benefits. It should enable asset-intensive organisations to determine which investments will allow them to best meet service level objectives, with the right level of expenditure, while minimising the risk of asset failure.

Employing the right Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solution is imperative for gaining and maintaining competitive advantage… but beware - not all EAM software is created equal. When choosing an EAM solution, businesses should seek software that creates opportunities to bolster asset performance for effective and efficient maintenance.

The Covid-19 Pandemic continues to cause a global knock to the economy. Many companies folded under the pressure while some others only barely survived. Organisational leaders are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding, rejuvenating, and strengthening their businesses. For this purpose, leaders have been turning to advanced Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions.

Enterprises that have decided to move to the cloud are being presented solutions built on two different deployment models: single tenant (ST), which is really nothing more than running an on-premises solution on someone else’s IT (hosting), or multi-tenant (MT) built on much more scalable, true cloud technologies.

On the 16th of July 2021, the government of the Seychelles officially recognised South African secure digital document delivery and eSignature business solution provider, Impression Signatures as a provider of choice across the country.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) has shifted various crucial areas and processes within organisations across South Africa. These adjustments have been created for the important protection of personal information. While areas such as data collection and storage may come to the fore when thinking about compliance to PoPIA, direct marketing will also require a new approach entirely.

For manufacturers, processes have undergone a number of revolutions in the last few decades, characterised by ever-greater automation and, more recently, machine learning and IoT. Maintenance has seen comparative levels of change in recent years, with maintenance 4.0 digitalising previously manual processes, and EAM delivering the ability to harness the power of data to predict asset failure and automatically direct a remediation process

Parting ways with a legacy solution isn’t always easy. The old, familiar processes and workflows may be comfortably predictable, even if outdated. Now, as companies begin to prepare for COVID recovery, the need for a change is harder to ignore. The cloud is tempting. 

With the recent enforcement of the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) in South Africa, many businesses have been struggling with the logistics around getting PoPIA data protection agreements back from clients, legally signed. This puts organisations at exceptional risk and can result in various serious consequences.

In recent years businesses have been met with unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances. To not only survive but also stay ahead of the competition, organisations have had to take a hard look at their processes and procedures. The technological world is advancing at an exceptionally rapid rate. Organisations employing outdated legacy systems and processes - like manual accounting - are at a real risk of getting left behind.

In today’s rapidly advancing digital world, it is imperative that software developers have access to advanced technology that caters for enhanced integration and maximum ease of use. This superior level of integration allows for improved functionality and a deeper understanding of value derived from Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

A myriad of factors can create disruptions to the supply chain. If any event reveals the need for resilient supply chains, it’s COVID-19. The disruptions shook (and continue to shake) every industry, including the automobile sector. Abroad, early 2020 forecasts projected a significant drop in new vehicle sales, but ultimately turned out much better with only a 15% reduction from the total 2019 sales.

Achieving sound local or global distribution reach is imperative for any distributor hoping to survive and thrive in today’s socio-economic climate. Many organisations are failing as they cling to old and outdated legacy systems. These systems drastically reduce efficiency and substantially increase the probability of delays and revenue loss due to human error.

When companies rely on a dated warehouse management system (WMS) to run distribution centers, it’s not uncommon for the IT staff familiar with the system to move on. Unfortunately, this leaves the company without an in-house expert to manage issues as they arise. Added to this, if the original vendor is no longer supporting that version of the system, it can be incredibly difficult to get the system back up and running.

There are many crucial factors involved in the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA). For compliance, it is imperative for organisations to fully understand all these factors and how they play out in the real world. Three of the crucial areas that must be discussed include de-identifying, information matching programmes, and filing systems.

When it comes to business financials, almost all modern-day organisations appreciate the deep value of achieving the illusive one-day-close. However, despite the myriad of technological solutions available, many organisations still struggle to consolidate financials effectively within a day or less.   

Both demand and need for eSignature solutions have increased exponentially, on a global scale, over the last two years. The use of eSignatures was already gaining interest but grew dramatically with the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Due to “new-normal” remote work requirements and the necessity of secure online operations, the popularity of eSignature solutions rose rapidly.

The risks and inefficiencies of using spreadsheets to manage common business processes have become legion. This is a topic that will resonate with all involved in data, analytics, or financial management.

It’s been suggested by many experts that the current pandemic has driven accelerated technology adoption across numerous industries. 

The effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on employee mental health has been overwhelming. Organisations are realising the deep need to turn their attention and focus on employee wellness, especially during this time of increased separation and decreased human interaction.

Plant assets play a key role in overall enterprise efficiency, essential today. In 2021 manufacturers are increasingly turning to Reliability Based Maintenance (RBM) as a strategy to help them maintain valuable plant assets and eliminate costly adverse impacts of performance issues, like delays and unexpected down-time. 

Workforce Management has always required a highly specialised balancing act to ensure efficacy. Within the current socio-economic climate, this knife’s edge has become much more complicated than ever before. To manage this and ensure success, organisations are embracing innovation, and turning to advanced technology.

Moving Asset Management processes to the cloud has become an ever-increasing necessary step. However, many organisations seem to struggle with the idea of moving away from their known systems, however outdated and ineffective these systems may be.  

South African businesses operate in a highly legislated landscape. With this comes immense pressure to ensure compliance or face heavy penalties. The need for regulatory and legal compliance increases with every new or amended piece of legislation, and businesses are hard pressed to keep pace with these requirements.

As the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) is a few months away from being enforced, organisations and responsible parties have had to gain an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations that must be adhered to. While much focus has been placed on the roles and responsibilities that must be fulfilled to meet the standards of PoPIA, the role of the Operator must also be highlighted.

2020 has presented a myriad of new challenges for the food industry. Against a backdrop of increased demand, stringent safety measures, and the risk of shutdowns resulting from outbreaks, have converged to create a perfect storm. Some sectors have been forced to scale their operations by up to 30%, and in many cases, supply chains have borne the brunt of this. 

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 9, 2021 – LabourGenie.Net, a workforce management (WFM) solutions company, announces its strategic partnership with UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), a leading global provider of human capital management (HCM), payroll, HR service delivery, and workforce management solutions.

Stepping into the New Year in the current socio-economic climate is a challenge for organisations of any kind. There are a variety of new rules and regulations to follow. These rules and regulations are put into place to help to protect businesses and individuals. In addition to complying with and managing Covid-19 regulations, organisations also need to ensure that they are complying with the regulations set out by the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA).

The demand for manufacturing organisations to be agile and efficient is higher in today’s technological world than ever-before. Rapid technological advancements, coupled with an uncertain and unstable economic and work climate, mean that organisations are required to remain adaptable, functional, and highly efficient from anywhere, at any time.

Infor recently announced that Africa-focused responsAbility Renewable Energy Holding (rAREH) has begun its digital transformation journey with Infor Gold partner TouchstoneEnergy. rAREH has selected Infor SunSystems financial management system as its replacement accounting system to support the continuing growth of its business in Sub-Saharan Africa.

