ERP, or enterprise resource planning, is a process where companies streamline different departments, from human resources and logistics to ordering and billing, in one computer system to maximise efficiency. We provide the assistance  and expertise to our customers to navigatie through this sometimes complicated and diverse process and come away with a successful and  business enhancing solution.

All our consultants have University degrees, and are experts in the field of computer software, specifically enterprise resource planning software.  WillowIT place high value on keeping up with the latest applicable technology and ERP software together with keeping up with current developments in the IT industry in general.  Our knowledge, experience and expertise is vital to our ability to provide valuable input to our customers whilst understanding that they all have unique needs and business processes.

System development can generally be thought of having two major components: systems analysis and systems design. In system analysis, more emphasis is given to understanding the details of an existing system or a proposed one and then deciding whether the proposed system is desirable or not, and whether the existing system needs improvement. Thus, system analysis is the process of investigating a system, identifying problems, and using the information to recommend improvements to the system.

To begin an assignment, our consultant will meet with the customer's managers and users to define the goals of the system and then design a system to meet those goals. They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users' needs. We use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and a variety of accounting principles to ensure their plans are efficient and complete. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analysis to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology would be financially feasible.

Our solutions are tailored around OpenERP as it provides the perfect vehicle to deliver the diverse solutions that modern business requires.

System implementation efforts offer extraordinary challenges to information technology professionals and the organisations impacted by the implementations. A successful implementation can reap vast rewards in organisational strengths and efficiencies. A failure can drain an organisation of people, funds and vitality. We have learnt from extensive experience that the following factors are vital for success:

* The interaction of technology and the organisation – a broad concept that lays the groundwork for many of the other factors for consideration.

* User involvement and participation – influenced by a number of variables that must be carefully balanced in order to ensure success of the involvement.

* Resistance – can work for or against a project depending upon how it is managed.

* Commitment – an essential ingredient for success however, because commitment involves many factors including the interaction of many personalities and priorities, it is a challenge to achieve and maintain.

* Planning – more able to be controlled by project managers than other success factors, and involving many critical components.

* Risks – exist with every project but must be anticipated and managed in order to achieve success.

We have travelled the implementation road many times and have learnt through these experiences to tread carefully and conservatively, bearing all the above factors in mind. The extensive experience and expertise WillowIT bring to the table will minimise the risks and maximise the chance of a successful outcome.

Here are just some reasons why you might need software customisation:

* Productivity – Small changes to a system can sometimes have big-payoffs in productivity. Whilst the standard functionality may be workable it can be clumsy within the context of a particular business practice. In general, the goal of customisations is improved productivity with corresponding short payback periods.

* Implementing innovative features for competitive advantage.

* Cost savings – Potential cost savings due to reduced double entry of information.

* Systems integration – to get best of breed solutions in all areas of a business, it is often necessary to integrate disparate systems. We have vast experience in this “software plumbing” and due to its open nature, OpenERP is ideal for this task.

* Fulfill Need – Software customisations allow you to get exactly what you need in the one application to fulfill your requirements.

* No off the shelf product available or that fits your needs.

* Reduce systems - Potential reduction in systems required by making changes to the core ERP application, thus reducing learning and the need for complex and error prone interfaces.

WillowIT is committed to providing quality training for the customers using our products. We are the first partner in the Asia Pacific region to offer expert OpenERP training using qualified trainers from Belgium. We are also in the process of becoming certified OpenERP trainers, at the same time introducing localised training material.

Training is tailored to meet our customers requirements, and can be held either on-site or remotely.