Astrata South Africa, formerly known as Optron and a world leader in the provision of location-based solutions, has placed a R400 000 order with ACCPAC financial software reseller and solutions provider Lorge.
The contract is to upgrade Astrata`s accounting software installation to the latest ACCPAC for Windows V5.2 Advantage Series as well as provide support services.
Established in 1986 as Optron, the company originally served South African markets. Astrata today offers products and services in geomatics technologies, machine control and guidance technologies and telematics. It also has operations throughout the world including UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and America.
Lorge account manager Andre de Jager says the new ACCPAC software supports Astrata`s expanding requirements for enterprise-wide consolidation of accounts at its Johannesburg office. Operating on a terminal server basis, the Johannesburg office hosts the accounting software and applications for all of the company operations inside and outside SA. Offices that are linked include Stellenbosch, Centurion, Malaysia and Singapore and others located in Europe and America will be linked in the near future.
The four Astrata divisions – Survey & Mapping Technologies, Business Development and Marketing, Technical Support Services and Telematics also transfer accounting and financial data directly into the Johannesburg office system as well as Astrata`s joint venture, Barloworld Optron Technologies (Pty) Ltd. One of the major benefits of the new ACCPAC system is improved stock control over specialised, expensive equipment.
“ACCPAC Insight, a business intelligence module that provides an enterprise-wide reporting, budgeting, forecasting and consolidation solution is also being implemented,” says De Jager. “It has powerful features and integrates with ACCPAC business management applications to give fast, accurate managerial reporting and analyses upon which sound business decisions can be made.”
Terry Mackey, director of finance and administration at Astrata, says the company is in a growth phase and is expanding internationally. “We must have an accounting platform that interacts with state-of-the-art communications technology and systems, streamlines accounting processes, improves efficiency and provides us with strategic financial and management information on demand.”
A provider of position-centric solutions for the surveying, utilities, mining and construction industries as well as government departments, Astrata more recently incorporated new positioning (GPS) and wireless (GSM) technologies into its products and solutions, leading to strong growth and the creation of new divisions to service new markets.
The company also represents Trimble and Nikon surveying equipment and mapping technology in sub-Saharan Africa. Having recently acquired NICON Systems and SureTrack in SA, Astrata also provides tailored telematics solutions for applications that include vehicle fleet management, precise positioning for assets and for tracking vessels at sea.
Issued by: Copywise
Lorge
Established in 1986, Lorge has become the undisputed leader in ACCPAC accounting software and business solutions in Africa. Lorge`s independence and consistent expertise in the implementation, development, servicing and support of ACCPAC systems as well as the design and application of innovative solutions that provide strategic and competitive advantage, has earned it an enviable reputation in both the public and private sectors.
Astara
Since 1986, Astrata has provided leading-edge position-centric solutions for mining, surveying and construction professionals. With new positioning and wireless technologies emerging in recent years, the company has grown by incorporating these into a product portfolio to address expanding market needs.
This has resulted in a new range of vehicle and asset tracking hardware and software with innovative technology, leading to tremendous organic growth and the creation of a dedicated Telematics Division. Astrata is a US public listed company and enjoys a direct presence in Africa, Europe, Asia and the US. Recent acquisitions by the group include NICON Systems and SureTrack.
Editorial contacts
Colleen Bellas
(011) 292-8100
colleen@lorge.co.za
Copywise
Dave McDermott
(011) 478 2055
dave@copywise.co.za