When considering potential distribution partnerships for Africa, Quest applied a strict set of requirements. It was imperative that the chosen candidate have local teams in Africa including Sales, Pre-sales, and Channel teams. The new partner had to have the capacity to maintain a 200+ partner network which spans Sub-Sahara Africa, and have direct, sound relationships with partners and end customers. DataGroupIT met all of these requirements, and more.

The unforeseen disruption experienced in 2020 has prompted food and beverage producers to future proof their businesses as far as is possible. While uncertainty seems set to continue for some time, through focusing on expediting time to market; food quality and safety; supply chain resilience; and the creation of omni-channel models, companies are putting themselves in the strongest position they can to embrace and capitalise on future opportunities.     

Since the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic the need for effective hand sanitisers and masks have become an essential element of daily life. Many organisations started mass producing these products to meet the sudden and unexpected rise in demand. However, most of these products are manufactured utilising harmful chemicals and products. In the long run, use of these chemically based products could potentially cause unwanted damage to health.  

Qlik, a leading provider of intuitive platform solutions for self-service data visualisation, guided analytics applications, embedded analytics, and reporting has recently upgraded local company, RIC Consulting, to Elite Partner Status - the highest tier of partnership possible.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) came into effect on the 1st of July 2020. A grace period of 12-months was stipulated, meaning that all businesses must meet compliance standards by the 1st of July 2021. The purpose of the Act is to prevent the misuse of personal information pertaining to individuals and entities.

It seems that Charles Darwin’s theory of “Survival of the Fittest” applies to industrial plant management (especially throughout 2020 and beyond). Only the smartest enterprises can survive today’s aggressive competition and volatile economic conditions. Fortunately, modern next-generation analytics are more accessible than ever, giving plant maintenance managers new tools they can leverage to work smarter, not harder.

In the industrial space, employee relations comprise three critical components which are inextricably linked: employee value propositions, employee wellness, and employee relations. To succeed in the fast-paced economies of today, organisations must employ advanced systems and develop innovative analytics capabilities to ensure these areas flourish.

The fast and definite approach of the enforcement of the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) has left many uncertain about the boundaries of consent within this new piece of legislation. To avoid substantial penalties, organisations must have consent for all the data possessed by the organisation.

While some may have viewed 2020 as a write-off, the technology sector has seen a massive upswing. As a result of forced, mass digitisation, 2021 promises to be a fruitful – albeit challenging – year for technology. Globally, there are three key predictions that could shape success in the year to come. From Cloud to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital supply chains, here’s what you need to know…   

Within the current context of the global Covid-19 Pandemic, the face of the workforce is rapidly and continually changing. Organisations may be facing increased challenges when it comes to human management solutions. While the goal is to ensure that business and talent objectives remain adequately aligned – which is essential for optimal business performance, success, and growth – various macro- and micro-environmental factors may be impeding true synchronicity.

In today’s fast-changing commercial environment, modernisation can have a strategic impact on any business. Without access to a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, it can be difficult or even impossible to support new business models and keep up with evolving customer demands. Additionally, the technology struggles to shake off statistics such as 67% of ERP implementations resulting in negative ROI.

As we’ve seen in the recent stock-market crash, cloud business has a massive impact on the global economy. It is clear from the loss of stock value of a leading software solution provider, as a direct result of the crashing of its cloud business, that cloud plays a large role in the value assigned to the businesses operating in it. Essentially, cloud solutions provide the opportunity to transform how companies operate, offering increasingly more direct business benefits.

After nearly a decade of ‘it’s nearly here’ the Protection of Personal Information Act’s (PoPIA) arrival is genuinely imminent. Compliance with the Act is viewed as being expensive, intimidating, and confusing – leaving many businesses of all sizes unsure of how to approach the challenge. Small businesses may become daunted by the apparent cost of compliance. The real question is, can any business afford non-compliance?

For those organisations that have waited to move their applications to the cloud, there are now so many more insights to help develop a plan and guide strategy. There are also more choices to make in defining an approach to the cloud thanks to increasing options from cloud solutions providers.

Organizations will have the opportunity to learn about the potential for enterprise asset management software to drive efficiency and help digitally transform their operations at Infor’s EAM Virtual Summit on Nov. 12.

In a rapidly moving landscape, organisations that manage continuous change stand the best chance for growth and success. The key is to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow. There’s no denying that the pace of change is constantly increasing. To keep up, organisations must be proactive and strategic in their approach to ensure less disruptive transformation (but transformation nonetheless).

Many manufacturers are entering Industry 4.0 with technology systems and business processes better suited for a bygone era. Today, Industry 4.0 is forcing manufacturers to take a comprehensive look at how their operations are equipped to address today’s top challenges, including the talent shortage, inefficient business processes, supply chain complexity, asset management, and meeting customer demands.

Today, manufacturers face three common challenges: flat/declining sales; increasing costs; and brand commoditisation. Flat/Declining sales are usually the result of unproductive sales representatives and long lead times for introducing new products. Cost increases are driven by order errors, rework and scrap, a duplication of efforts across the board, and a plethora of manual processes. 

Originally, cloud computing was promoted based on a simple, compelling proposition – moving capital expenditure into operating expenditure, and consequently delivering financial and operational flexibility to businesses. This was – and is – no small benefit.

Augmented analytics is designed to accelerate insights, ensuring actionable business intelligence. With the right technology behind it, augmented analytics can go further – allowing humans and machines to enhance one another. Essentially, true augmented analytics is achieved when the user is enhanced by the system. The result? Data is turned into business value, offering measurable return on investment.

Today’s global economic upheaval underscores the critical need for enterprises to be agile and resilient. In most industries, change is constant and dramatic. It can also be debilitating for organisations lacking a flexible infrastructure and the tools needed to make decisions quickly and accurately. 

Modern workforces need modern solutions. For effective management, businesses must have access to sound data, digitally driven functionality, reach features, and purpose-fit engineered solutions that are intelligent and intuitive. With this approach, not only will staff productivity and customer relationships improve, but the business will operate more efficiently, leading to optimised operations. To achieve this, creating a highly engaged workforce is paramount.

Digital transformation is no longer a ‘nice to have’. The global pandemic has catapulted the fourth industrial revolution into the present, forcing many businesses across the globe to digitise or die. The insurance industry is no exception. Renowned for its face-to-face processes and paper-heavy procedures, the industry was compelled to go digital as the national lockdown effectively banned human interaction.

The South African lockdown has had an immense impact on the recruitment industry. The long-term effects of this economic shutdown are yet to be seen – but predictions are not promising. As whole industries struggle to stay afloat, and employees and candidates across the globe fight for their positions, sound talent acquisition principles become vital to sustainable operations.

