Financial services provider Iemas Financial Services (Co-operative) has chosen Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 as the ERP platform as part of its modernisation project. Local Microsoft Gold Certified partner AccTech Systems has been commissioned to deploy the solution.

As part of best business practice, Iemas was looking for a solution that would eliminate the capturing of data into multiple systems and to avoid duplication of work.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 allows companies of all sizes to manage their entire business – including supply chain, procurement, human resources, financials and projects – all within one system without the need to recapture any data.

More importantly, it enables companies to collect data to provide management with insights into where they can gain efficiencies, cut costs or make additional investments.

Previously Iemas used Microsoft Excel to support the business reporting requirements. Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 will alleviate the reliance on Excel and labour intensive reporting.

Furthermore, it also improves allocation of expenses to appropriate branches and regions, including salaries that impact financial reporting. Major efficiencies are gained on cash accounting and bank reconciliations.

With more than 160 000 members, Iemas has been supplying South African employees and companies with financial services for more than seven decades. It is governed by the Trade Co-operatives Act, 14 of 2005.

Iemas has a national infrastructure with 34 branches, regional offices, a contact centre and service points and more than 600 contracted companies including Kumba Iron Ore, Mediclinic, Sasol Ltd, Exxaro and ArcelorMittal.

Iemas CFO Tom O’Connell says preference was given to vendors with specialised resources who apply an approach that strongly advocates skills transfer. It is also important that implementation takes place at a pace that Iemas resources can accommodate.

AccTech Systems CEO Tertius Zitzke says Microsoft Dynamics AX provides inspiring insight, with dashboards designed specifically for the various roles within a company. “Everyone from CFOs to bookkeepers can access reminders and reports most relevant to their day-to-day tasks. It is a simple, functional, flexible way to improve personal performance.”

Kethan Parbhoo, Dynamics Director at Microsoft South Africa says Microsoft Dynamics is an end-to-end system that works across the entire business. “Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 offers a host of capabilities including financial and vendor management, business intelligence and reporting, supply chain management, human resources, payroll management and project and service management.”

“By linking your people to information, and to each other, Microsoft Dynamics ERP can drastically reduce inefficiencies. At the same time, it supports your growth aspirations with tools that surface the insight you need to drive business impact,” he concludes.