SYSPRO, a global provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, recently held a roundtable discussion with media representatives. In the session they delved into the landscape of manufacturing and how its ERP systems can help manufacturers achieve greater operational efficiency. Marius Wessels, Professional Services Manager for SYSPRO Africa led the conversation, speaking on key trends in the industry and how SYSPRO is addressing them, particularly in the East African market.
Key Trends in Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by technological advancements and changing market dynamics. SYSPRO has identified several key trends shaping the industry, including an increased focus on automation, data accuracy, and real-time information.
Manufacturers are also showing growing interest in AI and machine learning applications, recognizing the potential of these technologies to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
Marius emphasized on the importance of data-driven decision-making, stating, “These days, decisions are made on data, data, data.” He also noted that there’s a need for flexibility and responsiveness to regulatory changes, particularly in regions like East Africa, where regulations can be unpredictable.
SYSPRO’s Approach to ERP Solutions
To address these trends, SYSPRO offers a modular-based ERP system that allows customers to start small and scale up as their needs grow. This approach is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may be cost-sensitive but still need to adopt technology to remain competitive.
Marius advised that SMEs need to focus on their foundational needs and implement ERP modules incrementally, as this will allow them to grow their technology stack as their business expands.
SYSPRO’s ERP solutions are tailored specifically for the manufacturing and distribution industries. The company recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective in these sectors, which is why they offer customizable solutions to meet specific customer needs.
Additionally, SYSPRO has embraced integration capabilities with third-party systems, understanding that they “cannot be everything for everybody.” Their AI engine, for example, includes features like anomaly detection and process improvement, which adds value to their core ERP offering.
Expanding Presence in East Africa
SYSPRO has established a strong presence in the East African market, particularly in Kenya, and is actively expanding its reach. Jai Singh, who manages the East African region for SYSPRO, noted that the food and beverage industry has been a major adopter of their solutions.
A prime example of SYSPRO’s success in the East African market is their partnership with Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), a leading manufacturer, importer, and distributor of wines and spirits in Kenya.
Established in 1969, KWAL faced numerous challenges as it sought to modernize its operations and maintain its market leadership. The company was struggling with inefficiencies in its supply chain, difficulties in inventory management, and a lack of real-time visibility into its operations. These issues were hindering KWAL’s ability to make informed decisions and respond quickly to market changes.
In 2015, KWAL selected SYSPRO as its ERP partner. The implementation of SYSPRO’s ERP solution brought about considerable improvements across KWAL’s operations, including:
- Enhanced inventory management
- Streamlined supply chain
- Improved financial management
- Better decision-making
- Compliance and traceability
Addressing Market Challenges
While the market for ERP solutions is growing, it is not without its problems. Cost sensitivity, especially among SMEs, remains an important factor. SYSPRO addresses this by offering flexible pricing and implementation approaches. As Marius put it, “We are sensitive to it. I think our approach in terms of how we can package our software as well as how we can approach the implementation does give us a bit of an edge in terms of how we can reduce that impact of cost.”
SYSPRO also focuses on addressing market-specific requirements. In East Africa, there has been particular emphasis on delegating of authority and approval workflows, as well as import management and cost tracking.
Future Directions and Innovations
SYSPRO’s recent acquisition by Advent International is expected to bring additional resources and expertise to the company. Marius expressed optimism about this change, stating, “Long-term, my approach or my vision or hope is that there will be change, but the change would be for good, not a change in direction of the company, but more a change in enhancing our offering.”
When it comes to data security and accuracy, SYSPRO prioritizes compliance with security standards and proper data migration and validation processes. They are also leveraging AI for ongoing data accuracy checks, adding an extra layer of assurance for their customers. This focus on data integrity is particularly crucial in industries like food and beverage, where traceability and quality control are paramount.
Looking to the future, SYSPRO plans to continue investing in AI and machine learning capabilities, focusing on helping customers make data-driven decisions. They are also committed to adapting to changing regulatory environments, particularly in East Africa, where regulations can be unpredictable.
The Impact of Global Events on Manufacturing
The round-table discussion also touched on the impact of global events on manufacturing trends. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, accelerated the adoption of technology in many sectors. However, as Marius pointed out, the focus has shifted from merely facilitating remote work to leveraging tech for smarter, more effective operations. This includes using ERP systems to optimize inventory management, reduce labor costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
SYSPRO’s modular approach allows companies to address such needs incrementally. For example, a company might start with basic inventory management and financial modules, then add more advanced features like manufacturing operations management as their needs grow. This scalability is particularly valuable in emerging markets like East Africa, where companies may be at different stages of technological maturity.
By the end of the round-table discussion, it was clear that SYSPRO has a deep understanding of the manufacturing and distribution sectors. By combining industry-specific expertise with cutting-edge technology and a flexible, customer-centric approach, SYSPRO is enabling manufacturers and distributors in Kenya and beyond to thrive in an increasingly competitive and complex business environment.