The Coronavirus pandemic has arguably had more impact on society and business than any event since the Second World War. Entire countries closed and some truly staggering political interventions have occurred – perhaps none more economically staggering that those in South Africa.

Throughout 2020, the world has been forced to digitise at an exponential rate. While this has put many industries under immense and unforgiving pressure, it has also allowed the world a glimpse of what a truly digital society could look like. Operations were overhauled overnight, workforces were sent to work from home with immediate effect, and large events were relegated to cancellation - unless they could be handled virtually.

The world is digitising faster than ever before. Today, approaching businesses with a holistic solution is crucial. Particularly in the labour space, this methodology ensures seamless data connectivity and reduces the likelihood of errors. The result is an improvement in the internal workflow of a business, and its prospects in the market. Simply implementing a piece of software that is neither adopted nor driven within the organisation no longer makes the grade.

The beauty of technology often lies in the added benefits that a simple upgrade or implementation can offer. When managed correctly, innovations should deliver far more than the surface level functionality. When Beier Envirotec, part of the Beier Group, upgraded from Infor LN FP7 to Infor LN 10.6, it realised just how true this sentiment can be. 

Following the 2020 global Coronavirus pandemic, the ability to operate in a safe and clean working environment is one of the primary challenges in operations and maintenance. The post-COVID context is redefining what it means, exactly, to be “safe and clean.” This new normal means organisations and businesses must evolve and adjust to meet increasing regulatory scrutiny and a heightened focus on clean practices.

Both personally and professionally, 2020 has not been the year anyone imagined it would be. The world has been forced to digitise, evolve, and adapt and job scarcity is at an all-time high. In the current climate, the best way to ensure job security is to develop the skills needed to become indispensable to the organisation. Now is the time to embrace the training journey; especially while online solutions offer time and value efficiencies.

Harnessing the power of a secure digital identity has become more important than ever before. As South Africa’s Covid-19 cases continue to spike it has become alarmingly clear that social distancing and effective work from home solutions will be prerequisites for the foreseeable future. In the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) space, digitisation has become essential, ensuring points are allocated and confirmation of competency maintained.

In the pre-Covid-19 world, Industry 4.0 was driving automation and data exchange trends in manufacturing technologies and processes at an exponential rate. Now, as manufacturers across the globe face the immense challenges posed by the virus, lockdowns and economic pressure, Industry 4.0 has been accelerated even more.

It is officially time to put electronic signatures on the agenda. Many organisations needed to embrace operating remotely overnight and they now recognise the importance of electronic signatures, even as lockdown measures are relaxed and lifted. As eSignatures have proven key to keeping businesses running during these uncertain times, a new appreciation has developed for the convenience, security, and reliability of electronic signatures – whether operating remotely or not.

Koch Industries, Inc. recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of the remaining portion of Infor from Golden Gate Capital. Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialised by industry, has been a key component of Koch Industries’ technological transformation. Koch Industries’ companies have made more than $26 billion in technology-related investments in the past six years, transforming a global portfolio of businesses spanning multiple industries.

There has been a recent surge of businesses utilising eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) for their financial reporting. Globally, millions of organisations in over 50 countries are successfully running with XBRL.

With the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions moving to Level 4, many South Africans are inevitably going to be exposed to more risk of exposure and transfer. This is already apparent when looking at the increase in cases since 5 May 2020. It is imperative that South Africans battle these heightened risks by keeping their homes and facilities not only clean, but sanitised too.

With Covid19 and the resultant lockdown, South African industries, and the world at large, are in a very uncertain place. The closure of businesses and facilities has, as predicted, led to an economic backlash within many (if not all) industries. In order to succeed and overcome, it is imperative that organisations take hold of technological advances to aid in lead conversion and the boosting of sales and growth.

Information technology’s speed of evolution offers vast opportunities for all. Managers within the IT environment face a particularly unique challenge; staying ahead of rapid advancement brought on by Industry 4.0. This has been further accelerated with technological support needed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a two-speed world, businesses across the globe are often faced with one crippling dilemma: outgrowing legacy technology systems. Facing an outdated, ill-fitting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, local ship repair and marine engineering company, Dormac began the search for a digital journey partner.

There is no denying that the world is currently in a state of economic uncertainty. Companies are bracing themselves for the economic backlash of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many have already felt the repercussions seeping through their crumbling company structure. In times such as this, earnings are becoming more volatile. Technological advances have become imperative to function and progress.

In the long-forgotten pre-COVID world, electronic signature solutions were considered a “nice to have” by many South African businesses. Why not print and hand deliver documents for signature? After all, this is more secure… isn’t it? In a locked-down economy, the value of innovative technology has certainly come to the fore as remote workforces endeavour to ensure that it’s business as usual. This is not only convenient, but essential to survival.

Countries, cities, businesses and schools across the world face quarantine and closures, in the wake of COVID-19. While this global panic will doubtless have far-reaching economic consequences, the need to remain in touch, engaged and in communication with the world remains essential.

Security, and particularly internal security, is vital to the wellbeing of any organisation and industry. Internal security plays a crucial part in the company structure. This is due to internal threat often being an organisation’s highest risk. Esteemed company leaders and managers are often aware of this liability.

With the outbreak and rapid spreading of COVID-19, understanding the correct handwashing protocol is now more crucial than ever. By implementing the proper protocol, along with the use of the correct types of cleansing products, it is possible to flatten the curve and help protect yourself and your loved ones.

In the digital age, the world is innovating at an exponential rate. As 4IR drives digital transformation, electronic signatures are becoming ever more prevalent. Now the question arises; how does one prove consent?

The Polygraph Test has become both famous and infamous through the popularity of its presence in crime dramas, dramatised on TV and in movies. The result of this increased attention and exposure is that there seems to be a rise of scepticism about the validity and value of taking or administering a polygraph test.

In a fast-paced world, data changes by the minute. Most business struggle to keep up. Whether managing debtors, handling queries, or dealing with customers via a call centre or service desk, it is essential that companies have access to the most current, complete and accurate information about their customers.

In a digital world it is critical that industries move beyond traditional asset management. In 2020, it’s time to embrace predictive analytics to strategise capital investments more effectively.  

Recent South African news reports have reflected an influx of gender-based crimes targeting women. Heartbreaking and harrowing accounts have flooded the media depicting these unjust attacks, murders and acts of violence. South Africans are called to raise their awareness and their defences to counter these crimes. This raised awareness also applies to the world of cybercrime.

Across the globe, competitive organisations in all industries are transforming every aspect of their operations through a commitment to digitalisation. Transformation in the hospitality industry is proving to benefit the businesses, as well as the guests, as innovation drives superior guest experiences, greater profitability and enhanced property and asset management.

The concept of strikes is not new to South African employers and employees alike. However, within the realm of striking and strike protection there are certain rules and regulations that may be unknown. This is particularly true when it comes to the repercussions of carrying a weapon during a strike.

