Qatar Fertiliser Company blooms with PeopleSoft

The deployment will replace QAFCO's previous in-house developed system.

The new approach at QAFCO, involving human resource and payroll software from PeopleSoft, will enable the company to streamline its payment processes, assess the strengths of its employees, and determine which departments require additional staffing or training.

QAFCO is investing in upgrading its back-office operations to complement its expansion plans. The company, which is currently in the process of a major redevelopment program, is constructing its fourth production line, to be completed by mid-2004. When the new line is in operation, QAFCO's expanded capacity will make it the largest single urea producer in the world.

"Moving forward with the expansion of the business really drove home the importance of investing in a payroll and HR software solution that would instantly assist us in gaining the most up-to-date cash flow and resource information," said Bent Lundeby, head of CIT, Qatar Fertiliser Company.

By investing in this new solution, QAFCO is preparing its back-office operations to tackle one of the critical business challenges of running a large enterprise - managing human capital.

"Our greatest assets at QAFCO are the 900-plus employees we have on our team, and by putting into place the HR module of the solution, we will have instant access to information that will enable us to better leverage the skill-sets of each of the individuals working for us," said Lundeby.

"In line with our physical expansion, the new solution will centralize our employee information and provide us with greater insight on which departments require new resources," added Lundeby.

Additionally, automation of the payroll will enable QAFCO's financial department to focus on core competencies, rather than dedicate hundreds of hours per month on manual administrative tasks.

"The solution provides significant benefits for both management and employees. Having an automated system means employees will receive salary payments smoothly and efficiently, while the company's decision-makers will have in-depth insight into the most up-to-date cash flow figures," said Lundeby.

The new solution, which is scheduled to be implemented by summer 2004, complements QAFCO's financial software infrastructure from PeopleSoft, deployed in 1999. As part of the information technology overhaul, QAFCO has also purchased four IBM P-Series servers.

"QAFCO is a prime example of how businesses in the region are using technological investment to provide firm foundations for their expansion plans," said Tim Caulkett, Middle East regional director, PeopleSoft. "Industry leaders like QAFCO are building upon their position in the market by streamlining their back-office operations and gaining a clearer overview on financial performance and employee strengths."

PeopleSoft has made major strides in consolidating and building its share of the Gulf enterprise software market in recent months, announcing major deals in the oil and gas, distribution and technology markets.