Hi-tech business programme targets local SMEs

Representatives of several local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have undergone training on efficient methods of using SAP Business One software in business.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Representatives of several local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have undergone training on efficient methods of using SAP Business One software in business. The software is used on integrated system that enables business operators to effectively manage their businesses at a low cost through coordinating the entire business departments including accounting, sales and financial reporting among others.Noella Mupole, the CEO of Associate Business Consultants, ABC Rwanda, which oversaw the training said the programme was aimed at building capacities for SMEs to enable them to apply ICT management tools in their businesses."Based on the business information this system collects on a daily basis, in return, it provides timely and required information to restock goods depending on the sales,” said Mupole.During the training, participants were offered skills on the use of Apple Corporation’s iPad and iPhone to conduct business using SAP Business One.Last year, ABC Rwanda entered into a partnership with SAP, the overall market leader in the gloabl customer relationship management (CRM) market in software applications.The Head of SAP Business One in East Africa, Jadavji Nazir, called on SMEs to embrace the use of the product saying that it would improve performance and contribute to business development."This software enables business operators to conduct business or carry out transactions from anywhere in the world, as long as that particular business partner is connected to a server,” said Nazir.He argued that although some businesses only use spreadsheets and other non-integrated software, the software (SAP Business One) is necessary for business management and expansion.After the training, most participants expressed optimism that the skills acquired would enable them to effectively use the software."We have this software but each other day, we are learning new things on how to apply it in our daily activities,” said Alex Ruzindana, who represented Bourbon Coffee, a specialty coffee restaurant based in Kigali.