The eSignature market is highly regulated with a plethora of choices when it comes to vendor solutions. Organisations are often overwhelmed with a vast range of possibilities when implementing electronic signatures into their business processes, and this often stifles the adoption. Key to any eSignature solution selection is understanding what standards have been established to ensure that the organisation’s investment is protected

In a digitally driven world, every operational unit in every organisation across the globe is faced with the need to innovate. As the world evolves, so roles transform and employees at every level need to keep pace to maintain their place of importance in the organogram. This extends even to the finance department, where modern CFOs are required not only to act as the traditional “bean counters” but strategic organisational leaders too.

Johannesburg, December 12, 2019 – GMO GlobalSign (www.globalsign.com), a global Certificate Authority (CA) and the leading provider of identity and security solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced that Johannesburg, South Africa-based Impression has become a GlobalSign Certified Regional Partner (CRP), addressing the critical security needs of its customers with a highly scalable managed Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) service

Keeping the holidays eco-friendly may seem like a daunting and perhaps, at times, even a somewhat impossible task. However, there are entirely manageable strategies to ensure that you can celebrate the Festive Season fully while also achieving sustainability.

In today’s technological business market, starting an organisation has become easier than ever. Entrepreneurs have every advantage at their disposal. From formulating ideas through to execution and marketing; everything has become almost as easy as simply pushing a button. The result of this is that the market is flooded with options for consumers to choose from.

In the fast-paced supply chain industry, most efforts to outpace disruption are ultimately limited by the physical and financial constraints inherent to moving goods around the globe. Whether it is a strike or factory fire, new trade regulation or an unexpected supplier bankruptcy, much of how products are made and moved happens outside of our control.

In an ever more competitive industry, hospitality establishments are hard pressed to ensure increased profits, optimised operations and enhanced customer satisfaction. Hoteliers have a lot of challenges in their day-to-day jobs, and these teams face fluctuating variables that often create uncertainty in pricing decisions.

To lead with data in the digital age, today’s businesses must blaze trails daily. The key is to break away from archaic and static business reporting, favouring predictive, prescriptive analytics. The result is end-to-end data management and analytics solutions built to transform the entire organisation. In an era driven by information, the ability to explore the hidden relationships within data is a key differentiator in every market, leading to insights that ignite great ideas.

Across the retail sector, there are three fundamental shifts that need to occur in the digital transformation journey. The first is the rise of the empowered consumer. The second is the omni-channel development of the agile supply chain. The third is the changing role of the store, which must focus more on engagement and creating an experience for customers. 

In the wake of Industry 4.0 there is no doubt that technology – both its advancements and shortcomings – is dictating the speed of change across the globe. As emerging technologies innovate, so customer expectations evolve, requiring even more innovation. This is a never-ending cycle.

South Africa has seen a surge of fraud related crimes happening within white-collar business sectors of the country. Fraud constitutes a serious economic crime and should not be treated as a normal theft issue. Company leaders must become more vigilant than ever to ensure that their company does not fall victim to the ever-present threat of fraud.

Infor, a leading provider of business applications specialised by industry and built for the cloud, announced a planned leadership transition on 21 August 2019, effective immediately. Through this transition, Kevin Samuelson, who has served as Infor’s CFO, has been named Chief Executive Officer. Charles Phillips, who has served as CEO since 2010, has been named Chairman of Infor’s Board of Directors. Samuelson will also join Infor’s Board of Directors.

South Africa has recently seen a huge spike in criminal behaviour. This has particularly been evidenced by the recent gender-based violence incidents, xenophobic attacks, looting and rioting. This spike has led many South African citizens to decide that they will no longer stand by silently with the belief that the time has come to fight back.

Across the entire value chain, manufacturing organisations are under constant pressure to innovate products and services. To remain competitive, greater customer intimacy must be established, and more must be achieved with less resources. This is no easy feat. These complex trends, when harnessed correctly, are making the modern plant more efficient, productive and aware of the data required to perform better. 

In a two-speed world, digital transformation is a prerequisite to competing in an exponential future. While organisations strive to keep pace in an intelligent, open and connected world they must meet the demands of rampant automation, growth and innovation. The key to success lies in not choosing between building on old systems or taking the path of disruption – but rather inculcating the agility to do both.

As the world strives to keep pace with the fourth industrial revolution, as millennials enter the workforce, and as post-millennials enroll at educational facilities, a common requirement is the embracement of technology. This results in an increased demand for companies and institutions to offer innovations, such as mobile solutions, that meet the expectations and needs of these generations.

The bottom line has always been important within the corporate world. Organisations need to make decisions that make financial sense to ensure that the company remains viable, is profitable and can continue doing its work.  

Many of our continent’s most majestic species of wildlife face a real threat of extinction. Africa is losing the very thing that makes it unique and valuable, its wildlife. To counter this, various organisations and individuals have taken it upon themselves to commit their lives to conserving these animals.  

In today’s marketplace the crime and corruption within the business sector, and the country at large, is a real threat and concern for many South African business owners and managers. There seems to be a real surge of attempts at increasing security and protecting companies and businesses from potential criminal threats. What most don’t realise is that, often, their biggest threat comes from within.

Every organisation operating in the food industry faces a great amount of responsibility. If errors occur within the manufacturing processes, food cultivation or production, the negative effects can be far reaching and devastating. This is often evidenced by incidences such as the listeria outbreak, pests being found in food, and general poor quality of produce once it reaches store shelves. 

Today’s global marketplace finds itself in the ever growing, ever evolving digital era. As a result of Industry 4.0 and its emerging technologies, the constant technological advances and innovations are considered great successes among many industries. First world countries often have the resources they need to keep up with the demands of this so called fourth industrial revolution, but what of the rest of the world?

Although the notion of network-based computing stems right back to the 1960s, the modern term “cloud computing” arose in the 2000s. Yet, almost two decades later, South Africa still lags in both its adoption, and its use for critical functions like business intelligence (BI).

The word "personalisation" carries many connotations. Perhaps it's a monogram or engraving to signify ownership of an object. Or maybe it's home décor, what makes the space your own. What may not have made your list of highly personalised experiences is a hotel room - or even a hotel stay.

The African Rhino is not only an iconic animal for its strength and majestic beauty, but also as an intrinsic part of Africa’s wildlife story. These animals are integral to the heritage of Africa. This is evident in the concerted effort of various individuals and organization who have dedicated their lives and missions towards protecting these beautiful creatures from endangerment and extinction.

There was a time during the tumultuous 60s and 70s that the younger generation was admonished to “never trust anyone over thirty.” You may have heard that quote – it was made a cultural touchstone by the likes of luminaries such as Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin and the Beatles. (Note: members of the younger generation who don’t understand those references should consult the Internet and the iTunes store.)

True healing, both physical and emotional, can only take place when patients are in a safe environment. Neurologically speaking, the sense of safety is a key ingredient that patients’ minds need in order to heal optimally. Any threat to that security hinders healing and growth.

