Gauteng Business 2018-19 edition

OVERVIEW Information and

OVERVIEW Information and communications technology Technology companies are training young people in ICT. Artificial intelligence is the latest buzz phrase, and businesses are doing their best to stay ahead of the game. Among the biggest investors in new technology are banks and other players in the financial sector, where technology is rapidly lowering the barriers to entry for new businesses. South Africa’s Big Four banks spent R30-billion between June 2015 and the same month in 2016, with Standard Bank laying out R14-billion in that period (Tech Central). Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an important solution for many businesses, allowing various parts of a plant or distribution network to work together. Gauteng is a leader in the ICT sector. With several global companies choosing to station their South African headquarters in Gauteng, the province is well connected. More than 1 500 kilometres of network fibre has been connected throughout the province, with 1 066 sites such as schools, health facilities, libraries and community centres giving community members and entrepreneurs the chance to be connect with the digital world. The aim is to have 100% broadband connectivity in Gauteng by 2020. A provincial government initiative known as eKasiLabs Innovation Centres supports entrepreneurs and young people with good business ideas. The “Tshepo 1 Million” campaign links the provincial government with the successful Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and more than 40 large companies. The programme creates internships for unemployed young people, thus giving them some experience of the world of work and preparing them to solve real problems. There is a focus on digital skills and technology companies have come on board to provide training. Both Johannesburg and Tshwane have free Wifi networks with Tshwane’s covering 780 zones in places such as libraries, educational institutions and clinics. ONLINE RESOURCES Ikamva National eSkills Institute: www.enesi.org.za Independent Communications Authority: www.icasa.org.za National Department of Trade and Industry: www.dti.gov.za State Information Technology Agency: www.sita.co.za Technology Innovation Agency: www.tia.org.za SECTOR INSIGHTS More than 1 500km of network fibre has been laid in Gauteng. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) runs the SoftstartBTI ICT incubator in Midrand and Tuksnovation, a high-tech incubator, at Pretoria University. Several incentives relevant to companies and educational bodies in the ICT sector are available from the Department of Trade and Industry (dti). These include: • The Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP): companies and educational institutions working to improve technology; 50/50 cost sharing grant to a maximum of R8-million • Technology Development Fund: the Technology Innovation Agency makes up to R50-million available for up to 10 years • Technology Venture Capital: managed by the Industrial Development Corporation; commercialisation of innovative products, processes and technologies. GAUTENG BUSINESS 2018/19 64

Award-winning software ensures water delivery Introducing SYSPRO ERP Infinite Possibilities FOCUS SYSPRO software ensures high quality and flexibility for manufacturer. Audience: Prospective Customers SYSPRO software is an award-winning, best-of-breed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solution for on-premise and cloud-based utilisation. Scalable for rapid growth, SYSPRO is acknowledged by industry analysts to be among the finest enterprise resource planning solutions in the world. SYSPRO software’s powerful features, simplicity of use, information visibility, analytic and reporting capabilities, business process and rapid deployment methodology are unmatched in its sector. While SYSPRO customers represent all industry segments, rich extensions for food, medical devices, electronics and machinery companies, make SYSPRO the first choice for growing companies looking for a cost-effective ERP solution. Case Study When Hall Longmore began manufacturing welded steel pipes in 1924, it paved the way for the development of a major engineering enterprise, which today is the largest operation of its kind in Africa south of the Sahara, exporting to more than 30 countries around the globe. Today the company owns manufacturing facilities offering modern, industry-leading equipment and process control for the production of large-bore welded steel pipes. Applications range from the transportation of water, gas, petrochemical product, slurries to piling and structural steel fabrication. Hall Longmore is involved in the manufacture and processing of pipe for a number of environmentally significant water projects throughout Southern Africa. As a relatively dry region, Southern Africa is extremely reliant on these projects for the transportation of water. Rand Water, Amatola Water, Bloem Water and the Medupi Power Station are just some of the organisations that have benefited from Hall Longmore products. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility features the most modern pipe-making equipment and technology to ensure that stringent quality standards are maintained. This commitment to excellence has to be supported by an ERP system that offers the same level of expertise and flexibility. SYSPRO ERP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software automates and integrates core business processes such as customer orders, production, inventory control, and reporting. An ERP system can drive significant improvements in manufacturing, distribution and financial management. “SYSPRO’s ability to integrate with other systems and the willingness of SYSPRO developers to find workable solutions makes this a possibility,” says Systems Project Engineer, Linda Fischer. Personalize Your Workspace Scalable Safeguard Your ERP Investment Industry Built SYSPRO ERP Engaging User Experience Choice and Flexibility Actionable Insights Enable Digital Business The award refered to in this case study was won in the US. 65 GAUTENG BUSINESS 2018/19