Finding the solution

The regional construction sector has seen many challenges recently, whether it be the pressures exerted on them in “boom” times with the rising costs of raw materials such as steel and concrete, or the challenges posed by the global credit crisis, the sudden curtailment of major developments and the drying up of funds to pay outstanding bills, as we have recently seen in the UAE.

The fact is that – in good times and bad – construction companies can have one major advantage over their competitors, and that is in the adoption and planned deployment of technology, which truly helps the construction industry perform more efficiently. This kind of technology helps in keeping their costs under control and putting them in a position to respond quickly to challenges, which are thrown at them in this highly dynamic region.

We hear from various technology companies that they have a “one stop” solution to all the needs of organisations across all industry sectors and the construction sector is no different. But the question is – is it true? Is there a “one stop” type solution that can provide one with the ability, and the agility, to manage the future?

When we talk to prospective and existing customers in the Middle East construction sector and listen to what they have to say, we find that functionality is a key issue for them.

They need to have one effective solution, which has the adaptability and the ability to integrate project planning with execution and give them the flexibility to manage change and adapt to new requirements in mid project. A solution that enables construction companies to deliver what was committed to be an on-time and on-budget project is a very real and relevant requirement.

Within the company there is a great deal of international experience in construction, based on real feedback given to us from our customers. We therefore understand, for instance, that project information evolves over time and there is a real need to keep everyone in the loop at all times. Therefore the need is for a solution that can follow the inevitable variations and cope with other changes that occur over the course of a project.

One key area, where an ERP solutions provider needs to be able to provide cost effective support and solutions, is in the area of business performance.

The combination of strong project management, contract and subcontract management, together with document management is a real differentiator.

Thus what needs to be offered to customers here in the Middle East, is a means by which the status of any project can be viewed at any level in the work breakdown structure, and the ability to make key decisions quickly using real-time information.

So what customers get, is an integrated solution for project planning, execution and financial follow up, enabling companies to go from catching up with past events to managing projects in real time and even staying one step ahead.

Technology plays a key role in the good times and the bad, but a technology partner needs to be a partner, not a cost.

Functionality, fast but successful implementation and a lower cost of ownership are all delivered by an effective project-centric solution – together with the age old mantra – listen to your customers.

Johnson currently works as sales manager for IFS Middle East in Dubai. He holds a BSc honours degree in Technology and Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering Systems and Management. With over five years experience within the ERP market in the Middle East, his role focuses on the direct sale of IFS applications to new customers throughout the Middle East and Arabic-speaking Africa.

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