Industrial cleaning is a very large industry with extensive demands. As a manager and/or operator within this industry it is of vital importance that information about upcoming trends and predictions are acknowledged and, when it is the right fit, adhered to. Understanding where the market is heading is important in any sector, however in the industrial cleaning sector it is crucial for survival.

A study recently published by the Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences confirms that as South Africa’s popularity as a tourist destination increases, the need for skilled human capital increases too. Especially during the festive season, the hospitality industry employs additional human resources (HR) to meet increased demand. This influx requires the effective management of HR and operations, ensuring only the best customer experiences are delivered.

Healthcare institutions are pivotal to the survival of society. They are the institutions that are built to facilitate health and healing. If, however, these institutions are not properly cared for and maintained, they can also become the places that pose the greatest threat to society. This poses imminent health threats via people who are already vulnerable, often with weakened immune systems due to current illnesses, being exposed to germs. 

Africa’s wildlife is a vital part of the continent’s heritage. They are in many ways not a part of Africa, they are Africa. The increasing threats to Africa’s wildlife suggest that Africa could be in danger of losing a part of its identity. But there is hope. There are brave unsung heroes who devote their lives to mitigating these threats by conserving and protecting African wildlife.

New software release provides freedom and control with a modern consumer grade user interface for the connected enterprise

The transportation industry provides a vital service to the South African business industry at large. Transporting goods and supplies from one location to another is a vital, but also very risky business. Trucks and other modes of transportation are particularly vulnerable to the threat of crime and fraudulent action while the goods are on the road and/or in transit.

In South Africa, hospitality is a booming industry. The country’s ‘exotic’ wildlife and evocative nature draw thousands of international guests to South African shores annually. This, in turn, results in positive growth for the local tourism industry - and holds large benefits for the South African hospitality industry at large.

South Africa is often seen as lagging behind the global curve. In the technology space, for example, the country has often been considered about five years behind developed countries. As Industry 4.0 revolutionises the digital workplace, however, a global shift is reducing the gap between markets across industries. The South African events industry is one which has, in many ways, exceeded global standards. 

The world is drowning in data. As organisations across the globe attempt to manage these massive datasets, varying sources and formats emerge. This leads to disparate data, management silos and questionable reporting based on varying data.

Across the manufacturing and distribution sectors, improving operational efficiency is the difference between success and failure. To achieve this, organisations must employ the latest technology for effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). When managed correctly, ERP integrates all aspects of an organisation’s operational workflow, bringing product planning, development, manufacturing, sales and marketing together to create a streamlined and united big picture.

Thanks to modern analytics and a revolutionised approach to business intelligence (BI), today’s businesses are afforded the opportunity to make decisions based on the analysis of real-time data, making the business more proactive and transparent.

As hospitality providers across the globe embrace digital transformation, the question arises; what do intelligent hotels offer? From guestroom automation to location-based interactions, mobile engagement, hyper personalisation, APIs and integration – the goal is excellent customer service. Is this possible? Is Africa ready for the “Digital Hotel”?

Compassionate leaders are taking the workforce by storm. Supporting humanitarian organisations and actively participating in charitable events help to band the workforce together with a positive mission. This leads to increased energy and boosts moods, which in turn leads to better productivity and workplace morale. 

Businesses across South Africa face massive internal and external security threats daily. While each has its own unique risks associated to its industry, location and assets, the reality is that adequate protection is required. The key to implementing suitable protection lies in the systems, control and parameters put in place. According to experts in the field, the first step in achieving this is a physical security audit.

Data by itself is useless. For it to have any real, tangible value, one must be able to turn data into information and turn information into decision making. Innovative emerging technology is making this a reality, as associative logic transforms the business intelligence landscape. With this unique logic, insights are presented in a way that wouldn’t be clear from a spreadsheet, empowering users to make informed decisions.

The most common and often underrated cause of the spread of illness is poor hand hygiene. Despite the commonly known mantras for advice many have heard growing up, like ‘wash your hands before you eat’, ‘wash your hands after using the lavatory’, etc. the startling fact is that a large percentage of people forgo this advice all together.

Data literacy is a critical component of success in the modern world. What is the use of innovative tools if users don’t understand how they function? Can users fully utilise the abilities of these tools? Without adequate literacy, user adoption suffers. As a result, organisations are spending a large portion of their annual budgets on software, tools and infrastructure that is not being used effectively.

A statement prepared by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), reflects that its Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros showed some success in 2018. The report confirms that, from 1st January to 31st December 2018, 769 rhino were poached in South Africa (compared to 1 028 poached in 2017). Of these, 421 rhino were killed in the Kruger National Park, and 142 were poached in KwaZulu-Natal.

Statistics SA recently released its findings that the South African economy grew by 1.4 percent in the last quarter of 2018. While this is encouraging and a move in the right direction, many are still faced with the question; “is this growth sustainable?”. Mirroring this question, industries across the African continent are seeking solutions that will effectively help organisations to accelerate growth while keeping cost and risk under control.

CEOs are banding together to make a difference and it is certain to have a major, positive impact on workplace morale. More and more business leaders seem to be raising their hands to participate in charitable events. This humanitarian focus and drive not only aids deserving charities, but the business leaders and their staff as well.

Every year, experts from vertical industries, consulting firms and technology providers share their forecasts of the top topics that will be making headlines and drive IT sales. The lists profile innovative solutions that are creating buzz and gaining sales momentum. This grocery list-approach to IT investments underscores one of the faults in today’s adoption trends: where’s the strategy?

The economic and socio-political climate globally, but more specifically within South Africa itself, is such that South African businesses find themselves in a very volatile market. Although it seems that the country has rather successfully moved out of the economic threats of 2017, the ground is still far from stable.

BWT - The Best Water Technology Group stays on the F1 grid continuing as a Formula 1 principal sponsor in 2019. This year, the two pink cars with the drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll will be racing as team  SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team.

In a field where limits are only imposed by the imagination, businesses must continue to learn, evolve and partner to create ongoing success. Technology today is as simple as it will ever be. It is advancing exponentially, daily and the real challenge is not only to keep up, but to get ahead, delivering solutions before the world even knows it needs them.

Thirty years ago, South Africa’s professional landscape looked completely different to what it is today. The investigations industry has been revolutionised by the advent of auditing firms which conduct internal investigations, and innovative technology that both simplifies and complicates the sector.

The corporate world is often described as being a ‘cut throat’ and ‘dog-eat-dog’ environment, where the strong survive and thrive by trampling on the weaker people below them. However, with the increase in psychological studies and research into the impact of aggression versus humanity in the workplace, it has become more and more evident that a positive, inclusive environment yields better work cohesion, a stronger team and (ultimately) more success.

Climate change is a real problem, it is not just going to go away simply by looking the other way. It is a serious issue that needs to be recognised and addressed. The issue, although fundamentally and most importantly an environmental one, also has a ripple effect which negatively impacts businesses and the economic climate at large.

In a world often ruled by its CEOs and top-level influencers, it is hard to imagine these magnates as vulnerable or helpless. They are powerful players in the South African economy, they rule their organisations and guide them towards success – but what if they were wheelchair bound and reliant on others for their every daily need?

Facility management is no easy task. The added pressure of needing to gain and maintain a green status can be overwhelming for even the most efficient facility managers. Understanding which products to use and just how to use them can be a time consuming and exasperating task.

Thanks to Industry 4.0, globalisation and rapid digitalisation, today’s consumers are very connected and mobile.  How does this impact the hospitality industry?

Service-centered industries face two key challenges in their pursuit to success; becoming ever more responsive, and delivering accurate, reliable services at speed. The services industry can be fickle. Research reveals that customers are twice as likely to report a bad experience than share about a good one. This means that services must be delivered on time, as required, and in excellence to avoid watching customers walk out the door.

The automotive industry faces constant change. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), to achieve success, the automotive industry must deliver: internationally competitive products; fuel efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles; improved quality and choice; and high quality after sales service.

There are parts of society that are often forgotten in the modern, chaotic, commercial world in which we live. However, the forgotten are not absent. They still exist and, in the right hands, thrive. The truth is that South Africa, and the world at large, has a population of people who struggle with profound intellectual disabilities and the related challenges.  

Specialist Business Intelligence (BI) software product development company,  QVAuctor – ebiexperts, recently announced its new distribution partnership with South Africa Qlik Master Reseller (SAQMR, SAQlik).

As the year winds to an end, most corporate, commercial and industrial organisations are planning year end functions. These events are designed to thank employees for their loyal service throughout the year, give them the opportunity to strengthen team dynamics in preparation for the new year, and energise them for the work to come. Nothing could dampen spirits faster than event crashers, theft, disruption, or event suppliers failing to deliver on their promises on the day.

As African manufacturers begin to upgrade their operations, mapping out an incremental approach is essential. Smart factories, digitisation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are all hot topics in the manufacturing sector, generating considerable buzz - and some consternation. These disruptive technologies are exciting, yet the complexity can also be overwhelming.

After conducting intensive research* into the topic of strikes and labour unrest, the Mandela Initiative came to several conclusions. One of these was that the right to strike is made up of a delicate balance between the power of firms and the rights of employees, and is considered a sign of a healthy democracy.

The redemption of Cape Town dam water levels has been met with marked relief. Day Zero was effectively kept at bay. Reportedly, dam levels in the Western Cape have continued to rise. According to Capetownetc.com, these levels have now pushed past the 74% mark. This is a drastic improvement on the 37.5% that was reported at the same time last year. The Western Cape also has a strong forecast of good rainfall for the coming weeks.

In South Africa, stringent Labour Laws have created somewhat of a minefield for employers to navigate when it comes to disciplinary procedures. While protecting the rights of the employee is paramount, employers that are not completely up to date with the relevant legislation could soon find themselves in hot water.

Customisation is often sold as a software benefit. “It is tailor-made, unique and built only for your organisation” – these were the constant and reliable sentiments of the past. While bespoke software design certainly had its place in history, as the pace of innovation in tech continues to rise, the value of customisations must be weighed up against the benefits of easy upgrades.  

With the recent ill-health and food borne diseases that have plagued South Africa, it seems that the need for a reassessment of hygiene and health standards in the industrial and food sectors is vital. Yet, there are many handwashes and hand sanitisers on the market today that do not seem to cover the required standard of continued protection against pathogenic microorganisms. 

In any organisation, a key element of success is the ability to deliver what is promised. When demand outstrips supply, brand reliability is damaged and potential growth thwarted. In a modern age, businesses that don’t rely on software innovations to ensure maximum profit and productivity are missing a crucial step.

In many organisations, the recruitment function is often left up to the Human Resources department. While there is certainly merit in partnering with HR throughout the talent acquisition process, seeking the advice and guidance of professional employee screening services is essential.  

Modern enterprise applications must deliver business that drive extended best of breed solutions. From the core enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions through supply chain planning to extended warehouse management, asset maintenance, product life cycle management, information management, and enterprise performance management – every element of operations can be managed to perfection.

In recent years, the terms ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘going green’ have become increasingly popular. With the millennial generation calling for establishments to become “woke” about green living and green hospitality (among other things) there is a higher demand than ever before on the hospitality and tourism industry to go green, and to maintain a green status. 

The relationship between artificial intelligence and business intelligence is deepening daily, as augmented analytics takes centre stage. In a world where global market shifts can occur in a matter of minutes, access to real-time data – and the capability to analyse that data effectively – has become more important than ever before.

During June, parts of Johannesburg were plunged into darkness – not from load shedding, but due to striking Eskom workers damaging company property during a one-day wage strike. The South African Communications Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, has slammed striking workers, confirming that “damage to Eskom property during strike is economic sabotage,” reports EWN. 

According to the Green Hotels Association, “Green Hotels are environmentally-friendly properties (where) managers are eager to institute programmes that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste - while saving money.”

In an ever more connected world, it is essential that businesses find their footing on the transformation journey. Data is the foundation of this journey, providing the key to get the vehicle to insights moving. 

Modern businesses are beginning to uncover how visual analytics can be used to discover hidden relationships in simple and complex data. Why does this have such a resounding impact? It provides the key to unlock powerful insights, meaning businesses can make better-informed decisions, faster, while experiencing incredible business benefits.

To be effective, Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) must be progressive and multi-methodology driven. When implemented correctly, it allows for superior business planning and strategy execution, using business intelligence (BI) as a methodology in a portfolio of EPM tools. 

Many South Africans are still reeling from recent bout of Cash In Transit heists in and around Johannesburg. The violence is unspeakable, the targets are often left for dead, and although some arrests have been made, no real action has been taken to stop these attacks before they happen.

In manufacturing, constantly increasing demands apply immense pressure to supply. According to a Deloitte report, ever shorter product life cycles must be delivered. To achieve this, agile manufacturing practices are a necessity. On the other hand, the facilities management (FM) and the property sector carry the heavy burden to reduce costs, while adding more value to clients’ core businesses.

A well-maintained facility is imperative for any business. Poor working conditions lead to a decline in the health and motivation of staff members, which, in turn, leads to a decline in productivity and profitability.

In an information driven world, not making use of the data at hand is operational suicide. With a wealth of business insights readily available, it simply doesn’t make sense not to capitalise on this data to make better decisions, faster. 

The world is constantly evolving. The modern-day business environment has vastly changed and continues to develop at a faster rate every day. With these advancements comes the need for progressive leadership, strong management and innovative thinking from the top. 

As criminals and crimes continue to evolve, it is essential that security providers challenge the status quo. 

Condition assessment allows public sector agencies to guarantee the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient service to their constituents.

In the wake of the listeria outbreak that continues to plague South Africa, it is imperative that manufacturers and wholesalers in the food and beverages industry ensure their factories and kitchens are effectively cleaned and sanitised.

Many businesses focus their loss control strategies on preventing unwanted elements from getting in from the outside. While this is certainly an important step in securing assets and minimising risk, what if the truly dangerous element has already made itself comfortable within the operations of the organisation?

In the fast moving, volatile and critical poultry industry, control over processes within various divisions and sites is essential. Linking different divisions with each other and the business to provide an integrated view of the entire organisation provides accurate insights to ensure better performance. Management via manual processes and Excel spreadsheets simply doesn’t achieve the results needed to remain competitive. 

By their very nature, many businesses operating in the digital era are constantly inundated with massive data sources. 

South African businesses need a different mindset to address ongoing stock losses and fraud.

Tech Terms defines an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) as “a company that produces hardware to be marketed under another company's brand name”. Earlier this quarter, Tracker Connect (Pty) Ltd was named the SA Qlik Master Reseller OEM Partner of the Year for 2017.

Picture the 1980s businessman dictating an important message for his assistant to type and fax to his client. Time is money – but it certainly seemed to move a little slower a few decades ago. 

Considering how maintenance and parts inventories have evolved in recent years, and the increasingly strategic approach to Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), it is apparent that visibility is one of the most important drivers at every step in the manufacturing and plant engineering process.

In the security industry, discipline and integrity are critical factors. A United States security expert* recently confirmed that; “the supervision of security guards is the most important and most difficult challenge of a security company.” Guarding is a career that requires a large set of skills – and while guards may be proficient in one area, this does not mean that they are able to deliver on the full skillset required. 

Across South Africa, the outbreak of the food-borne disease Listeria has been reported as possibly being the largest outbreak of its kind the world has ever seen. This disease has already claimed more than 170 lives. According to The National Health Laboratory Service, 915 cases of Listeria have been reported since January 2017. Those most vulnerable are young people, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

Manufacturers based in South Africa often face unique and intricate operational challenges. From labour unrest to an unstable electrical grid, water shortages, harsh conditions and asset risks, there are various factors to consider, and strategic management is essential. With the right technology, however, these challenges can be overcome for a profitable, seamlessly run manufacturing plant.

With the exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the ever-expanding digital era, businesses face a flurry of data. This constant stream of information demands attention. Why? Because businesses already have all the information at hand to make impactful, positive, strategic decisions; if only they knew how to access it.

In a world that is currently driven by all things transformation, the revolution of working practices must be given its due consideration. From disruptive business software to digital transformation, the optimisation of investments and services, and the need for (transformative) speed – businesses that do not focus on empowering the organisation to perform better will soon be left behind.

Water is a valuable commodity. It has been said that the third world war will be fought over water. It is a resource that is quickly running out, as Cape Town is set to become the first city to run out of water. The world has its eyes on the water crisis in the Cape with “day zero” looming. 

In facilities management, inspecting large institutional, engineering, manufacturing, mining and commercial facilities and assets can be a challenging, dangerous, and dirty job. Ensuring that assets are performing reliably to design standards means balancing tight budgets and aging infrastructure or finding new ways to maximise the value of existing assets. 

Mauritius has long been known as an idyllic holiday destination. Unfortunately, environmental news from this paradise had started to become somewhat underwhelming and serious action needed to be taken to help bring Mauritius back to its former glory. Mauritius’ Vice-Prime Minister Mr Showkutally Soodhun announced that the government of Mauritius “is committed to upholding the country’s cleanliness and safety for the benefit of the population.” 

From phishing to identity theft, the invasion of privacy, Internet/ATM/wire fraud, file sharing and piracy, counterfeiting and forgery, child pornography, and hacking – cybercrime is a chilling and imminent threat across the globe. 

A recent poll has revealed that the South African facilities management, manufacturing and fleet management industries face four distinct pain points; work orders, asset registers, downtime and contractors. 

In our modern-day world of technology, it is of utmost importance to remain on the forefront of innovation and technology. Companies that strive to better the world we live in help to pioneer a future that encourages growth and development, to the benefit of those around us. These role models are the true stalwarts of our business world. 

TechTarget defines enterprise asset management (EAM) as; “a broad term vendors use to describe software that provides managers with a way to view company-owned assets holistically"

In any industry, being under the influence at work can become a deadly habit. Whether the staff member is responsible for security, transport, warehousing or factory work, dulled senses put themselves, their colleagues and their customers at risk. There are no legal stipulations in South African law about whether a company can request an employee to undergo a breathalyser. As such, companies are well within their rights to request same.

It is no secret that ‘going Green’ is a growing trend with many positive effects. However, how do you know when green really means green? There are many products and energy saving ‘tips’ that don’t actually benefit a green environment all that much. 

When asked what it takes to be successful in the hospitality industry, most would say; the personal touch. It’s about attention to detail and delivering service excellence - from the greeting at the entrance to the turn-down service. The hotel’s facilities must be immaculate and offer guests the utmost in luxury and convenience. Collectively, industries across the globe are turning to technological innovations to achieve these goals. No less the hospitality sector. 

Without a secure failover, erratic fixed line connectivity can cause havoc, especially in the high-demand, fast-paced fast food sector. As the name suggests, the expectation is that both the food and service are delivered quickly, and at a standardised (high) level of quality.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) boasts many benefits, the most obvious being the ability to fast track obtaining a qualification. Many people today have extensive experience in their field but not the qualifications behind their name to back that experience. RPL offers a solution for those eligible candidates. 

Public shooting incidents do not end when the gun fire stops. They have far-reaching effects and consequences that shopping malls, their tenants, contractors, employees must deal with effectively.

In every industry, asset management is critical to ensuring productivity, reducing downtime and promoting profits. Across South Africa, asset management, facilities management and manufacturing industries have been challenged with an economic mountain which appeared to bring many to rock bottom. Yet digital transformation has offered the stepping stones needed to overcome, as digitisation brings with it great competitive advantage. 

Throughout operational periods, most commercial/industrial sectors and business premises are a hive of activity. With staff constantly occupying the premises, the threat of external crime is usually kept to a minimum. In general, during operational periods, standard armed response and alarm systems are sufficient to protect the business against break-ins or damage to property. 

As the world delves ever deeper into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, modern enterprises are forced to evolve their operational practices. With this digital transformation comes an onslaught of information, resulting in massive datasets and the responsibility to analyse this data effectively. 

In today’s facilities management (FM) market, achieving Green Building Status has become vital. According to Matt Sena’s Green Industry Analysis 2017; “Green industry practices not only enjoy favorable public sentiment and the psychic income of a lower carbon footprint, but increased cost savings, supportive government policies, and ever-increasing profitability as well.” 

In manufacturing, accurate and comprehensive real-time information about plant floor operations is essential to making informed decisions that drive productivity. What could be more crucial than the equipment itself? Downtime, which is detrimental to any business, is especially damaging and costly for manufacturers. According to Mining Global, each hydraulic power and belt drive failure can result in up to $180,000 in lost production.

Collaboration is the act of working together. It is the coming together of ideas and strategies to create a better final product, and ensure the advancement of a group, a business or an industry. In the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, collaboration is seen as the driving force behind success, ensuring the multiplication of innovation, delivery and efficiency. 

The purpose of skills development is to facilitate access to and progression within career paths through high quality education and training. As the skills development arena continues to evolve, the reality of the skills crisis is becoming evident. Skills development is becoming a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) scorecard conversation, yet 7,2 million South African people are still illiterate, with new forms of illiteracy developing with every new workplace innovation.

In the field of industrial cleaning, the antiquated mantra dictates that the stronger the product smells, the better it works. Using this approach, many companies utilised acrid, chemically driven products that were ineffectual against many strains of bacteria and dangerous to the health of those using the products. However, as Africa (and the world) became ever more conscious of the need for environmentally friendly approaches, the rise of biological cleaners began. 

Earlier this year, a report from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners revealed shocking facts about employee theft. The report confirmed that approximately 27 percent of large companies have seen an increase in theft cases and up to seven percent of annual revenues are being lost due to fraud, 37.1 percent of which was committed by managerial staff. 

In the facilities management (FM) industry, listening to the client plays a critical role in ensuring the delivery of a flexible solution. Understanding the client’s requirements is the first step to tailoring an FM solution that meets their needs, while delivering measurable results and reliable monitoring and reporting. To achieve this, the right technology and software must be utilised, ensuring modern and agile service delivery. 

SA’s public sector faces constant turbulence, with widespread corruption, local inefficiencies and infighting across government. This culminated in the Democratic Alliance petitioning for an emergency election, with the belief that the majority of South Africans have lost confidence in president Jacob Zuma. The public sector has a long way to go, effective data management has proven it packs a powerful punch in thwarting corruption & driving municipal efficiencies. 

A large managerial role entails making people work, driving productivity and reducing inefficiencies. Part of making people work is making work for people. Too often management holds onto the reigns, gathering all the more balls until they simply cannot be juggled any longer. 

In the world of enterprise applications, the most effective solution is usually bestowed upon the largest organisation with the biggest budget. Yet, these applications are the engine room of all organisations, regardless of their size. Without effective solutions, businesses suffer from a lack of agility, responsiveness and flexibility, hindering management’s ability to make fast, sound decisions. 

Contrary to the predictions of the futuristic movies of the 80s, the “rise of the machines” will not be the downfall of mankind – but rather deliver the business application support system that drives greater efficiencies with more intelligence, less error and greater data control. As enterprise software continues to evolve, the introduction of mainstream artificial intelligence has become the logical focus point for innovative solutions. 

Earlier this month, Eyewitness News reported that the latest South African jobs statistics continue to reflect an appallingly high unemployment rate. According to the World Bank, the 2016 average unemployment rate for all upper middle-income countries was 6.2 percent. In 2016, South Africa’s rate was at 25.9 percent, rising to 27.7 percent in 2017. Of these unemployed droves, a staggering 39 percent have never worked before, highlighting the plight of unemployed youth.

Digital transformation is more than a mere buzzword. Modern businesses must evolve as the digital age continues to overtake lives, both personally and professionally. To maintain the capability to leverage intricate market changes, businesses must undergo an in-depth metamorphosis. This digital transformation must bring the business and its organisational activities in line with the fourth industrial revolution and all of the opportunities it holds. 

Across the globe, security technology is constantly developed, improved upon and provided in order to create an environment that is truly safe and secure. According to a report issued by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), violent crime remains an ever-present threat in South Africa. 

The latest Lancet Healthcare Access and Quality Index recently confirmed that South Africa’s healthcare ranks poorly, at 119 out of 195 countries in the world. With the misappropriation of funds, unaffordable medical aid rates and the generally abhorrent state of government hospitals (with some exceptions), it seems real transformation is required to save costs, increase efficiencies and improve patient care. 

For the last decade, South Africa has been on an educational journey, as the market began to embrace greener living, cleaner results and smarter practices. The planet is finite, and its resources are limited. In legal terms, there’s a saying that “ignorance of the law is no excuse” – the time has come where ignorance of our effect on the planet could be our own downfall. This is why the best time to be an #ecowarrior is now.

As an organisation moves through the five stages of the business lifecycle, rapid growth must be coupled with sound processes and access to information to reach maturity. With the correct systems in place, the business can function at the same efficiency regardless of its size. However, if there are deficiencies in these systems, the deficits will grow as the business grows, ultimately resulting in decline and the death of the enterprise.

As both local and global markets face constant and intricate business changes, relevant, reliable and secure Information Communication Technology (ICT) has become not only a dire need, but also a prerequisite for success. To deliver an effective ICT strategy, one must take a view to the future and consider what the business requirements will be next month, next year or in the next decade. 

As industries the world over strive to keep pace with technological advancements, the retail industry has engaged with “omni-channels” (multiple operational channels). This creates more data, delivers more engagement from customers, and draws from more data sources. Through social engagement and the Internet of Things, a greater understanding of customers and their needs can be fostered - if this mass of data from all channels is harnessed correctly.

The African ethos of Ubuntu promotes the power of a village, supporting one another to achieve common goals. For conservation efforts to be successful, many areas of vulnerability must be addressed. To be successful, this requires a collaborative approach with efforts being made by a variety of passionate contributors. 

The South African labour market is heavily legislated, regulating the relationship between the employer and the employee – often in favour of the employee. In any business, selecting the right candidate for a position is essential to business success. In this highly protected labour environment, hiring the wrong candidate can be devastating and could prove to be a decision that is very difficult to reverse without legal repercussions. 

According to a scientific paper entitled “Building and Environment”, the practice of sustainable facilities management (FM) is rapidly evolving with the increasing interest in the discourse of sustainable development. “Survey results show that time constraints, lack of knowledge and lack of senior management commitment are the main barriers for the implementation of consistent and comprehensive sustainable FM policy and practice.” 

Last month, Trading Economics reported that South African manufacturing production had declined 0.8 percent year-on-year, following an upwardly revised 4.2 percent drop in April, which was the highest since July of 2014.

The current unemployment rate in South Africa is 27,7 percent. That’s almost a third of the population. A large portion of the unemployed are in fact graduates, with an overwhelming 60 percent of graduates remaining unemployed, or being employed in a career that is not in their field of study. Where does this leave the future of human resources (HR)? 

In 2015 Mail & Guardian reported that technology may very well save the mining industry. In engineering, construction and mining, this statement still rings true today. Gone are the days when spread sheets were the optimum performance platform. Innovation drives growth, and falling behind means losing ground instead of breaking it.